I have a pool maintenance and repair business that is more a side biz now, but I was hot and heavy in it for about 7 years. Was a great experience for me to run my own operation in my 20's.

I've never lived in your part of the world so I won't have connects or insider knowledge of specific companies but I can answer just about anything else and give you pros and cons of each option.

One thing that I've seen a big boom on in the last 5 years is outdoor living spaces. People used to fit the largest pool they could get into their yard, but as the kids grow up and leave it becomes wasted space. Outdoor kitchens and bars, brick pizza ovens, pergolas, fire rings with seating and vegetation cover are really popular in my area.

If this is your dream house and you don't plan on leaving anytime in the next 25 years, then a pool is a great investment in intangibles. I can say for certain that most families that have a pool seem to be a little closer and relaxed. They play outside together and joke around and they have more leisure time and can just relax around the house. It can be a tool to teach responsibility and a punishment. There will be ancillary costs every year. I typically advise folks to plan for $2k a year in upkeep, chems, and repairs. Some years you'll have less than that maybe 500. Take the left over money and throw an enormous end of season bash, or stash it back and keep stashing it back so when you need to have the pool resurfaced or re-tiled, or the winter cover needs replaced or a pump burns up you won't go out of pocket. Think of it like a flexible spending account that employers have for their employees.

If you really want an entertainment spot to bring the family over, throw shindigs with your friends, and impress clients then take the time to plan, and find a landscape architecture student or spend the money get a pro. I wouldn't piecemeal it together, go in with a comprehensive plan, don't forget room for the putting green and sand trap, and design the perfect zen spot for your family and then you can choose which projects to tackle first and which hold the most importance to you.

Safety is a something to not gloss over too, budget for locking gates and sturdy fencing around the perimeter.