I am getting near point to start pouring about 1200 square feet of concrete for patios around our pool in a house we just bought. We thought that might be a lot of grey/white concrete so thought we should have the concrete colored. We thought we might just color the concrete at the beginning so it's the same all the way through but then I worry we may not like the color. Look for opinions on what is best and cost effective. Stain or put overlay later, or color at the beginning. Kind of confused as to what might be best... Thanks for any advice.

I think I'd spend more time focusing on making the right decision on colour & texture in the first place no matter which way you go! :-) Then choose whichever method gives you the design features you want.

My wife and I have renovated 10 houses so far... and its only the last couple where we freely admit that they turn out better when someone else makes the colour decisions and adds a little design flourishes that really make things standout. The finishing touches are our weakness. In our experience, a few hundred dollars given to someone with more colour and design sense than we have, is money well spent.

Perhaps interview some landscape designers or interior decorators and see if you find one you like? (Ideally one who listens to your ideas, and then gives you a number of options that work with both your budget and desires). It does not add significantly to the overall cost of the job, and you should be much happier with the results.