Reddit reviews Pentek 150233, Big Blue, 1" In/Out, #20 Blue/Black, HFPP, w/ PR
We found 3 Reddit comments about Pentek 150233, Big Blue, 1" In/Out, #20 Blue/Black, HFPP, w/ PR. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Large filter housing for high-flow and heavy sediment applicationsReinforced polypropylene sump for strength and chemical resistanceUse with a 20” x 4-1/2” filter cartridge (sold separately)Pressure relief button for easier cartridge replacementInitial pressure drop of 1 psi at a flow rate of 15 gpm
I know this is going to sound crazy, but you need a whole house water filter. The small shower filters don't have enough contact time with the water to do anything.
First thing is to find out if your city uses chlorine or chloramines.
Then, if you have the space in your shower get this beast:
Housing
Filter: Chloramine / Chlorine
Not enough space and want to mount on the wall:
Housing
Filter: Chloramine / Chlorine
--
Shower hose
Wand
Fittings: Reducers x2 / 1/2" Nipple
It will look a little hood rat and ridiculous but it actually works.
It also seems expensive, but these filters will last a longgg time.
Edit: it will look something like this
It sounds like you need a softener. The fleck ones are popular. A softener would help with the problems you described. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00OGN3162/
You should test again though and confirm.
The first thing you posted is basically 2 big blues but way more money. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0014C3IOS/
Both things you posted are housings. The second one is basically a single housing that has multiple filters where as the first one is 2 housings which would each have a filter each. Most likely 1 particulate, 1 carbon. They would both more or less do the same thing
That being said it sounds like you need the softener not the filter.
Like some others have mentioned. Start by getting a quality water test or simply look at your water utility's published annual report for a close guesstimate. Most utilities are required to publish annual reports covering all the major analytes. Including heavy metals. This will allow you to select appropriate filter media.
For example, my water supplier treats the water using heavy amounts of chloramines and leaves behind lots of sediment deposits which causes extremely hard water (calcium and magnesium). So we have a water softener, sediment filter, and carbon block for the whole house.
As far as filter housings go, your best option with the most flexibility would be to pickup some "Big Blue Filters". These are standard 20" x 4.5" housings with a plethora of filter mediums available.
Stay away from companies and brands that sell proprietary systems.
Keep in mind whole house filters do not reduce TDS (Total Dissolved Solids). Whole house systems are good at stripping out the big stuff. For example my washer has less build up on the gasket, clothes are softer, dishes no longer have dried deposits on them.
I would highly suggest a point of use Reverse Osmosis system for drinking water (even if you do whole house filtration) for the most bang for your buck (will remove lead and many other common chemical contaminants).