Description
Big Foot Filters for Lake & Pond Irrigation pumps and Fountains | 40 Gallon & 80 Gallon
The 40 & 80 gallon filters are rated at 40 gallons per minute and 80 gallons per minute respectively. They are made of heavy-duty PVC plastic. Our Big Foot pump Filters require little or no service during the pumping season and will give many years of trouble-free service, even under the most severe conditions.
Filters come with reusable, replaceable 2” thick bulk filter matting for catching smaller debris that can clog up sprinkler heads.
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS:
- 2” FPT Check Valve
- Filter Stand

- Filters can be easily removed from the stand as needed.
- The 40 Gal filter stand allows you to adjust the filter height anywhere from 5” to 12” off the bottom.
- Stands are lightweight for easy maneuverability yet offer a large footprint for added stability.
- Empty sandbag included that can optionally be used in areas with strong water movement.
40 GAL & 80 GAL FILTER | DETAILS
The 40G uses the 6” diameter screen on the outside and 2” diameter inside screen with 1/8” slots with an open area of 20 square inches. The 80G Filter’s 12” diameter outside screen has an intake area of approximately 80 square inches and the 6” diameter inside screen has an intake area of approximately 33 square inches.
40G FILTER
- Rated at 40 gallons per minute in clear water.
- Made of PVC and plastic.
- 6” outside screen and 2” inside screen with 2” suction
- connection.
6” screen has approximately 680” holes with total open - area of 33.3 sq. inches.
2” screen has 1/8” slots with total open area of 20 sq. inches. - 2” check valve – optional.
- Bulk-filter matting – Included
80G FILTER
- Rated at 80 gallons per minute in clear water.
- Made of PVC, and plastic.
- 12” outside screen and 6” inside screen with 2” suction
connection. - 12” screen has approximately 1600 1/4” holes with total open
area of approximately 80 sq. inches. - 6” screen has approximately 680 1/4” holes with total open
area of 33.3 sq. inches. - 2” check valve – optional.
- Bulk-filter matting – Included
FAQ
FAQs
- The 40‑gallon version is rated at 40 GPM in clear water and is designed for use with our 1 Hp and 1.5 Hp models.
- The 80‑gallon model is rated at 80 GPM, and has a larger screen area to handle higher flows and more debris and is designed for our 2 Hp models.
- Choose based on your pump’s flow rate, suction line size, and how much debris or sediment you expect from your lake.
They are built for surface water intake—lakes, ponds, canals—where there is organic matter, algae, leaves, small aquatic life, and sediment that might otherwise clog your irrigation pump or sprinkler system.
- Outside screen: 6″ diameter with ~33 sq in of open area.
- Inside screen: 2″ diameter with 1/8″ slot size, ~20 sq in open area.
- Suction connection: 2″. Made of heavy‑duty PVC.
- Optional 2″ FPT check‑valve to avoid loss of pump prime.
- Adjustable filter stand (for 40 gal: height adjustment between: 5”–12″ off bottom to elevate filter and avoid bottom silt).
- Filter matting (replaceable) for capturing fine debris.
Because the screen area is large and designed to reduce intake velocity, the frequency of cleaning is reduced. But you should still check periodically (i.e. once ot twice a year) for buildup of leaves, algae mats, or sediment around the screen and matting.
For best performance and to avoid drawing in heavy silt or sediment, the filter should be mounted so its intake is slightly above the lake bottom. The stand for the 40-gal model adjusts between 5″ and 12″ above. This helps reduce clogging and wear on the pump.
It’s intended to protect irrigation pumps, sprinkler heads, fountains, and other discharge equipment that draw from surface water sources. It helps keep debris, algae, small organisms, and silt out of the suction line and pump housing
Yes—but if algae mats or floating debris are heavy, you’ll want to ensure the screen and matting is not overwhelmed. Regular inspection and cleaning will be more important, and you may want to pair it a good rake or algae skimmer. We offer both here on our site!
The unit is made of heavy‑duty PVC or plastic for the body and stainless or corrosion‑resistant screen elements. It’s specifically designed for long seasons of use with minimal service in challenging water conditions.
- Confirm your pump’s suction size and flow rate (GPM) to match the filter rating.
- Measure the distance from your intake to the bottom and determine whether you need to add a stand to elevate the filter.
- Determine expected debris load (leaves, algae, sediment, etc.) from your lake/pond to select screen size and maintenance schedule.
- Plan to add a check valve and a compatible suction hose.
- For future maintenance, the filter should be reachable for easy inspection and cleaning.