Add another vote for the easy-set. I've had both the blow up ring one and also the metal frame. Both were good pools, they were definately worth what we paid for them. I don't know how old your kids are, but I had a problem keeping my kids off the donut on the blow up one. They wanted to hang on the sides and you just couldn't do it with that one. Small kids might be able to, but my 10 year old was too heavy. We loved the metal frame pool. Even adults could hang on the sides. We put pavers down for the legs to sit on. The pumps on them aren't the best, but if keep up with your water, (meaning don't let algae start growing) the pump works perfectly fine. It just doesn't do a good job cleaning up a mess if you don't take care of the water. I personally thought the metal frame was easier to take down in the fall than the donut one.

Walmart has a 18' for $488

Sam's has a 16' in store, but not on their website.

Those of us that have used them have found ways to modify them to use regular suction pool vacuums. I know of several (CarlD comes to mine) and myself that even ran solar panels on them.

Don't get bummed! There is absolutely nothing wrong with an easyset, we had just as much fun with ours and we do with our "regular AG".

And what great kids! Willing to give up something as a group for something they want more! I'm not sure mine would have. Sounds like you're a good mom! Hang in there! And ask any questions you have about the easy sets or any other pools you find.

Here's a pic of ours last year.

http://www1.snapfish.com/slideshow/A...28/t_=35664128