Ok, it looks like I have to post my questions here first, so here goes. I'm looking to buy a 'real' pool. Currently we have a 16' round, vinyl Sam's Club pool. My wife and kids are talking me into something better so we're looking at an above ground. We went to a pool store today for the first time and learned a few things. We will visit other local stores but want to learn a bit more first.

The guy at the first store (a Swin 'N Play dealer) was steering me towards a Garden Leisure Eclipse pool. I had originally said I wanted an oval but he said that a 27' round was more stable, more durable, and a pretty huge pool, not to mention cheaper. So we are maybe leaning towards a round although I'm thinking a 33' may be better; we have a huge yard.

When we got home, started researching some more about steel vs. aluminum vs. resin. It appears aluminum is quite a bit more and I don't think I want to spend more just for that. That would mean we're probably looking at a steel wall pool. So here's my question(s):

1) When something steel rusts, is it the wall I should be most worried about? Or is it the other parts like the uprights, toprails, bottom rails?

2) Is it worth our while to go resin for uprights, toprails, and bottom rails to avoid corrosion? Does this help prevent corrosion on the walls? Or is resin overrated?

3) I live in southeastern Michigan. Does the freeze/thaw cycle matter for resin?

I guess I don't really expect to get 30 years out of this pool. My kids are 9 and 11 so if I get 15-20 years out of it, I'd probably be happy. I'm sure everyone has a different opinion, but recommendations on brands are welcome.

Another local place has their prices online and I'm kind of intrigued by the Sharkline Matrix 54 (all resin except for steel walls) or the Sharkline Blossom 54 or the Sharkline Heritage 52. The last two have a resin toprail but I think everything else is steel. Maybe the resin toprail is most important? Anyone have good/bad experience with Sharkline?

Any suggestions or advice is much appreciated!