My water is clear, not cloudy at all. No bacteria, nitrate, or nitrite. (It was tested by a lab recently) So I'm not looking for a whole house filter...other than reducing sediment. I have 105 ppm of hardness, and 1.2 ppm of iron.
But we do have a bit of sand or grit in the water. But, it would take me a long time to get enough to fill up 1/3 of an 8oz jar. We do notice it in the dishwasher every now and then....and I can see a few small particles in a glass of water. I am just concerned about valves and seals being damaged. I am also going to install a softener at some point...and wasn't sure if the dirt, sand, grit, sediment, or whatever should be removed from the water prior to entering the softener. I will most likely purchase a clack control valve, as that is what I am installing at my parents house, (but they are on city water and have no sand)...and it seems to be a nice unit.
I have no problem spending money on a larger sediment filter if that's whats actually needed, I'm just not really sure I need one. If a spin down filter, or a 20" big blue housing with something like a 30 micron cartridge would suit my needs...thats fine too.