A lot depends on how long you want this pool to last, at the bargain basement end there are a LOT of people that have modded Intex pools and are very happy with them. You can buy a 22 ft wide, by 52 inch deep Intex Ultraframe for under $900 online, add your own choice of small 1.5 HP 2 speed pump for above ground pools for under $300, and a decent cartridge filter for $250 (or maybe under $200 for a sand filter and sand) a Hayward above ground pool skimmer for $50, about another $50 in PVC pipe, glue, and adapters, then it is just up to you to decide on things like pool steps, ladders, decking, etc. Sure it is not as durable as some of the other option, but if you plan on just keeping this pool until the kids are grown a Intex Ultra-Frame may be just what you need.
All total this together could give you a reasonable pool in this size class for under $1,700 not counting ground prep. Sure it will not last like some of the major brands, but not everyone wants a pool for life. Maybe you do, maybe you don't maybe if you start off with the Intex you will decide you want a larger pool for life, ....