If it holds DE, the filter is functioning. It may not be optimal, but it's still working.

Regarding the oversize pump, it's a bit of a chore, but with many IN-GROUND pumps (Hayward, Jandy, Pentair) you can replace the original impeller with one that's a step or two down. This will cause the pump to draw less electricity and pump less water. It's not quite optimal, but it's close.

HOWEVER, you have to replace the impeller and pump seal, and possibly the diffuser. Also, on many pumps you'll need to replace the case seals. It's not super hard, but it's not for beginning DIY'rs. One important tip: many screw-on impellers are reverse threaded!

Regarding the block: when I became active on the forum again this spring, I had accumulated over 10,000 spammer registrations AND had 3,000+ spam posts in the moderation queue -- most of them porn.

Right now, I'm using brute force methods to keep them out, including blocking IP ranges that include proxies or spam sources. For example, because both Caltech and MIT host "Tor" routers, I've blocked their entire networks (or at least all I could find) . . . and I won't lower those blocks, until I have a more sophisticated firewall in place that can dynamically block anonymous proxies and VPNs.

But, I have made some errors. If you want to check, go to "whatismyip.com" from work, and then email me (poolforum@gmail.com) the IP number it reports. If it's blocked in error, I'll take it down.