I wanted to update this thread as we completed this in late May and have been enjoying the pool ever since! Reading old threads here of other experiences was so valuable so I want to share mine for others who will take this task on in the future.
Things to note:
Hardest part was measuring and repairing the cement...not because it was "difficult" but I was not well versed in the different types of cement and mixing processes. Do your research, make sure you understand was surface you have under the liner.
Measuring: I measured maybe 5-10 times but I eventually was able to find the company and serial number of the old liner. Turns out the original guys who installed the liner (with the stupid expensive quote) did not measure well at all...didn't measure all the contours/angles and edges and were off by almost 8 inches. They just made it "stretch". I made all new measurement and probably did it 10-15 times to be darn sure. I bought a remarkable tablet so I could write my measurements directly on the liner companies sketch and send it directly to them, we went back and forth a bit to make sure it was perfect.
Hanging the liner was super easy, my wife and I did it. Took 2.5 hours total, measurements were so close that it fit like a glove and hardly any wrinkles before I even started a single shop vac. After 24 hours the shop vacs took all of them out.
Filling/Gaskets: Had a small scare where I thought one fell behind the liner but I was good, next time I will tape them AND glue them. Cutting the returns/drains/stairs was nerve racking but not that hard. Took 3 days to fill, elected to just use a hose.
Total cost: $1950 (includes foam, liner, gaskets and glue for foam on the sides) water bill was $380.
But I think I also recall that they have to redig the hole as well because they’re structurally very different.
