I started a thread called "doughboy or ester williams". There is alot of good discussion regarding many pools out there. It might help you. I myself was looking at the 27' but went 30'. depending on your yard space, a 24 looked pretty small to us, however it depends on the usual # of people (adults vs children) that will be in there. Check out the thread though, you'll learn alot. As a new pool owner.........(not even installed yet) I learned through the help of the folks who kept the thread going. I thank them every day.