You see, I disagree with NWMNMom: I don't think investing $20,000 or $50,000 or more in a pool is a good idea just to learn you HATE maintaining or don't really use it.

We got a 15' round Intex Donut. I had SO much to learn: Like I thought my back yard was level when it wasn't. I had to build a platform 16x16 that was level. I built it out of old decorative stone we had taken off our fireplace and chimney and filled it with sand--it was even with the ground at one corner and over at foot high at the diagonal! That was my FIRST lesson!

We used it for 3 years. I learned that if I tossed in a floating lounge chair and got into it with a glass of iced tea or a beer, and just floated, it was just like being in a big pool. And I got just as wet and relaxed. If THAT is what you like to do in your pool, you don't need much. My kid was 5 and just learning to swim and it was PERFECT to splash in.

Next, I learned many (not all) the ways you can mess up your water, especially that first year. Luckily at the end of the season I could dump the water and put away the pool, and start the new year fresh. I had just found this site and was just starting to learn how EVERYTHING the pool store guys told me was wrong. Everything. That's why I had cloudy swirls of white stuff.

So, after 3 years, when I put in a BIG pool, I had full confidence in what I wanted, what would work for us, and how to maintain the water. I've had a few minor problem since then, but people here helped me QUICKLY diagnose what was wrong and fix it.

So, after 3 years I was ready and confident enough to actually invest in a pool, without fear it would be a huge mistake. I was right, we love it, and are in it almost every day in the summer.