Newbie - what type above ground pool for our family?

[BigDave]

I think you'd need to fence the pool area to mitigate the liability of the attractive nuisance your considering. The cost of a fence and patio may help move the needle closer to the decked or partially decked traditional steel wall AG. I doubt buring an AG would be worth it, with excavation, and a special pool that can be buried, you might be backing into IG prices.

Just my two cents.

[PoolDoc]

One option many people here have followed is to start with an Intex, gradually improve filtration and fencing, and then, after you are an experienced and successful 'pool operator' AND are sure you are really into pools for the long term, spend the big bucks.

Amazingly, you can get a 16x32 Intex for under $2,000 . You'll need to upgrade filtration, and you'll spend some money on site prep, but you can get your pool in place, filled, and treated with all needed bits and pieces for under $3,000. And that's a pretty large pool!

You MUST make SURE the site is level, though. Also, buy locally or direct from Amazon (not a 3rd party seller on Amazon), and get the pool UP within a week of purchase. That way, if there's a problem, you can return to the seller within the 30-day window, without having to deal with Intex's somewhat obnoxious customer service process. (So prep the site BEFORE you buy the pool!)

[BigDave]

I agree with PoolDoc that starting with a soft side pool and moving up to more expensive options is a great way to get your feet wet. Our first pool cost $70 and I learned the first day that "looks level" is not at all the same as "is level".

My concern is that the OP mentioned "unfenced lots and strict CC&R's". I don't know if a soft side pool would qualify as an effective barrier which would be needed if fences are disallowed. There's no mention of HOA but with CC&R's in place there's a chance that a neighbor could take exception to a temporary structure and litigate.