Installing a mesh filter ahead of your first-flush diverter can definitely help, especially if you're dealing with a lot of leaves or larger debris. It won't catch everything—smaller particles and algae (like duckweed) can still slip through—but it significantly reduces buildup inside the diverter, making maintenance less frequent. Just make sure the mesh isn't too fine, or you'll end up cleaning it constantly...I'd recommend something around 1mm openings as a good balance.
Yeah, a mesh filter definitely helps. I went with something similar—around 1mm—and it catches most leaves and twigs pretty well. One thing I noticed though, pollen and fine dust still get through and settle at the bottom of my diverter. Not a huge deal, but it means I still need to flush it out occasionally. Wonder if anyone's tried layering two different mesh sizes to catch more without clogging too fast...
I've actually tried doubling up meshes before—had a finer mesh (around 0.5mm) underneath the standard 1mm one. It did catch more pollen and fine debris, but honestly, it clogged up quicker than I'd hoped. Ended up needing to clean it way more often, which kinda defeated the purpose. Now I just stick with the single mesh and flush the diverter every month or two... seems like less hassle overall. Curious if anyone's found a sweet spot between filtering and maintenance though.
I've had a similar experience with double meshes—definitely agree that the finer mesh clogs way too quickly. One thing I've found helpful is using a single mesh around 0.75mm. It catches most of the smaller debris without clogging as fast as the 0.5mm mesh did. Also, installing a simple first-flush diverter upstream can significantly reduce the amount of fine particles reaching your mesh, making maintenance less frequent overall. Might be worth considering if you haven't tried it yet...
I've thought about a first-flush diverter before, but wasn't sure if it's worth the extra cost and hassle... Does it really make that big of a difference? Might reconsider if it saves me from cleaning mesh every weekend, lol.
