Gonna tackle a self installation and need some opinions

[swilk]

There would be a retaining wall .... but the pool would be on the non load side of it. The wall would do nothing but hold earth away from the pool edge.

The top of the block wall would have a salt treated plate and I would build the 4' spanning desk that goes to the pool off that top plate.

A concrete patio would be poured that leads to the deck that then leads to the pool.

This wont be a cheap way to build it but it will hopefully get me close to the look and feel of an inground pool without the problems that actually burying and back filling to an above ground pool can create.

[johnnysnok]

I have a bad slope in my back yard and had to do a retaing wall. Installed it last August and i am very happy with the out come.

[swilk]

I am getting the "you do not have permission" warning when I try and view your pictures.

They sure do take security serious on this site.

Anyway, I am still kicking around several ideas .... decisions, decisions.

[PoolDoc]

They sure do take security serious on this site.

Yes, I do, though the picture issue has as much to do with not having had time to wrestle with the hidden-9-layers-deep settings in a new version of vBulletin, as it does with security. But having just 5 minutes ago removed two newly registered users who were wannabe spammers, yes, security is always on my mind.

You probably should check out this site by a former PoolForum user:
http://www.howibuiltmyownpool.com/

If nothing else, it will give you a clear picture of how a really careful and systematic engineer might approach a DIY pool.