tommyb44:
Welcome to TFP
Depending on depth, you are looking at a range of roughly 30,000 - 40,000 gallons. Are there any other water features you have planned (attached spa, waterfalls, etc.)? That (along with other factors like the pool's plumbing system length and pipe diameter) will impact the power output needed. When you have your pool built, I would get a schematic showing the underground location of the plumbing system even if there is an extra charge for this or, at the very least, take pictures at different stages of the pool's construction.
Power output aside, I recommend getting either a 2-speed or variable speed (VS) pump. The VS makes sense from a cost benefit standpoint if your electric rates per kWh are $0.20 or higher. Otherwise, the 2-speed is usually the better choice and it doesn't cost much more than a single-speed pump but will save you $ on your electric bill, especially if you live in a warm climate and keep the pool operational year-round. If you go the SWG route, you need to pump a certain amount of water through the system to ensure that enough chlorine is added to the pool by the SWG. Even if you ran at low speed for twice the amount of time as you would on high-speed, you will save roughly 50% on your electric bill associated with running your pump . If you do keep your pool operational year-round, you can run on low speed for freeze protection. In cooler water temps (below around 65-70°F), the reduced flow becomes moot since you will need to manually dose with chlorine anyway since the SWG will not produce enough chlorine at or below these water temperatures. Therefore, you can take advantage of the lower speed during the off-season.
As for brands, I have had good luck with Pentair and they offer a full range of pumps. Of course, there are other brands out there as well (Jandy and Haywood are two other brands that come to mind).
When you have a bit more information to get into sizing the pump for power output, I would become familiar with HP and Service Factors. This can be one of the most confusing aspects of pump ratings. Operating HP can be calculated by multiplying the labeled HP by the Service Factor. For example, a "full-rated" 1 HP pump with a service factor of 1.5 would have a braking HP of 1.5 and would be identical to an "up-rated" 1.5 HP with a service factor of 1. Both pumps will have the same pumping capability and provide the same flow rates for a given plumbing system.
As for filter type, I am quite happy with my sand filter. IMHO, sand gives good filtering with the lowest overall maintenance. When looking at a spec sheet, other types of filters may filter down to a lower micron level, but I cannot tell you how many people have commented that my pool is the cleanest one they have ever seen. Basic pool maintenance such as maintaining proper chlorine and overall water chemistry levels play the leading role in the clarity of your water regardless of what type of filter you have.