I put mine after my pressure tanks (2 tanks for more capacity and less pump cycling). My 'solids' are not a taste or look issue, I just wanted to protect my softener. I have a 3/4" outlet from the pressure tanks, so I used 2 filters in parallel because, even though the threads on the filters were 3/4", the actual hole through the filter was 1/2"! This is a situation I have seen on other things like flexible pipes for water heaters, etc.. There is not much sense to use a 3/4" pipe if you only have a 1/2" hole somewhere. Why the manufacturers do so is beyond me.
Anyhow, I would recommend that you build a bypass with a couple of ball valves (always use ball valves). I find this makes changing the filter elements much easier, even if it looks like a plumber's nightmare. If you want, I could post a pic, but I don't have one handy.
Anyway, I only have to change elements every three months or so.