The 4 inch models are appropriate for larger 1 to 3 horsepower pumps and/or extremely dirty water situations. I like to use the 4 inch filters on any pump one horsepower or larger, to ensure that I have plenty of extra filtration capacity and in case the water turbidity increases. In many lakes and ponds, bass fishermen do a good job of stirring things up at about the same time most people are irrigating their lawns.

Screen mesh sizes are flexible, but if you have a very fine sand or silty soil particulate problem in your water source, you should choose the smaller 36x11R mesh, for your inner screens. If you have silt or other fine sand problems, the finer mesh inner screen will suit your application and be quite effective, while your larger outer mesh will stop the bigger particles.

Choosing a mesh that is too small means you might have to clean the filter a little more often, but choosing a mesh that is to large means you will defeat the purpose behind purchasing the filter, which is to stop particulates from clogging up the small filters in your sprinkler heads and creating problems for dependable solenoid valve operation.  In any case, your Ultimate Filter will easily come apart for you when it's time to clean it. Generally in average conditions, a once a year check-up and perhaps cleaning in the Spring is adeaquate maintenance, unless your particulate problem is extremely severe.

The 6 inch Ultimate filters and copper screening are primarily for larger pumps, extremely turbid water conditions,  or commercial applications. Copper screening is valuable in areas that have mussels in the water source which create problems by attaching themselves to filters.  The ions in the copper are toxic to mussels.

The triple-screen Ultimate Filter models would only be required in the most extreme and severe situations and are rarely needed. On the other hand, if you have a major filtration problem, the performance of the 6 inch models with fine inner screen and standard outer screen will amaze you and end perhaps a long-standing problem.

If you are using your water for a drip-mist application, you would be wise to combine an effective suction end filter using the fine mesh inner screen in combination with a discharge filter (such as Vuflow) having a (minimum) 100 mesh screen. Some drip/mist emitters require 140 or even 200 mesh filtration. Remember, filtration is the most important aspect of setting up a drip/mist application.

In closing, I would mention that I have spent 26 years as an irrigation contractor in Florida, have installed many Ultimate Filters on our jobs, and have never seen a better or more trouble-free product for suction-end filtration than the Ultimate Filter. I am very happy to recommend this product and believe it is the best choice to eliminate particulate problems when using a pond or lake as an irrigation water source. Over the past 7 years we have sold hundreds that are filtering problem water sources all over the nation - without complaint!

Lubee's Sizing Recommendations:

• 2-3 WCV - single screen - 3 inch - use for 1 hp or smaller pumps in situations where particulates are not a severe problem.
• 2-3 WCVD - dual screen - 3 inch - use where conditions are a little more severe, but think also about getting a 4 inch model.
• 2-4 WCVD - dual screen - 4 inch - use for 1 hp - or larger pumps and for smaller pumps in more severe situations.
• 2-6 WCVD - dual screen - 6 inch - use for 5 hp - pumps or in extreme particulate situations.
• 2-6 WCVDT - triple screen - 6 inch - use only on larger pumps or in the most severe particulate situations.

• Single Screen Mesh Size - we like the finer mesh.
• Dual Screen Mesh Size - we like the larger outer mesh combined with the finer inner mesh.

An over-sized filter is a happy filter, an undersized filter is a never-ending problem.

Have additional questions? Call us at 352-573-7531