Maybe I need to clarify this a bit...I'll start with H2O intake....

Question Part 1 - The skimmer on my pool Leisure Morroccan 15x34 (fiberglass ig) says the max GPM is 75 (it's stamped into the lid of the skimmer cover) . I know the pool builder connected 2" flexible pipe from the skimmer to about 4' in front of the pump, at which point he converted to 2" Schedule 40 hard pvc into the pump. This is about A 17' straight run. There is only 1 skimmer and is the only source of water for input into the pump. The pump is a Hayward Tristar sp3210X15 and is at about the same height as the top of the skimmer. So it's not pulling water straight up 17 feet or anything crazy like that. There is a chart on page five of the manual that says Maximum system flow rate by pipe size for a 2" pipe is 80 GPM. The sales pamphlet shows a chart with a curve between 78GPM & 130GPM depending on total head. (I have no idea how to calculate total head, so I don't know where on that line I fall)

However, based on these readings, I think I am capable of pulling in about 75GPM to this pump. Is this correct? (or at least close??)


Question part 2: Assuming I am correct about the above.... next up is my filter. It's a Hayward EC40AC. From the Hayward site the "Design flow Rate" for this filter is 40 - GPM. If I am reading this all correctly, it looks like the filter is about 1/2 the size it should be to handle what I think the pump is sending it. If this is true then which filter should I replace it with? I want to stick with DE. It looks like the Hayward EC75A is what I would need (~$500 on Amazon).

If I can get a validation on Q1, I think everything else will fall into line....

The reason for the questions are two fold

1) My pump is running hot. It is wired 220. It was 56 outside early this AM, and when I went out to check the filter the pump was hot to the touch. I am concerned about premature wear and tear on the pump.

2) My return jets have weak flow. I have a total of 6 spots where the water goes back into the pool. The closest one is strong, all the others are weak..I'd like to increase the flow. The weak 5 jets all point at the skimmer...the theory being... .push the dirt towards the filter skimmer.

Any input would be appreciated... .
Thanks