That it won't prime seems to say that one of several thing are wrong, such as (in no order)
The pump itself is damaged or defective.
The pump is plumbed backwards (yes people do that).
Water isn't getting to the pump...is the pump below the water level of the pool? Or the pipe are, as you say, clogged.
Why would you rewire a 230v pump as 115v? At 230v, the pump should run more efficiently, cooler and use less electricity, assuming, of course, it can be wired either way.
A 1.5 hp rating can be up-rated or full-rated. If it's up-rated, it may not be too big. What is the size of the pool? (it sounds small with a single skimmer and return). Is it IG or AG?
Filter sounds like a throw-away. If the pump is actually OK, a new, bigger filter is in order. You can't really go too big with a sand filter. But you can go too small. A 200# sand filter probably would be a good fit.
There's no reason to buy pump/filter combos rather than mix and match. But the filter must always be rated to handle a greater flow than the pump puts out.
Carl
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