Pool Virgin Here

I'm a total newbie to the pool life, but I am excited to have found this site. It appears to have TONS of useful info. My primary goal is to have a great looking pool at minimal cost and effort, so this seems to be the place!
I just purchased a 33X52 Wilbar Spirit AGP that will be installed next spring. I haven't finalized my decisions about sand vs. cartridge, etc. so I'm hoping to find some answers here.
I'm already counting the days :)
Please continue sharing great info so I'll be ready for next spring!