What brand name pump for Vinyl 15' pool

[home4sale2]

Hello, new to the forum, second year with a pool, lots of lessons learned. I have a brand new 15' genfoam pool (Walmart Intex vinyl type), 42" deep (water level about 32"). I think it's around 2000 plus change gallons. I am using an 800GPH, think it's 1/8HP or 1/16HP motor which is what was packaged with this pool. I am not getting much flow due to the small size motor and based on last year's experience, I will be cleaning every day (some leaves, kids' long hair, etc.)

What size is recommended for this type of pool? I have 1 1/4" connections on the pool wall. The pool supply store recommened a beefy 1/2hp filter for $250, the pool costs much less. I am willing to spend $100 and have found the following.

http://www.qualityinflatables.com/56633.html#2182
<Intex 2500 GPH, 1/2hp, 1 1/2" connections (will need adapters)>

http://www.qualityinflatables.com/bw58088.html#2322
<Bestway flowclear 2000 GPH, 1/2HP, 1 1/4" connections>

Aqua Leisure pump on eBay, 2150GPH, 1/4HP...

Should I go for higher HP?
Brand name reliability? Any other brands, Hayward is up there in price?
any other online sites someone can recommend? Are the first two reputable?

Thanks,

Sunny

[hrsdennis]

Hi, either one of those units would be a step in the right direction for you. A 1/2 hp should be very adequate for that pool.

Dennis

[CarlD]

You should be able to run a 15' donut with a 1/6 hp pump--I did for 3 years. You must be careful that it seals and that you keep the filters either clean or new.

If you must go with a bigger pump, look for a 1/2 hp UPrated pump, not full-rated. You want the smallest least powerful pump so it doesn't rip the fitting out of the pool wall.