For an 8,000-gallon pool, a 17 GPM flow rate is the target for maintaining clear, healthy water. We recommend the Black+Decker 1.0 HP pump paired with the 300 Series Cartridge Filter. This combination is specifically chosen to provide 'over-sized' filtration for a standard family pool. By using a higher-capacity filter tank, you reduce the back-pressure on your pump and increase the time between cleanings. This ensures that your maintenance remains low-effort while your water stays high-quality throughout the swimming season.