The automatic pool covers are NOT cheap. I am in a pretty expensive area too (between Baltimore and D.C) and I know what I am paying and it is a lot higher than that. The base price of my pool (without heater, slide, diving board, fire pit and all the extra's) wasn't even anywhere near that price. Solar heat for my pool (1000 sq ft) was 7K alone. We already have a propane tank so we are going with a Propane heater for our spa and pool. I know all the PB's I had in wanted to charge me more if I went over 9' deep. There has to be a certain ratio for the slope from the shallow end to the deep end so with a deep end that deep you might have a small shallow end. I am sure some of the experts on here will be able to explain that one a little better than me. It can't hurt to get some estimates. Be sure to do a lot of research. This is a great place to start and there are a few PB's on here that offer fantastic trustworthy advice. Many of the people who have built pools have a lot of great input too. Based on some of the feedback I have gotten from this site, I have been able to question my PB about my project much better than I would have without it. I had a problem with my pool and I got help here BEFORE I could get in touch with the PB since it was a weekend.

$30K on the island might get you an 18x36 with no frills.

Forget about solar in our geo. You will have winterization problems constantly.

Its a supply and demand issues WRT why there are so few gunite pools out there.

Scott

If the solar is raised, all you do is shut off 2 valves and open the drains. I can't recall a system that was ever properly drained freezing.

$30k might get you a basic pool, with minimal decking, but the cover and any other bells and whistles will cost you $10k-$15k more.