how much to set for the flow per gallons on the pump is where I am stuck.
Mark,
Why do you care about GPM???
My guess is that you believe the old myth about X water turnovers per day being required to 'prevent' algae.. Well, it is just not true..
Chemicals are what keeps your pool clear and algae free. The filter is just there to capture the junk that falls into your pool each day and floats.
I would suggest that you use RPM, as it just makes the most sense, for most people..
If you have a VS pump, you should run the pump at the slowest speed that will get the job done. As an example.. If you have a SWCG, the slowest speed you ever want to run is the speed that keeps your SWCG's flow switch closed.. It does not matter how many GPM that is... If you want to run a waterfall, it does not matter the GPM as long as the waterfall looks like you want it to look. Etc..
Run your pump for a reason.. To make chlorine, to run a waterfall, to run the spa... but not because of some myth...
I run my pump 24/7, mostly at 1200 RPM as I like to make a little chlorine all the time and skim all the time.. I also like the look of my pool when there is a little motion to the water. I can do this for less than $20 bucks a month... I have no heater, so I can run a pretty low RPM.. If you have a heater you will have to run 1500 to 1800 RPM... You might want to think about installing a heater by-pass, if you don't have one already.. 90% of the time your heater will not be needed or running.
Thanks,
Jim R.