I am doing mine. But I'm here in AZ. It is not hard to be your on contractor, but you do spend a lot of time looking for the right sub and getting bids and also you do have to watch over the work.
Best part about it is that you will save a lot of money and can do upgrades for next to nothing if you talk your subs into it for a little bit more cash. Keep in mind equipment is pricey so that adds up quick. I am about 9K in equipment and lights, but i added just about every high end feature you can think off.
If you have a connect with someone with a pool parts account, you will save a lot of money and taxes. That is what i did. If you buy retail, then expect to pay retail price which is not pretty. Buying your equipment online is a great way to save, but you have to wait for shipping and if something is defective then you have to ship back etc....
Best way to start is to draw up a design. I paid a pool designer to do mine, but money well spent. Cost me like $350. Then get engineering for the pool done through a pool engineer. Runs about $350 and up depending on how complex you want it. keep in mind that I am in AZ. Depending on how your ground is in Texas and wether you need rataining walls, that will add up real quick to engineering.
Also, check your city codes and permit requirements. Each city is different.