Instead of buying a new liner can I paint it?

[Sadpoulmoment]

The pool was winterized last year and was working. When I opened it up two months ago The liner was torn in a few spots at the top but holding water fine. I drained the pool and got a few estimates for a new liner and was ready to buy a new one but everyone is flaking that was in the $3500 range. the place that’s ready to do it wants about double -$6000. The sides are metall and the bottom half is cement but a hallow sounding cement if you knock on it. It’s in good shape.
Can I just remove the liner, clean, prime, seal the rust and paint/epoxy this pool and skip the liner for a few years?

 

[JohnT]

Welcome to TFP!

No, you can't paint it. Your pool structure is not waterproof. It's just a holder for the liner.

 

[Sadpoulmoment]

Well that sucks because I want to get it going but thank you very much for the quick reply