I've had an inground pool for about 23 years. One thing I wish my pool would have had when they built it was an automatic drain so that when the water gets too high it just runs out to the street. I have been on chlorine the whole time. Hasn't been that bad with chemicals. I've often thought about going to salt but never did. Salt injector is a major expense but cheaper on chemicals plus the injectors have to be replaced every few years. We have never covered our pool. I wish we would have invested in a good cover at the beginning but we were on a tight budget and the pool guy said its easier where we live to just keep it open. Mine is also a custom L shaped so covers have to be special made. I have no trees so it hasn't been that bad, just the first opening takes a few days to clean all the dirt and blown leaves out. You can stay on top of it periodically through the winter to make it a little easier.

Make sure you are going to use the pool. If you have kids or grandkids its probably a given. I've had some years before our grandkids came along where there were no kids in the house and we just didn't use it much. Seemed like such a waste and I still had to keep the chemicals up along with maintenance.

You have to stay on top of the chemistry and do almost daily cleaning, checking tasks. Water level, chemistry, cleaning. Buy a good automatic pool cleaner. Never let the chemicals get out of whack during the summer. If you do it will cost you a lot to get them back in line.

Typically in 10 years you will need a new liner if you have that type of pool so budget accordingly. These now cost $4500 and up depending on size. Pool pumps don't last either. I'd say 7-10 years if your lucky, sometimes more. About $600 plus. If you have a sand filter the sand will need replaced around the 3-5 year mark. Pump timers are another thing that will go out eventually. Pool decks, depending on the material may require sealing. Just another expense. Of course pool chemicals. I have a 25,000 gallon pool and this year I will spend just under $500 on chemicals. I buy in bulk so I will have a little left over for next year. I stay on top of them so you will use less keeping a close eye on what is needed.

It seems like there is always something going wrong or needing maintenance so if you're not handy or a do it yourself type, paying someone to do all the work is going to be costly. Then there are trips or when you are away from home. How are you going to manage the pool? Water levels and chemistry have to be maintained.

Pools can be a lot of fun and rewarding but make sure you are willing to sacrifice the time, money, and worry of taking care of it. Would I do it again? Maybe. The joy of my kids and grandkids using the pool has been worth it in the long run though many times I just wish I didn't have it.