[.:4:.]

When i had a pool, the pump/ filter setup went inlet pvc to pump, pvc to cartridge then pvc back to pool. So the basket in the pump would catch the big stuff, then pump to the filter for the small stuff. Relatebly my pool was also under a jacaranda. The only reason i can think of as to why the pump was before the cartridge filter is if you drained the filter it would be then full of air and water pumps dont pump air so i reckon if it was done in the opposite orientation so filter first, the pump would need to be primed manually with a hose or something every time the filter was drained and cleaned, even though filter pre pump makes more sense from a filtration standpoint.