In light of the fact that it is summer and HOT, we had a wonderful experience with our Intex inflatable ring pools. We would buy the 10' diameter one for $49.99 and spent 4-5 months of the year in it. Not trying to talk you out of it, but that might be a way to get you in a pool now, and then you could work on your other pool as time/heat permits and you won't have to be in a rush.
I am mid-way through the install of an inground vinyl, and I can see no reason why not to just get an inground vinyl and only bury it a couple feet. You can build a retaining wall around the exterior, finish the backfill with gravel, and pour a little 36" deck and have a nice "semi-unground" pool.