We have a new 16x48 due to rust on the old one, but the old liner is still in good shape, so I am just going to store the new liner should something happen to the old one. Since the pool is down and drained right now, I guess I'm asking is it better to leave the gasket as one piece and just install the skimmer before I fill the pool. Since it's empty I shouldn't have to worry about the weight of the water tearing the liner and then I could cut the liner after it was installed then remove it and place the butterfly gasket on as one piece, then reinstall skimmer. Hope this makes sense....but it's probably about as clear as mud.