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!)