R.D.
We had a softside one, it cost us about $200 and came with a pump and ladder and stuff. We had to buy chlorine tabs and 'pool shock' for it. HUGE pain in ____@____.com with the pump, we had to drain and clean it out about every other week. I would never own another one again. Ditto for the crappy kiddie pool we have now... I'm about to throw that one out too. If I ever feel the need to own a pool, I'm going to get an inground pool and hire a pool cleaner. Above grown pools was not worth the investment for me. It was more work than fun! If you're still entertaining the thought, get a cheaper one, try it for a season, then scrap it when you hate it without feeling like you've put too much into it. Not trying to be a party pooper, I know how much fun kids have in pools (grown ups too!), it was just such a huge pain for us. You would have thought I learned my lesson the first time, but no, I bought another one and can't wait to get rid of it!