KDF-55 (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion) is a high purity copper and zinc alloy that can treat contaminants. It does this through a process called Redox. As such, this can be useful for water treatment in your shower as heavy metals can then be removed – leaving you with less contaminants. 

How it works 

When water passes through a KDF-55 shower filter, zinc and copper alloy causes an electro-chemical reaction. Simply put, the contaminants are converted into harmless components; this happens due to the transfer of electrons between molecules with new molecules being created. 

For example, free chlorine gets converted into a benign water-soluble chloride. As such, KDF-55 is used at the point of-of-entry treatment for municipal water systems (water supplied by government to homes and businesses). It doesn’t just stop there though; a KDF water filter will also help with other areas of water treatment… 

Benefits of KDF Media for your shower 

Heavy metals such as copper, lead, and mercury are also effectively removed from the water supply when they stick to the KDF-55 Granules. Removing this can help with making showers gentler on your skin and reduce your chlorine exposure. 

In addition, limescale build up can be managed more efficiently. As the water-soluble calcium molecules in hard water get converted into an insoluble form – this is then less likely to stick to the showerhead and pipes. 

Furthermore, KDF Media is great at controlling the buildup of bacteria, algae, and fungi.  Not forgetting, it is also a chemical-free option for your water treatment. 

Types of KDF  

There are two types to consider when integrating water filters into your water treatment. These are as follows: 

• KDF-55 

As mentioned above, this type is most effective for removing contaminants such as chlorine and heavy metals – perfect for use in a shower filter. The make up for this type is 50% zinc and 50% copper. KDF media boasts antibacterial properties (through its redox process. 

• KDF-85  

Another type of water treatment media, this version can be used on its own or alongside activated carbon, for example, to improve filtration. This version of KDF-55 also uses the redox process but is better suited for the removal of iron and hydrogen sulfide which can be used as part of a shower filter system – though less common than KDF-55. It can help to get rid of the rotten egg odor emitted from hydrogen sulfide. This type is made up of 85% copper and 15% zinc and controls scale, bacteria, and algae. 

Uses with other Filtration Systems 

You may decide to combine a KDF Filter with activated carbon filters. By doing this, this will help the activated carbon filters by removing the heavy metals (they don’t typically remove them very effectively). 

It’s important to note that using any type of KDF will not soften the water. However, if you decide to use a water softener alongside the KDF Filter, then you are getting more out of your water in your shower; Not only are you reducing the hardness of the water with the softener, but you are also treating the contaminants by removing them when using the KFD Filter (removal of heavy metals). 

Summary 

The question you should ask yourself before considering any water treatment option is what do you want from your water treatment exactly? KDF Media is clearly a great solution for water impurities, mercury removal, and other heavy metals. 

If you want contaminant removal as your primary goal, then KDF-55 is your best solution from the above. Those looking to reduce their exposure to chlorine may look more towards this as well as the free chlorine is converted into chloride instead during the redox reaction.  

On the other hand, for odor related issues such as the rotten egg smell, you will want to remove hydrogen sulfide and iron from the water with KDF-85. Using this will also help with hard water scale build up, so this is worth considering if you want to care for your plumbing. 

If you want a chemical free version for your water treatment, then KDF can be just that as none will be added to the water supply and as KDF can operate well in hot water, it makes a perfect option for your shower. You may even want to use a type of KDF as part of a multi-stage system alongside other types of filtration media.