With a 1HP motor and a 24" diameter sand filter it shouldn't be pushing sand out, should it? I have 2 skimmers and 1 bottom suction with 4 return lines each plumbed using 1-1/2" piping. The current pump/motor combo could not handle the bottom suction, 1 skimmer and a Baracuda G4 in the other skimmer - not enough suction - G4 wouldn't move.

So what would y'all recommend? The 1 HP full-rated motor with a 1.65 service factor or the 1 HP up-rated motor with the 1.25 service factor?

I was leaning toward the 1.65 SF, full rated motor AO Smith QC1102.