I have filled out the Pool Chart Entry Form. I do not know the HP of the pump since it is a pump that we had used several years ago when we had 24' Intex. We retrofitted it to fit this smaller pool since the original pump did not work. My husband had to use 2.5" hoses to make it work. The intake doesn't seem to have a very strong suction to it but the outtake is very strong. I am using a HTH 3-way drops test kit. It tests chlorine, bromine and ph. We get our filters at Walmart which, from what I have read, aren't the best but it's all we can afford right now. I have not tried to clean the filter yet because we lose water when we open the pump. I have drained off about 1/4 of the water and topped it back off but it didn't seem to help much. I am more than happy stop using HTH products and just use bleach and/or Borax as needed. Much cheaper and probably safer.