When To Use a Spindown Filter for Well Water
If your filter cartridge is getting clogged way too fast, it is time to consider using a spin-down filter. Why should you consider using a Spin-down Filter instead of a filter cartridge?
Most of our backwash filter systems (like the iron filters, sediment backwash filters, or calcite neutralizers) do remove quite a lot of sediment, but they cannot remove sand or grit, which can wear out and ruin the backwash control valve, fill up the filter tank, and be too heavy to get back washed out.
Some of the benefits of the Spindown Filter include no cartridges to change, easy flushing of accumulated sediment, setting up an auto flush valve, and protection of the softener or iron filter control valves from damage due to sand, grit, and larger particles.
Choosing Filter Size:
Generally speaking, the most appropriate filter for household use is the 3/4” or 1” Spin-down or Sediment Trapper filter. We recommend the Sediment Trapper type, as it can handle an exceptionally high amount of sediment. Irrigation and other higher flow rate applications (>25 GPM) are best served by our 1.5” or 2” Spin-down or Sediment Trapper models. You should select the smallest filter that corresponds to the flow rate, or GPM, of your system to guarantee more efficient filtration performance.
Choosing Mesh Size:
Mesh size corresponds to the number of holes per inch. Choosing the coarsest mesh that will remove the type of sediment you are dealing with is a good rule to follow. This will help extend the life of your system and reduce how often the filter requires cleaning. Lower mesh numbers correspond to coarser meshes, while higher mesh numbers correspond to finer meshes.
See the diagram below: this is for a well that has large grit or sand and fine sediment. The 60 mesh spindown filter strainer removes the larger particles, the big blue dual-grade 25/1 micron filter cartridge gets the fine particles before the softener. The 25/1 won't get prematurely clogged by the big sand and grit.
For more information on removing sediment from your water, visit our Sediments page on our Water Problems tab.
If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to e-mail us at support@cleanwaterstore.com, leave us a message on Facebook. 
