You can go somewhere in between. We started with a 9x18 intex ultraframe and it was great for about 2 years. You suddenly will find that it quickly fills up with friends and neighbors! We looked at the higher end pools (doughboy, etc.) but we wanted something in between, reasonably priced but to fit more people. We went with a sharkline matrix from poolsupplyworld.com and had it installed in October. it's now open and crystal clear. We're using salt water but if you're using another method you may not need the resin. (the resin rails gouge EASILY).

Good luck!!