The pump is an "LSP-150-C Monarch Centrifugal Pump".
http://www.pumpbiz.com/shopping_product_detail.asp?pid=69196
Yes it does have a check valve on the inlet side.
Thanks for the pointers on winterizing. I think I can use slope to my advantage and drain the system and avoid having to blow it out. I only have a pancake compressor so blowing out the large pipes likely won't work.
I was planning on having a t-filter on the output side of the pump (say 12" from the port). This would be maybe 2' higher than the underground pipe run, but not higher than the whole system. I'm not sure I understand how a high mounted t-filter would create something to push against as I thought this was an almost zero resistance device. ( I might need some education here. )
The main reason I wanted to avoid a pressure tank was to keep the "footprint" small at the lake shore. Just wanted a small pump enclosure.
By "going thermal" do you mean a heat sensor on the pump? That is one of the options I considered and since this pump is outside, above ground and it's running temp varies based on the outside temp, I was afraid I would be running into a lot of false-positives.
Again, I am not opposed to a flow sensor, provided they have a good reputation of doing their job and not being something that fails regularily. What I saw as a benefit was that I could put it on the main line near the garage, which is where the controller will be (short wire run).
Thanks for the feedback. Getting your advice on this stuff is exactly what I need to move forward with confidence.
Dan