We built a big in ground pool about 7 or 8 years ago when we built the new house. We had one at the old house, and only lasted a year in the new place before we decided to build another. Perhaps my circumstances are different from most: I have roughly 8 dozen children (give or take 7 1/2 dozen), each of whom has a least 56 thousand friends, and all of whom appear to live at our house. Only one summer without it convinced us that a gigantic hole in the back yard filled with water is preferable to having them all in the house.
I can attest to the fact that pools are expensive to build and maintain, and they are definitely a PITA to keep clean (particularly with hairy 3 black labs in the mix), but I still wouldn't be without one. At least when the kids and their friends are lounging about the pool my house, I know where they are and what they're doing with whom. That ain't the worst thing in the world when four of the kids are of the feminine persuasion. Plus, it's great for parties (although I never seem to get invited).
If I was to do it again, though, I would definitely go with salt water rather than chlorine or Baquacil. Far less expensive to maintain, and much more pleasant to swim in too. We'll be switching over to salt water at the end of the season, and this time I mean it!
Good luck!
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