Just wanted to update this thread with our experience so far. Pool and equipment were purchased April 1st. Contractor came to dig almost 3 weeks later on April 20th but had to stop because he hit a stump.
Tree guy came that afternoon to the remove the stump but a scattered storm rolled through that night so contractor couldn't finish up the next day. And then it CONTINUED to rain at least once a week for the next several weeks. Mud pit was drained over and over...I was close to creating a mud wrestling team and sell admission tickets - might as well make lemonade right? :splash:
But I didn't start my mud wrestling career...weather cleared up enough for the contractor to come half days four weeks later on May 18 & 19th.

And what what do you think happens next? MORE RAIN!
Sunday two weeks later (June 4th) ground is dry. Pool is up and filling with water. Oh happy days!

Took three days to fill. Contractor came back on the 10th to backfill and the 13th to hook up equipment.
And what do you know....MORE RAIN! Looks like we're going to have a drainage issue.
Almost three weeks later on June 28th the deck build begins and finishes on the July 3rd. Below pic's are recent photos.

Pending tasks are to stain the deck, dig a french drain and landscape around pool. But I find that I'd rather be in the water.

As it cools down maybe I'll get more productive. I want to mention that I don't think this pool is rated for 1/2 burial and I'm not sure how it will hold up but I took the contractors word that he could make it work (he put insulation panels between ground and pool).