Make sure to get recommendations from past customers that you can contact. If they are a good contractor then they will have no problem giving you some customers to get a recommendation from. Find out how long they have been in business. Check the BBB and see if they have any negative complaints against them and also ask to see a portfolio of past projects. Most reputable contractors will give up all the requested info with no problem. If they balk at any of those, I'd walk away on the spot.
As far as pricing, you can be looking from anywhere starting at $12,000-to sky's the limit. Just depends on what shape, depth, and features you'd like in it.
Gonna be a long summer, I might have to drive down there with some beer and relax by your new pool.