acquisition of a new pump/filter

Hi all, I was fortunate enough to interrupt a poor soul "dismantling" a pool. His tree won the battle over maintenance, and upkeep, so he "saw-zaw'd" the pool down, I got to him before he destroyed the pump/filter combo!
(not sure exactly why he decided to destroy vs. sell, but his money, his pool)
Anyway, it is a Hayward 1-1/2 hp AG pump with a Sta-rite filter (t200bp1)
The filter valve doesn't have any legible numbers on it, but the filter tank does. It says 2.4 sq feet area, 200lb of sand, 44gpm. The pump has a new motor on it, I am figuring it was a replacement to the OEM A/O smith motor. The filter basket is in excellent condition.
I had to drain the sand out in order to move it. I feared damaging it with 200lb of sand (plus what ever water weight remained after draining)
I have purchased new sand (filter, not play) from HomeDepot, and a new pressure gauge. Before I set all of this up, I was hoping for some input. Should I do any maintenance to the valve before I install ? I am pretty sure the pump and basket don't need any maintenance due to them being so new. The filter and valve are less than 3 years old (believe they said 8/04)
It has been out of service since 9/06.
Anyway, I just want to make sure I have my ducks in a row here.
My concerns, this is a 1-1/2 hp pump. I feel I am going to have a vortex in the middle of the pool!!!
This is all going on my "easy set" metal frame pool (18'x42) that is hard plumbed with 1-1/2 " sch 40 PVC. I am using a combination open port screen and the stock in-pool skimmer. I have the skimmer assembly from the dismantled pool, but I am not sure if I can mount it to this soft wall pool without some modifications for strength. (suggestions are welcomed)
Anyway, let me know what you all suggest, and thank you in advance!
acquisition