I had a pool in NH and a pool in 2 of our residences in So Cal. I would recommend salt water pool if you have a choice to reduce the need for chemical maintenance and a solar cover. The biggest expense is electricity for the pool pump even when you have it on a timer. Our usage was 3 times that of a home without a pool. Our current home is on hill overlooking a valley and we do not nor can not have a pool- if I could I would put one in.
As far as dogs, our vet said the water with the chemicals would not hurt them if they drank from it. Neither of my dogs would "voluntarily" go into the pool unless pushed by one dog or one was trying to catch bug.