I have another suggestion. 'fire dragon' shantung maple. Won't get too big. Grows relatively fast. You can get it from metro maples in ft worth. Root system is less agressive than red maples.

I don't like the maple near the pool either. And I'd go at least 15' from house & 20' from pool for that particular plant.

Dan

October Glory a full-sized tree, probably too big for your spot.

Near swimming pools you only want certain kinds of trees and shrubs, that will not interfere with filtration of the water. Look for lists of suitable kinds on the internet and in garden and landscape books. The Sunset Western Garden Book (2007 Sunset Publishing), for instance has such a list.

Wouldn't expect a tree to crack a pool with substantial walls under ordinary circumstances.

Another suggestion... Doric Dragon shantung maple from Metro Maples. Grows to be around 25-30' tall and 8-10' wide after maybe 10-12 years. Available in the fall of 2010 if you want to wait till then. It'd be a good one if you have 2 story house and there's not very much space for branches to grow out over the roof when it's so high.

You didn't specify where you live so October Glory may not do well esp in alkaline soil (From Dallas to San Antonio). October Glory can get quite big in good acidic soil.

If the problem is you are burning up in the sun out there by the pool you need to erect a structural solution such as a lath house, arbor or at least some patio umbrellas anyway. Trees take years to develop and cast significant shade.