A pump filter system for use with a submersible pump assembly including a base cup having an outer peripheral flange and an upwardly extending ring concentrically located within and spaced from the peripheral flange. A self-supporting, substantially uniformly perforated, tubular wall portion having a lower end coupled to the base cup outer peripheral flange and an upper end surrounding a pump discharge conduit connection. A tubular sleeve having a lower end contiguous with an upper portion of the pump body and an upper end projecting above the discharge conduit connection. A tapered coupling having a lower end connected to the perforated tubular wall upper end and an upper end connected to the tubular sleeve upper end, and a seal ring surrounding the discharge conduit connection and the tubular sleeve inner surface.