re: Pool thoughts from those of you that have them

This is not a normal OT answer. But one of experience. I built and serviced pools off and on for almost 10 years now.

Buy an above ground.

Because when you are tired of it, it doesn't take a crap ton of money to get rid of it and repair your yard. In fact, most of the time you can find someone to buy it if it's in decent shape. At the least, many people will just come take it down for free.

Then seed, or sod, and done.

Whereas with an inground it's fill it in, or have it removed, then filled in. Either way, it's a lot of money to have someone do that, and bring the dirt in.

The prime time for having a pool, is when your kids are between the ages of 7-15. Before that, they are too young to not require 100% constant attention in the pool, after 15, they have a license and can go hang with friends...etc.