It's very hard to see the pump as the step ladder is in front of it. But where I live that would absolutely not be code. Our code calls for the pump to be at least 5' away from the pool, minimum (or is it 6'? Mine is compliant either way), and for the cord to be no longer than 3' long.

I'm not the expert on pumps but I see no reason the pump couldn't be on the ground level. In-ground pool pumps are normally above the top of the water. Moving the pump and filter, especially the pump, further away from the pool would be something I would do immediately. I just keep imagining water falling on the pump and arcing into the pool water....HOPEFULLY your GFI would prevent a tragedy--you DO have a GFI for the pump, don't you?