Thanks for the compliments. The boxes the pool came in said it was a Sharkline and the model is either the Blossom or some other name I can't remember.

So far we're planning on the grading back idea. We thought about the retaining wall and decided it wasn't necessary given it isn't that high and it would look better graded down with a border like NWMNMom suggested. It seems like the best and easiest route to go, especially since I just found out our HOA doesn't approve decks that high. Oh yeah, we're down in San Antonio, Texas so frost isn't a problem if anyone else has any ideas.