Would this be something you could add later if the maintenance became a hassle? We did not get an automatic vacuum either. We do have a pool cover which amazingly keeps out debris but time will tell during the high usage season.

You certainly do not need an automatic vacuum - that is like saying you NEED cruise control in a car. You don't need it - this is a convenience item. If you don't have any trees / little debris in the pool then you probably don't need an automatic vacuum. The better you are a skimming the pool the less you will need to vacuum of any kind - manual or automatic. If you decide that you do need a vacuum you can read reviews about ever brand, make and model here: Pool Vac Reviews

Well the cheapo manual vac that out pool builder gave us already lost a wheel. I just ordered a Kreepy Krauly Kruiser and am looking forward to trying that out.