In-Ground Swimming Pool Installation for Backyard

I am planning to add a permanent in-ground swimming pool to my backyard and I am looking for an experienced, licensed pool contractor or a small crew that can take this project from design through final fill and start-up. This is a full construction job, not a repair or a resurfacing task, and I want someone who has done complete installs before and can show recent examples of finished pools of a similar scale.\n\nThe rough size I have in mind is around 14 by 28 feet, with a shallow end near 3.5 feet and a deep end around 6 feet, but I am open to adjusting the shape and dimensions based on what fits the yard, the slope, and local setback rules. I have not fully decided between a vinyl liner pool, a fiberglass shell, or a gunite/shotcrete pool, and I would like the contractor to walk me through the real tradeoffs in upfront cost, long-term maintenance, lifespan, and repair options for each material before we commit to one.\n\nScope of work should include excavation and site grading, structural shell or wall installation appropriate to the chosen material, plumbing for skimmers and returns, a filtration and circulation system sized correctly for the pool volume (sand, cartridge, or DE filter — your recommendation with reasoning is welcome), a pump and, if reasonably priced, a heater, plus basic pool lighting. I also need decking around at least three sides of the pool — concrete, pavers, or stamped concrete are all acceptable, and I would appreciate your input on what holds up best in our climate and drains properly away from the shell.\n\nSafety compliance matters to me: the pool needs to meet local code for barriers, and if a fence or self-latching gate is required around the pool area, please include that in your proposal or at least flag it as a separate line item. I will also need help understanding permitting requirements — if you can pull permits as part of the job, that is strongly preferred over me handling that separately.\n\nWhat I am looking for from applicants: a written scope of work broken down by phase (excavation, plumbing, shell, decking, equipment, startup/chemical balancing), a realistic timeline with weather contingencies noted, references or photos from at least two prior in-ground installs, proof of relevant licensing and insurance, and a payment schedule tied to milestones rather than a large upfront lump sum. Please do not submit generic above-ground pool kits or spa/hot-tub proposals — this is specifically for a permanent in-ground swimming pool.\n\nI would like to start the conversation with a site visit or at minimum a video walkthrough of the yard so measurements and access constraints (gate width for equipment, overhead lines, existing landscaping) can be assessed before you quote. Budget is flexible for the right contractor with a strong track record, but I do need a clear itemized estimate rather than a single round number.