Two water factors, one shower
- Chloramine: WASD's 2025 report lists 2.5 ppm in the main system, ranging up to 4.0. In a hot shower, some people notice the smell and a drier feel.
- Hardness: the county lime-softens the water, but whatever hardness remains can react with soap and leave a film some people find uncomfortable.
Testing shows which factor is present in your water.
Other things that affect skin
Water temperature, shower length, soap type, air conditioning and humidity all play a part. Very hot, long showers dry skin regardless of what is in the water. If you have eczema, psoriasis or persistent itching, a dermatologist is the right person to ask. Treating water is about comfort, not treating a skin condition.
What changes with a whole-home system
| What you notice | Likely factor | Option |
|---|---|---|
| Pool smell in the shower steam | Chloramine | Whole-home filter rated for chloramine |
| Soap does not rinse, film on skin | Hardness | Softener, if the test shows hardness |
| Both | Both | A combined city water system |
Why a shower filter is not the same
Small showerhead filters have very little media and very short contact time. That makes them less effective on chloramine, which needs more contact than free chlorine. If you try one, check whether it actually lists chloramine reduction. A whole-home system treats every bathroom and the laundry too.
Simple habits that help
- Keep showers warm rather than hot, and a little shorter.
- Pat skin dry and moisturize while it is still slightly damp.
- Use a gentle cleanser and rinse thoroughly, especially if soap feels hard to rinse.
- Run a bathroom fan so steam with a disinfectant smell clears faster.
If those help but the pool smell or soap film is still there, a water test is the next step.
The free chlorine weeks
Some residents notice their skin and hair feel different for a couple of weeks a year. That can line up with WASD's annual switch to free chlorine; in 2026 it ran from September 28 through October 11. If your symptoms follow that calendar, mention it to Jorge.
Test before you buy
Jorge measures chloramine and hardness at your shower or nearest tap and explains what a system could change. Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974.
https://www.miamidade.gov/resources/water/documents/2025-water-quality-report.pdf
https://www.miamidade.gov/global/news-item.page?Mduid_news=news1753893105003591
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist