A new bathwater filter from the brand Canopy is drawing attention for its ability to remove contaminants like chlorine, heavy metals, and some PFAs from tap water. The product, called the Canopy Bath Tub Filter, uses a three-step filtration system and is designed for easy installation without tools.
The filter uses three types of filtration. Activated carbon has microscopic pores that trap contaminants. Calcium sulfite reacts with chlorine and chloramines, neutralizing 99% of chlorine. KDF-55 uses a copper-zinc alloy to trap heavy metals and inhibit microbial growth. Water enters through a BPA-free silicone spout and passes through the filter before entering the tub.
According to a review of the product, installation takes less than 20 seconds. The kit includes two stretchy silicone bands. The user chooses the band that fits the spout, slips it on, and attaches the filter. The filter has small grips that settle into the band’s grooves to keep it in place and prevent leaking.
The filter is available in five colors: white, butter, jade, lavender, and oat. The reviewer noted that the color options make the product appealing for both adults and children.
The reviewer reported that the filter did not impact water pressure. It took about three minutes to fill a bathtub, which was the same pace as without the filter.
The filter also includes a small water temperature indicator on its side. The indicator changes from gray to red when the water is hot. This helps prevent drawing a bath that is too hot.
Maintenance is simple. The silicone parts are dishwasher-safe. The spout cover has built-in ventilation and an antimicrobial coating to resist mold and mildew. The water filter needs to be replaced every 90 days, and it can be replaced without removing the spout cover.
The reviewer noted one drawback. The filter’s profile is large because it is designed to fit a variety of spout sizes and shapes. The reviewer wished for a slimmer design but acknowledged the larger size is necessary for versatility.
The filter is made with silicone. While silicone is more durable and less likely to shed than plastic, early research suggests it could release nanoplastic over time or under harsh conditions. Silicone is also a synthetic polymer that is difficult to recycle.
The reviewer concluded that the filter allowed them to resume taking baths after nearly a year of avoiding them due to concerns about water contaminants. The filter costs $89.
Nearly half of U.S. tap water contains PFAs, or “forever chemicals,” according to a study cited in the review. These chemicals have been linked to an increased risk of cancer, altered metabolism, and a reduced immune system. Chlorine, used to treat tap water, can also damage the skin barrier, causing dryness, redness, and irritation.
The reviewer, who lives in a building from the 1940s, also noted that older plumbing can expose residents to heavy metals like lead. The filter is designed to remove such contaminants from bathwater.
