Perhaps before you invest in an inground pool you could try an above ground pool for a season and see how much use you get out of it.

This type is quite popular here. http://discountpoolsupply.com/above-...BjkaAkHt8P8HAQ

We had a shallow one when the kids were little and I was working full time. Although there are lots of places to swim nearby, some days it was nice to just sit in the back yard. I did learn years later that pool chemicals should not be stored together or indoors.

As far as the dog goes, does he like swimming and the water? We had a border collie lab cross when we had the above ground pool, it was impossible to keep her out of it, but she loved swimming.

Solar water heating systems can help with the cost of heating the pool early in the season.

Where I live hot tubs are much more common than pools and can be used year round.

Live about 60 miles west of Chicago Illinois. When we bought this house 12 yrs ago it had an above ground pool with decking and fencing surrounding it. Our children were adults and on their own, we kept it. I learned chemistry very quickly....it is definitely more work/ money than it's worth, in this locale anyway....all of the above mentioned chores are necessary. Granted, it is nice to float on a mat and contemplate the universe when the sun is high and the temp is in the 90's, and extended family do "visit" more often during the summer, but my rule is I don't cook for the crew....bring or order what you want, otherwise stay home....But as I have saiid to the family, when it springs a leak and needs a new liner...no way...call demolition and I see a lovely gazebo or pergola covered conversation area.....less work......and now I am planning to get ready to winterize it!

We are thinking more in terms of an in-ground pool. I noticed these are made of different materials -- concrete, fiberglass, and vinyl liner (in order of decreasing cost). Can anyone comment on pros and cons of the different materials? It may be a moot point for us, though, as there aren't many houses with pools for sale in the area we are looking -- seems to be just half a dozen on the market at any one time in our price range.

There was an inground concrete pool when we bought the house in 1972. It is still there now and is still being used by the current owners. I have no idea if they've had any trouble with it. We sold the house in 1988.

We have a pool. The insurance requires at least a 4ft. barrier around it with a locked way in. Our rate is the same with or without it. It's winterized the week after labor day. You never drain pool with a vinyl lining unless you are changing the lining. Vinyl will shrink in sunlight in just a few hours if no water weight is in it. DH shocks the water, covers it for the winter. It's nice and clear when he uncovers it for the summer. A pool takes time to keep up so unless you have a pool service be prepared to have to maintain it several times a week, or more if it rains a lot.