re: Pool Build Cost

I used to build and clean pools while I was in college. Worked with a company for four years and saw tons of people make mistakes when deciding what type of pool to get. I would tell you to not get a pool but if you have your mind set on it, I have a few thoughts;

1. Go with a fiberglass pool. This will give you the most bang for your buck and will save you the most amount of money in upkeep down the road. The only real issue that ever happens with fiberglass pools is that they can float based on the water table... at least that was what my old boss told me, I never saw it actually happen. Vinyl pools are the biggest money pit and can leak constantly and you will need to replace the liner at some point. The backfill behind the liner can also become a problem over time. Gunite is nice but is always the most expensive by a long shot.
2. Do not get a saltwater pool. Salt water will corrode everything. This also comes with an added cost of adding on a chlorine generator that takes the hcl and takes out the h to leave chlorine behind. People like them, but at the end of the day, you have a normal chlorine pool with water that is eating away at all of your equipment.
3. Get a sand filter, cartridge filters have to be constantly cleaned out/taken apart/pressure washed. To clean a sand filter, all you have to do is backwash.

ETA: IMO, the most cost-effective pool/pool equipment combo is a fiberglass pool with a sand filter. This will save you costs upfront and maintenance costs down the road big time.

Good luck!