New Pool Owner: Intex 20x48 with sand filter 3000gph

Well the wife wanted a pool and went out and bought one. We're very excited for the family to have some fun this summer in the pool. Now I've had friends with the blue intex pools, but my wife bought the gray/tan one. I have not bought a skimmer for it yet, but did upgrade the pump/filter from the 1500 supplied unit. I have to say reading through all the intex pool fitting issues/hack/mods my brain hurts and i'm no more confused about it. I did buy they larger new valves and strainers for the new pump, i'm hoping I don't need to add more adapters. I haven't even opened any boxes yet as the area for the pool is not quite ready yet. So no real reason to do so. I also do not believe the pool has a skimmer and would like one as even my pond has a skimmer, but again the thought of the fittings to intex stuff made me stop and think I should wait a month or so for liner strech and see how this all goes first. baby steps right?

Anyways, great to be here!

Todd