Since you're going custom in-ground (gunite, I'm guessing) you might want to look at this site, http://www.howibuiltmyownpool.com/, done by Ben Choi who actually started the process as a member here.

He documented the process exhaustively, and his site is worth looking at, even though the pool he build was more elaborate than most will want.

Also, I'd recommend designing WHAT the pool will be like -- basic pool, pool with spa, pool with spa+spillover+fountain+solar+?? -- BEFORE you start picking equipment. The best equipment for the job depends, in part, on what the job is!