I've been clamoring for a pool for awhile now. Finally convinced hubby to come to the dark side! I owned a 24' AG pool 10 years ago. Loved every minute of it...even the work! It had a previous owner and cost me $350 bucks to take it away, plus a liner, plus stainless screws, chems..and a freezing northeast Ohio June weekend to put it up. It had a prefab deck and a Hayward sand pump. Used Bioguard products and never had any issues to speak of. The kids learned to swim before they were 2!

Now that I'm in the market for a pool for just me (kids are teens & could give a hoot) (AND a research junkie)..I feel grateful to have stumbled upon this site! There seems to be so many options but I have narrowed my search down to size (18' round 54") with a package deal of chemicals and equipment. Can't believe that this darn thing will cost me somewhere in the area of $5000. (slope excavation of 3' or so, the pool/pump, and any additional decking) Ouch! I guess I'm just wondering if that's the normal range for obtaining a new AG pool. Is there anything that AG pool owners can tell me about what they would have done differently when considering a new purchase? I'm wondering about buying a reputable one off the internet and putting it up myself. I know I'll do the 3 "B"s now thanks to this site and that will save me from the expensive mineral system they wanted to sell me....But what should I know about filter/pump options for that size pool?? I understand the concept of the lower HP motors and won't go above 1HP 2 speed. I liked the sand...worked fine for 5 or 6 years...but I've been told the filter option is better & easier. Any advice or pointers would be greatly appreciated.: