That's a shame about your local shopping experience. I did a lot of my research at local pool stores before we hired our pool installation. I learned about the different kinds of filters, pumps, pools with or without side supports, and found the stores pretty helpful. I used that information and the knowledge I had gained from a couple of pool forums when I spoke with the pool company that ultimately sold me a system and installed it. Sorry to hear that your experience was so unsatisfactory. You'd think that in this economy they'd do the very best they can to make a sale.