Water Softeners and Air Filtration Systems - sediment filter & water softener

I just installed a 2.5 cuft water softener with a clack ws-l control valve. To save a little time and work, I left the whole house sediment filter in place as the plumbing already lined up to the control valve. The filter is a standard size(2x10?). I need to change the filter every 3-4 months as it becomes very brown and dirty. My water tested 0 for iron with a hardness of 26 and is clear with no smell, so I assume I am just filtering sediment. Should this filter be removed? I have read that you should not have a filter before a good quality softener and any sediment will be back flushed. If I do not need the filter, can I just take the cartridge out and leave the clear housing in place? Thanks for your help. Ray M.

Ray,

Depending on what is in your water and what type of media configuration is in your softener will determine what would be right at your home. The size of the cartridge you mention, though, would restrict service flow to both the softener & your home. Unless you have silica you want to filter out before the softener, you're probably better off taking the filter off line or if you want to keep the housing in place, make sure your clear housing isn't exposed to direct light as it can promote algea growth and more problems for your water.

Hope this helps. Let us know.

Art