pump problems- filters

[mpoland33]

Hello everyone...newbie here who's never owned a pool and we've acquired the in-laws pool from hell...18' round above ground.

the most recent issue is the GFI breaker keeps tripping. I've eliminated options of it being an electrical issue before the disconnect I'm using so I'm certain it's the pump. With it being older, I'm pondering getting a new one.

questions:
would you get a new one or try to fix the short?
We have a Proline PE71-II-H pump with a Hayward EC40CPAKS DE filter.
Do they have to be compatible? Can I get any 1.5 HP pump?
Should I get a new filter as well or do they typically run as two separate entities?

Any advice I'm open for!

Thanks!

[Teapot]

Why do you believe you need a 1.5hp pump on such a small pool?
What size DE filter?
What size plumbing?

[Denniswiseman]

I would get a new pump matched to your filter

[mpoland33]

Thanks for the replies. Thats a great question. I'm new to pools so I have no idea what I need...just know 1.5HP is the current pump that isn't working.

DE Filter...not sure how to tell size but the specs are 4 lbs DE, 19 sq ft effective area, 2 GPM/FT filtration rate, 38 GPM deisgn flow rate, 50 PSI.

How would I tell what size plumbing? is 1 1/4" a standard size? I seem to remember seeing that somewhere

[Denniswiseman]

If your 18" round pool is 4" deep then you have just over 6K UK gallons
I have a .5hp pump in a 10K pool delivering about 2444 gallons per hour
Your filter is well oversized for your pool, which isn't a problem
Get a smaller variable speed pump and save a small fortune on electricy costs

[Teapot]

I would imagine the 1.5hp pump died because it was under stress being too big for the plumbing and the filter. The plumbing for above ground can often be a little smaller than for in ground so 1 1/4" is possible. I do not think your 19sqft filter is too big, about right I would say. Pump wise you could well fit a variable speed or two speed. you only need the little extra power to backwash, or vacuum, filtration wise, slower the better so a 1/2hp would easily cope. look at my signature, 12,000 gallons on 0.08hp filtration cycle. can't recommend that low without seeing more of the system (photo) but it proves what can be achieved and the money saving is amazing. Actual pump flow rate is more important than horsepower.

[Teapot]

I have a .5hp pump in a 10K pool delivering about 2444 gallons per hour

I would bet it's closer to 1900 gallons per hour (US)

[mpoland33]

Thanks for the replies. Ended up buying one today. While I was there the guy asked if I was going with the flippin frog system? Anyone used it? What do you think?

[Teapot]

It's a copper and silver ion idea. It will help stop it going green with algae but not much else. You would need to be a lot more careful with water chemistry to prevent staining later on and the copper level will build up over time to stupid levels but the test kit supplied won't show it, best avoid, especially for a newbie.