Help on Pool Selection

[Yamo207]

Hi all,
I am looking to purchase my first AGP and wanted some options. I have it narrowed down to two pools manufactured by Blue Cascade (links below). I'm looking at 21' in either option and the pool store/installer packages these with a 1HP pump and DE filter. The major difference is the Pearl has steel uprights as apposed to resin and the top plate is bigger/one piece on the Harmony. The Harmony costs roughly $1000 more and I'm curious if it's worth the extra money. I plan on standard chlorine treatment (not SWG) so that benefit is negligible. My biggest concern is longevity and the ability to withstand Maine winters and my wet clay yard. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Also as a first time pool owner should I be looking at a sand filter over DE for ease of use?

Hybrid Above Ground Pools | the Pearl | Blue Cascade Pools

The beauty of the waterfall is matched by the beauty of the Pearl Hybrid Aboveground Pool by Blue Cascade. Imagine this wonder in your own backyard surrounded by your lush green hills. A real standout! Each component is engineered to exacting standards and the pool is assembled using a patented...

www.bluecascadepools.com

Resin Above Ground Pools | the Harmony | Blue Cascade Pools

 

[Yamo207]

Also looking for recommendations on pumps. The base packages come with a single speed pump. Is it worth going all the way to a variable speed pump or is 2 speed adequate for a simple setup in a 21ft AGP? Outside of efficiency is the variable speed really that much quieter?