The pool filter I had isn't very algae friendly,it's a DE filter and I didn't want to suck from the very bottom of the deepest end of the pool. There is always the risk of a leak when your not home and I did the math, those pumps drain that entire body of water in an hour and a half. That's why I raised the pumps those 2.5 feet so if any thing goes wrong I won't come home to an empty pond full of dead fish lol oh and there is a shade cloth at the moment but it's tattered, I just ordered one that has 10' of vinyl and 18' of 50% mesh to completely shade one portion and greatly reduce light transfer on the restLooks great. Any reason why you didn't use the original pool drains and filter? The fencing around like that it would be the perfect structure for a shade cloth. Helps take the load off the filter.