If you’ve ever found yourself deep in Google trying to work out “Do I need a shower filter, a big whole-house system or just a jug?” you’re not alone.
There are so many filter options now, and they all promise cleaner, safer, softer water. But they’re not all doing the same job – and they’re definitely not all right for every home.
This simple guide breaks down:
• What each type of filter actually does
• Pros and cons (in real life, not just in theory)
• When a shower filter, whole-house filter or jug makes the most sense for your family
By the end, you’ll know which one (or combo) is best for your home not just what looks fanciest on Instagram.
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The 3 main types of home water filters
1. Shower filters
Where they go:
Between your shower arm and shower head, or as an all-in-one filtered shower head.
What they target (generally):
• Chlorine – the big one for skin and hair
• Heavy metals and sediments, depending on the media used
• Taste and odour (that “pool” smell in the shower)
They’re all about the water that actually touches your skin and hair – especially useful if you or your kids struggle with:
• Dry, tight, itchy skin after showers
• Eczema or dermatitis flare-ups
• Dull, frizzy or colour-faded hair
• That strong chlorine smell in the bathroom
They don’t usually do:
• Proper, tested removal of fluoride
• Full purification for drinking (they’re not reverse osmosis systems)
Shower filters are like a skincare upgrade for your bathroom, not a laboratory-grade treatment plant.
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2. Whole-house filters
Where they go:
Installed on the main line where water enters your property often a big blue or stainless-steel housing (or a series of them).
What they can target:
• Sediment (sand, rust, dirt)
• Chlorine and taste/odour
• Sometimes hardness minerals or specific contaminants, depending on the cartridges
The idea:
Every tap, shower, bath and appliance gets filtered water so your kitchen, laundry and bathrooms are all treated.
These systems can be brilliant if you:
• Have visible particles or discoloured water
• Are on bore or tank water and want more robust filtration
• Want to protect plumbing and appliances from scale and sediment
• Have a larger property with lots of bathrooms
They’re usually customised to your local water source and your goals.
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3. Filter jugs & bench top drinking filters
Where they go:
On your bench top or in the fridge – think Brita-style jugs or countertop units.
What they target:
• Chlorine taste and smell
• Some metals and organic compounds, depending on the cartridge
• Sometimes microplastics or pesticides (for more advanced units)
They’re mainly focused on drinking water making it taste nicer and feel fresher, glass by glass.
These are handy if:
• You hate the taste of your tap water
• You want a simple, low-commitment way to filter drinking water
• You’re renting or moving often
• You don’t want to touch any plumbing
They can be a great starting point, but they do nothing for what’s coming out of your shower or bath taps.
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So… which one is best?
Let’s compare them side by side.
Upfront cost
Shower filter
• Low upfront cost
• Easy DIY install – usually just screws on
Whole-house filter
• Higher upfront cost (hundreds to thousands)
• Professional plumbing required
Jug/benchtop filter
• Low cost
• No installation
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Ongoing cost
Shower filter – replace cartridges every 3-4 months depending on use and water quality
Whole-house – multiple large cartridges, often replaced 6–12 monthly; can be pricey but spread over the whole home
Jug – small, frequent cartridge replacements (cost adds up over time if everyone drinks from it)
Impact on skin & hair
Shower filter – Highest impact
• Targets the exact water hitting your skin and hair daily
• Can noticeably reduce dryness and that “stripped” feeling
Whole-house – Varies
• Can reduce chlorine and sediment before it reaches the bathroom, but performance depends on the type of system
Jug – No direct impact
• Only treats water you drink, not what you shower or bathe in
If you’re here because of eczema, dermatitis, sensitive skin or unhappy hair, a shower filter is usually the first place to invest.
Impact on drinking water
Shower filter – none (not for drinking)
Whole-house filter – good improvement if designed with drinking water in mind
Jug/bench top – good improvement in taste and odour, easy to use
Installation & commitment
Shower filter –
• DIY-friendly
• Perfect for renters or anyone who doesn’t want to touch the main plumbing
Whole-house –
• Needs a plumber
• Best if you own your home and plan to stay for a while
Jug –
• Easiest option
• No changes to the house at all
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Common situations (and what usually works best)
1. “My skin is dry and itchy, my kids have sensitive skin, and my hair feels awful after showers.”
Best starting point:
👉 A shower filter on the main shower everyone uses
Why: This is where your body gets the biggest hit of chlorine and hot water every day. Filtering right at the shower gives you the most noticeable difference for your skin and hair, with the least fuss.
You can always add a jug later for drinking water if you like.
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2. “We have young kids and a baby – bath time is when their skin flares up.”
Best starting point:
👉 A bath filter or shower filter + bath attachment
Why: Little ones soak in the water, so reducing chlorine and metals right at the bath tap can make a big difference to comfort after bath time. Pair that with gentle products and shorter, lukewarm baths.
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3. “Our water tastes gross. I’m not fussed about the shower, I just want to drink more water.”
Best starting point:
👉 A jug or bench top drinking filter
Why: If skin and hair aren’t your main concern, go straight for taste. A jug is usually enough to help you and the kids drink more water happily. You can upgrade to under-sink or whole-house later if you fall in love with filtered water.
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4. “We’re on tank or bore water and I’m worried about sediment and bacteria.”
Best starting point:
👉 Talk to a local plumber about a whole-house system tailored to your source
Why: Non-mains water can be more complex – you might need sediment filters, carbon, UV disinfection, or a mix. Once the main issues are under control, you can still add a shower or bath filter to give extra protection and comfort for sensitive skin.
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5. “We want everything – softer showers, better taste, less gunk in appliances.”
Best combo:
👉 Whole-house filter for general treatment
👉 Shower filter in the main bathroom for extra skin & hair support
👉 Optional jug in the fridge for super crisp drinking water
You definitely don’t have to do all three. But if water quality is a big priority and budget allows, this combo covers all bases.
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Where Happy Filter fits in
Happy Filter is all about making the water that touches your skin and hair feel gentler and less harsh especially if you’ve got:
• Eczema-prone or sensitive skin
• Kiddos who flare up after bath time
• Blonde or coloured hair you’d like to keep soft and bright
Our range is designed to be:
• Easy to install – no plumber needed
• Renter-friendly – just unscrew and take it with you when you move
• Focused on reducing chlorine and metals in showers and baths, the spots where many families notice the biggest difference day-to-day
We’re not here to scare you about tap water (Australia’s water is still some of the most regulated in the world), but to give you simple, realistic ways to make it work better for your family.
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How to choose in 30 seconds
If you’re still stuck, here’s the quick version:
Start with a shower filter if:
• Your main complaint is dry, itchy skin or sad hair
• You want something you can install yourself this afternoon
Add a bath filter if:
• You’ve got babies or toddlers with sensitive skin
• Bath time is a trigger for rashes or redness
Choose a jug/benchbtop filter if:
• Taste is your biggest issue
• You’re renting or want to keep it ultra simple
Consider whole-house if:
• You’re on tank/bore water, or have big sediment/scale problems
• You own your home and want a long-term, whole-property solution
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If you’d like help choosing the right Happy Filter for your family, you can always send us a quick message and we’ll point you in the right direction. 💛
