You will find many who will disagree with that. I had a cartridge filter in a previous pool, and will never own another one. They are terrible to maintain. (Unless you like getting sprayed with hose water) After seeing the problems DE filter users have if they let the pool get away from them, I'd be hesitant to go with one of them either. If you are remotely considering a robotic cleaner, life will be far easier for you with a sand filter.
As to other things to consider, whatever hardware you might need for an automatic cleaner should be installed during the build. At least the plumbing.
I think your pump is too big. I have a 20X36 diving pool and a 1HP pump handles it easily.
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