yes it has a pump basket, and its needs a side discharge and it connects directly to the cartridge filter from the side.

the pump you suggest is only 3/4 HP which is fine, but is the high speed 3/4 or more? if the high is 3/4, what does the pump operate on low at?

right now i have a 2hp but that is way to high except for vacuum or really turning the water over for chemicals, otherwise the normal speed of 3/4 (i believe ) is plenty.