The Helios Showerhead has three replaceable filter stages, each with a different lifespan. Here's exactly when to swap each one, what to watch for, and how to make it easy.
In this guide
Quick Replacement Schedule Infused Skincare Filter (Every 3 Months) Micro Filter — Antibacterial (Every 3 Months) Core Filter — Purifying (Every 4–7 Months) Signs It's Time to Replace Your Year at a Glance Never Forget a SwapQuick Replacement Schedule
Three components, three different lifespans. Here's the overview:
Core Filter
Sediment, heavy metals, limescale, microplastics
Every 4–7 months
Micro Filter
Bacteria, fine rust, insoluble impurities
Every 3 months
Infused Filter
Vitamin C, skincare actives, chlorine neutralization
Every 3 months
Good news: Every infused filter ships with a micro filter already attached. When you swap your infused filter, the micro filter comes with it — so those two are always replaced together in one step.
Infused Skincare Filter
Lifespan
Per filter
To swap
The infused filter is the skincare engine of the system. It contains vitamin C for chlorine neutralization plus the active ingredients specific to each formula — glutathione and peptides in the Radiance, niacinamide and white truffle in the Renewal, double ceramides in the Recovery, or cica and madecassoside in the Hydration.
These actives are released gradually over approximately 3 months. After that, the vitamin C concentration drops below effective dechlorination levels and the skincare ingredients are depleted. You'll still get water flowing through, but you're not getting the filtration or skincare benefits.
How to swap
Twist the showerhead body to detach it from the handle. Pull out the old infused filter. Push in the new one (it comes with a fresh micro filter pre-attached). Twist the showerhead back on. No tools. No plumbing. Takes about 5 seconds.
When you'll notice it's time
The vitamin C tablet inside the filter will be visibly dissolved or nearly gone. You may also notice your water feeling "harder" or your skin feeling tighter after showering — that's the chlorine coming through again.
Micro Filter — Antibacterial
Lifespan
3-Pack
Per filter
The micro filter is a fine-mesh antibacterial layer that captures bacteria, fine rust particles, and insoluble impurities that the core filter might miss. It sits directly behind the infused filter inside the showerhead body.
Each micro filter lasts approximately 3 months — the same cycle as the infused filter. And since every infused filter ships with a micro filter pre-attached, you don't need to think about replacing it separately in most cases. When you swap your infused filter, the micro filter comes with it.
When you'd buy micro filters separately
If you have particularly hard or sediment-heavy water, you may want to replace the micro filter mid-cycle (every 6–8 weeks) while keeping the same infused filter. The 3-pack at $36 ($12 each) gives you spares for this. Otherwise, the one that comes with each infused filter is all you need.
Micro Filter — Antibacterial 3-Pack — $36
Extra micro filters for hard water areas or mid-cycle replacements. Each lasts approximately 3 months.
Shop Micro Filters →Core Filter — Purifying
Lifespan
Per filter
Typical replacements
The core filter is the workhorse of the system. It handles the heaviest filtration — removing sediment, limescale, microplastics, heavy metals, and large-particle contaminants before they reach the micro and infused filters. Think of it as the first line of defense.
It sits at the base of the showerhead handle and has the longest lifespan of any component: 4 to 7 months depending on your local water quality. Homes with harder water or older pipes will need to replace it closer to the 4-month mark. Newer plumbing or softer water areas can go closer to 7 months.
How to swap
Unscrew the handle section of the showerhead. Slide out the old core filter. Slide in the new one. Screw the handle back together. No tools required — takes under a minute.
When you'll notice it's time
You may see reduced water pressure as the filter becomes saturated with sediment. If you remove it and look at the filter media, it will be visibly discolored compared to a fresh one — that's all the sediment it's been catching.
Core Filter — Purifying — $32
Replace every 4–7 months. Removes sediment, limescale, microplastics, and heavy metals.
Shop Core Filter →Signs It's Time to Replace
Not sure if a filter needs swapping? Here's what to look for with each component:
| Sign | Which Filter | What's Happening |
|---|---|---|
| Skin feels tight or dry after showering | Infused Filter | Vitamin C is depleted — chlorine is getting through |
| Hair feels straw-like or stripped | Infused Filter | No longer neutralizing chlorine on contact |
| Vitamin C tablet is dissolved or nearly gone | Infused Filter | Active ingredients are exhausted |
| Water pressure has dropped | Core Filter | Sediment buildup is restricting flow |
| Filter media is visibly brown or discolored | Core Filter | Filter is saturated — it's done its job |
| Slight odor from the showerhead | Micro Filter | Bacteria suppression capacity is reduced |
| It's been 3+ months since last swap | Infused + Micro | Time-based replacement regardless of visible signs |
Your Year at a Glance
Here's what a typical 12-month replacement cycle looks like. This assumes average water quality — adjust the core filter timing based on your water.
Month 0 — Setup
Install Showerhead
Everything pre-installed: Core filter, Micro filter, and Radiance infused filter. Ready to use out of the box.
Month 3
Swap Infused Filter (+ Micro)
Replace the infused filter — new micro filter comes attached. Choose the same formula or try a different one. Core filter stays.
Month 5–6
Replace Core Filter
First core filter replacement. Check for discoloration or reduced pressure. If water is still flowing well, you can push to month 7.
Month 6
Swap Infused Filter (+ Micro)
Second infused filter replacement. Same simple twist-and-swap.
Month 9
Swap Infused Filter (+ Micro)
Third infused filter of the year. You're in a rhythm now.
Month 10–12
Replace Core Filter
Second core filter of the year. Check the old one — the visible sediment captured is a reminder of what your water contains.
Month 12
Swap Infused Filter (+ Micro)
Fourth infused filter. Full year complete.
Annual cost breakdown
| Component | Replacements / Year | Cost Each | Annual Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infused Filter (includes micro filter) | 4 | $49 | $196 |
| Core Filter | 2 | $32 | $64 |
| Total | $260 / year |
That's about $21.67/month for 3-stage filtration with skincare-grade ingredients in every shower. Subscribe to any infused filter and save an additional 25%.
Never Forget a Swap
The easiest way to stay on schedule is to subscribe. When you subscribe to an infused filter, it ships automatically every 3 months with a fresh micro filter attached — the only thing you'll need to remember is the core filter twice a year.
Tip: Set a calendar reminder for your core filter at the 5-month mark. Check the filter media — if it's still light-colored and water pressure is strong, you can wait another month or two. If it's brown, swap it.
New to Helios?
The showerhead ships with all three filters pre-installed. 3-stage filtration. Installs in under a minute.
Shop the Showerhead — $189 →Shop Replacement Components
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