WaterSticks

The ShowerStick® – The Original Shower Water Softener That Actually Works

Say Goodbye to Dry Skin, Dull Hair, and Hard Water Buildup

The ShowerStick® is an advanced shower water softener that delivers real results where traditional filters fall short.

While standard shower filters may reduce chlorine, they do not remove the minerals responsible for hard water — primarily calcium and magnesium. These minerals are the leading cause of dry skin, brittle hair, itchy scalp, and stubborn white residue on glass and tile.

The ShowerStick goes further by actively removing these hardness minerals. As a result, your shower water tests as soft, even when using standard hard water test kits or strips — something conventional filters simply can’t achieve.

Why Filters Aren’t Enough

Traditional shower filters can help reduce chlorine, but they do not soften water. That means the underlying issue — hard water — remains untreated. The result?

  • Dry, irritated skin

  • Dull, unmanageable hair

  • Soap and shampoo that won’t lather

  • Buildup on glass, tile, and fixtures

Only a true water softener like the ShowerStick can effectively address these problems by eliminating hardness minerals at the source.

Cleaner Shower. Healthier You.

  • ✅ Softer skin and smoother hair

  • ✅ Less flaking, itching, and scalp irritation

  • ✅ No more chalky white buildup on glass, tile, and fixtures

  • ✅ A noticeable difference after every shower

🐶 Bonus: Gentle Enough for Pets

Soft water helps soothe pets with sensitive skin or dryness. Bathe your furry family members with confidence.

Cost-Effective and Long-Lasting

While the upfront cost of the ShowerStick may be higher than a standard filter, it’s far more economical over time:

  • Softening resin lasts up to 10 years with proper care

  • Fewer hair and skin products needed due to soft water’s ability to lather more easily and rinse away more cleanly

⭐ Ready to Experience the Difference?

Choose the ShowerStick® — the portable water softener that actually works.

🔘 Shop Now
🔘 See our Reviews
🔘 Check Your Water Hardness

💡 Want to know why filters can’t soften water?
Click here → Does a shower filter soften water?

🛠️ How It Works – Simple Breakdown

The ShowerStick is a compact, effective water softener that installs easily on a standard ½″ American shower pipe. Here’s what happens:

🧪 The Science Behind It

  • Inside the ShowerStick are thousands of tiny resin beads—just like in a whole-house softener.

  • These beads are negatively charged, and they attract, and trap positively charged minerals like calcium, magnesium, and even some ferrous iron.

  • This process allows only soft water to pass through to your shower.

📅 How Often to Regenerate?

This depends on:

  • Your water hardness

  • How long you shower

  • Your water pressure

Use the included hard water test strips to determine your regeneration schedule.

🔁 Regeneration: Keeping It Working

Over time, the resin beads fill up with hard minerals and need to be “cleaned.” This is called regeneration, and it’s easy:

  1. Lay the handheld showerhead and hose on your shower floor.

  2. Remove the regeneration port cap and let the water drain out of the ShowerStick.

  3. Mix a salt solution:

    • Add 1 cup of table salt to an empty 1-liter bottle, fill with tap water, shake until dissolved.

    • Plain or iodized table salt should be used, Morton’s or any store brand.

    • Other types of salt such as sea salt, Kosher salt, or water softening salt, should not be used. 

  4. Pour the salt solution into the ShowerStick.

  5. The beads will release the trapped minerals and swap them out for salt—this is called ion exchange.

  6. Replace the cap, return the head/hose to the mount, and you’re ready to enjoy zero-grain soft water again!

What’s Included

  • ✅ ShowerStick true water softener PVC body (pre-filled with softening resin)

  • ✅ Hanger bar with clamp (for mounting the ShowerStick)

  • ✅ Handheld shower head (chrome finish)

  • ✅ Flexible shower hose (chrome finish)

  • ✅ Shower arm mount (chrome finish)

  • ✅ Hard water test strips – 1 pack (10 strips)

  • ✅ Regeneration port for easy resin regeneration

  • ✅ Plumber’s thread seal tape

  • ✅ 2 red air plugs (for sealing ends during storage or non-use)

  • ✅ Short hose (for regeneration setup)

  • ✅ Pipe protector

Specifications

  • Universal Fit: Connects to standard 1/2″ NPT shower head wall pipe (U.S. universal size)

  • Durable Construction: Main body made of heavy-duty 3″ PVC pipe

  • ShowerStick Body Dimensions:

    • Diameter: 4″ (including end caps)

    • Length: 16″

  • Fully Assembled Size:

    • From bottom of shower pipe to bottom of ShowerStick: 23″

    • Shower head extends an additional 8″ above pipe

  • Weight: Approx. 7 lb, 2 oz when full of water with all parts attached

  • Resin Lifespan:

    • Up to 10 years with proper regeneration and chlorine protection

    • Shorter lifespan if chlorine is present and not filtered out

 

Effects of Hard Water on Skin & Hair

Hard water is more than just a nuisance — it can have noticeable, long-term effects on your hair, skin, and even your personal care routine:

Hair Problems

  • ✘ Dry, dull, brittle, or ‘straw-like’ hair

  • ✘ Frizz and unmanageable texture

  • ✘ Hair breakage, thinning, or hair loss

  • ✘ Color-treated hair fades faster

  • ✘ Blonde hair may turn orange or reddish

Skin Irritations

  • ✘ Dry, itchy, or flaky skin

  • ✘ Irritated scalp and dandruff

  • ✘ Worsening of skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema (dermatitis), and skin yeast infections

  • ✘ Increased acne breakouts

Product Inefficiency

  • ✘ Shampoos and soaps don’t lather well, leading to overuse

  • ✘ Soaps and products leave behind a residue on both skin and hair

  • ✘ Can affect pets too — soft water is beneficial for dogs and animals with sensitive skin or chronic dryness

International customers: “Outside USA” Your acknowledgement of our International Shipping Instructions and Terms is required before we ship your order. Please see our Shipping page under “Polices”. For information regarding installation of the ShowerStick in your type of shower, please see our FAQs page.

⚠️ Before You Order: 2 Important Questions to Consider

1. Do You Have Hard Water?

To find out:

  • Search online for your city’s water quality report (e.g., “Austin Texas Water Quality Report”).

  • Look for a section labeled “hardness.”

    • If it’s listed, you’ll know whether your water is hard—and how hard it is.

    • If not, your water is likely not considered hard.

Other options to test:

  • Use affordable test strips (available in our Store).

  • Or, for a more precise reading, use a Hach water hardness test kit.

2. Do You Know How Often You’ll Need to Regenerate?

Regeneration frequency depends on your water’s hardness.

  • Example: If your water is 10 grains per gallon (the U.S. average), you’ll get approximately:

    • 58 minutes of soft water, or

    • Around five 12-minute showers before regeneration is needed.

This may vary based on:

  • Your actual water hardness

  • Shower duration

  • Water pressure

➡️ Use the regeneration chart below to estimate your frequency.

🔁 Regeneration Time Based on Water Hardness

Grains (gpg)MinutesGrains (gpg)MinutesGrains (gpg)MinutesGrains (gpg)Minutes
782134419302523
872144120292622
964153821272721
1058163622262820
115217342325  
124818322424  

💡 Tip: The higher your grain level, the more frequently you’ll need to regenerate.

Video Installation and Regeneration Instructions for the ShowerStick: Click here! 

Written Installation and Regeneration Instructions for the ShowerStick: Click here!

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Recent Reviews

For optimal performance and longevity of your ShowerStick, it’s important to consider using a KDF filter if your water contains chlorine, and you don’t have a whole house filtration system installed.

Benefits of Using a KDF Filter with the ShowerStick:

  1. Chlorine and Contaminant Removal:
    • The KDF filter is designed to remove 95-99% of chlorine from your shower water. Chlorine can be harsh on your skin and hair, so removing it is beneficial for your health and comfort.
    • The filter also controls the buildup of microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, fungi, and mold, which can thrive in moist environments like showers.
  2. Protection for the Softening Resin:
    • By removing chlorine and other contaminants, the KDF filter protects the softening resin inside the ShowerStick. Chlorine can degrade the resin, reducing its effectiveness and lifespan.
    • Ensuring the resin stays healthy means your ShowerStick will continue to function properly for a longer period.
  3. Efficiency at High Temperatures:
    • Unlike carbon filters, the KDF filter works more effectively at high water temperatures, making it ideal for use in showers where hot water is commonly used.
    • This efficiency ensures that even during hot showers, the filter continues to remove chlorine effectively.

Installation and Maintenance:

  • In-Line Installation:
    • The KDF filter should be installed in-line with the ShowerStick. This means placing it in the water line before the ShowerStick, ensuring that the water passing through the softener is already filtered.
    • Can also be installed by itself (without the ShowerStick) between your wall pipe and shower head (or mount if you have a handheld shower). 

By incorporating a KDF filter into your ShowerStick setup, you enhance both your shower experience and the longevity of your water softener. This proactive step ensures cleaner, healthier water for you and protects the investment you’ve made in your ShowerStick.

The ShowerStick’s handheld shower hose and head with a flow control valve is an excellent choice for conserving soft water. This feature allows you to manage water usage effectively and extend the time between water softener regenerations. Here’s how it works:

  1. Installation: The flow control value is installed between the shower head and hose. This setup is straightforward and doesn’t require any special tools.
  2. Usage:
    • Reduce or Shut Off Flow: When you push the button, you can either reduce the water flow to a trickle or shut it off completely. This is particularly useful when you are shaving, lathering, or shampooing, as it prevents unnecessary water waste during these activities.
    • Resume Full Flow: To resume full flow, push the button back to its original position to resume full water flow. The water will return to its original temperature, ensuring a comfortable shower experience without the need to readjust the temperature.

This feature is beneficial for conserving your soft water and saving on the cost and time associated with water softener regeneration. By reducing water usage during specific parts of your shower routine, you can extend the life of your soft water supply.

Written Instructions:

Written Installation and Regeneration Instructions for the ShowerStick Without the Hanger Attached (purchased prior to 12/9/2024): Click here»

Video Installation for the ShowerStick and KDF Filter Without the Hanger Attached (purchased prior to 12/9/2024): Click here» 

ShowerStick Backwashing Instructions: Click here»