I just did a quick search and it looks really cool. I also see Penrair has a similar product. I have an old Kreepy Krauly Sandshark by Pentair which works ok but I get a lot of mesquite debris in my pool. So I may consider one of these fancier models some say if they have good performance.

As for the 1" PVC line feeding a 2" return, yeah, that was rookie move on whoever installed it. Booster pumps are meant to increase flow rate so if you put lots of resistance in the way, it chokes off the flow. Anyway, neither here nor there as you intend to modify your plumbing.

Good luck.