I agree with PoolDoc that starting with a soft side pool and moving up to more expensive options is a great way to get your feet wet. Our first pool cost $70 and I learned the first day that "looks level" is not at all the same as "is level".

My concern is that the OP mentioned "unfenced lots and strict CC&R's". I don't know if a soft side pool would qualify as an effective barrier which would be needed if fences are disallowed. There's no mention of HOA but with CC&R's in place there's a chance that a neighbor could take exception to a temporary structure and litigate.