We have a 20x40 inground pool(27,000 gallons) with a diving board. We had the pool install about 8 years ago and love it. Our pool is made with fiberglass walls and a concrete type of bottom. There are many options on inground pools, I didn't want one with steel walls.
Yes, it is not cheap, but we consider the pool to be a part of our yearly vacation. We have 1-1/2 pump that runs 24x7 for the entire pool season. This costs cost us about $50 a month on our monthly budget. Please note we don't have a heater, that can add a lot of additional monthly cost depending on whether electric, gas, or propane.
I open my pool each year, and I spend about $300 to purchase the supplies, chlorine/mineral supplimemts. To close, I pay Clearwater pools in Westerville to close. Closing involves blowing out the water in the lines and adding antifreeze.
Our pool is a mineral system and uses very little chlorine. The water feels like bath water and doesn't have the chemically smell or feel. Many people have a salt water system, and no way would I. Salt water causes rust and other pool issues and the water feels strange.
In regards to homeowner insurance, the pool didn't add any cost to ours, since we are classified as a farm due to livestock.
Pool maintenance is not too bad during the season. To open, I may spend up to 6 hours vacuuming and after the initial pool opening we have a robo cleaner and does a pretty good job during the season.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v167/RAS69/eb6fcfb5e4f853f5823b147337a27a02.jpg
If you have questions let me know.