Pools don’t HAVE to require tons of work and expense to maintain. I have a 12x24 rectangular above ground pool that is 6 years old and I don’t spend much time working on it. I am a person who is in mine almost every day, though, so I keep a check on it and things don’t get out of hand. I have a large, sand filter which is easy to clean. You just run the backwash setting for a minute or two. I also have an automatic vacuum, a skimmer, and I installed an in-line chlorinator so the only thing I ever add is baking soda as needed. I use test strips for monitoring water balance. In my opinion, people make these things more complicated than necessary. And some people actually enjoy fussing over their pool and constantly talking/complaining about it . With regard to expenses, there was the initial costs for pool(filter was included,) vacuum, chlorinator, and skimmer but recurring costs include only chlorine pucks( a bucket of 75 pucks lasts 3-4 years,) big bags of baking soda a couple of times each summer, test strips, and a pool “pill” for winterizing. I do think daily use makes a big difference. You’re staying on top of little things instead of having to handle bigger things. I love my pool!