You certainly don't need that big of a pump. I'll let someone else give you a more specific pump recommendation but you definitely don't need a 2hp. Regarding filters --- I know nothing about the one you mentioned but my $0.02 is that a sand filter is way less trouble than a cartridge filter. If you do get a sand filter, a bigger one is better than a smaller one. The best pump/filter setup is a less powerful pump paired with a big sand filter.

Don't get the Nature 2 thing. Not worth it. It doesn't kill viruses, etc. in your water. Plus, it adds copper. You don't want copper. Most people think it is chlorine that stains things and turns blonde hair green but it isn't chlorine. It is copper! Just use chlorine to sanitize your water.

Do a lot of reading here on the forum and on our sister website www.poolsolutions.com. Lots of good info there as well.

I'm going to put some links for you to read. But, until your registration is completed, you'll need to copy the links and then paste them into a browser window after you log out in order to be able to see the rest of the forum.

Our Super Simple Start-up Recipe (which would be a great way for you to get your pool up and running):> http://pool9.net/ssr/
Search with this link. It will search all of Pool Forum plus Pool Solutions:> http://pool9.net/search

12ft or 15ft ---- is preference.

Welcome to the Pool Forum!