Thank you for your reply. The small pump (about 350 gph) was too small. The suction was negligible, and it clogged with the smallest leaf pieces. I bought a larger utility pump (about 1100gph), but need to go back to the store for reinforced hose (manual says garden hose will collape under the suction pressure). I am hoping the ribbed flexible hose will work without the collapse. It looks like almost all debris bigger than 1/4" will have to be netted out, but I also built a cover for the pool so I don't have much to clean. Again thank you.