Thanks, I did end up leaving it out over the winter. I picked up an extra disconnect for the inlet, added a 2" pvc cap so it just pushes in, then I pull the 1/4 inch plug on the housing and use the compressor to purge the lines and pump, this way all I have to do in the summer is pop the pins out, remove the inlet plug and reattach the green hose.

A.o Smith search Lake filter on ebay

It's 220 - 2 wires plus ground, L1, L2 with a second disconnect switch

I don't, I fill the pump body through the top plug, and my hose is already under water with only a foot and a half from the waterline to the pump, it self primes the little bit of air that is pulled in as the pump evacuates, also I replaced the plastic impeller stock in the red lion, with the brass impeller they used to sell for 80.00 not sure the price now. Much better volume. Sorry for the late reply.