looking to purchase a hard sided pool for next year

[Watermom]

I like to buy from my local pool place. (That is exactly what I did when I last replaced my pool which was in 2012.) That way, if there is a problem I have someplace to go rather than have to ship something so big back to someplace. Just my $0.02.

[mommak]

I may have to go browsing next week. Still would appreciate some suggestions as to companies or brands of pools. The more I look, I may be leaning towards a 27' x 54" (or 52"). Just have no clue as to which manufacturers are reliable and offer good pool packages.
Also, what size sand filter and pump would be required for a pool that size?
What about foam for inside the pool wall's?
Differences in liner choices?

[BigDave]

As far as I can tell brands change all the time and a particular manufacturer will make many brands, some pool store specific. I believe Doughboy is a consistent brand with a good reputation.

Packages - I don't know - Ladder you'll need, also vacuum and hose, pole skimmer, leaf rake if you have trees nearby, skimmer and return, pump and filter. Pool package chemicals you don't need.

Bigger filter - smaller pump yields energy savings and improved water quality. Many AG pools are packaged with oversized pumps and undersized filters. A 24" sand filter with a 2 speed 1HP pump will work well.

I have 1/4" closed cell foam on my walls, it feels soft. Foam will increase the chance of puncturing the liner.

Liners - thicker is usually better - watch out for guage and mil; mil is an actual measurement - higher is thicker, I believe guage is opposite where higher is thinner.

If I did it again, I'd add foam cove, our installer built up insufficient sand in one area of our pool and now I worry it might leak because I can feel the steel lower rail.

Good luck and welcome!