Removing vinyl liner and repairing skimmer wall

[Hoster]

Not sure this is DIY vs. a pro job but I need to repair the skimmer / metal wall plate(?) behind it as rusting is causing leaks under the vinyl liner (there are a few spots in the deep end and I suspect the rust / water is getting underneath the liner). The rusting was worse and I temporarily treated the area with Ascorbic acid (and I did replace the screws in the past with stainless steel ones).

I am thinking (if I DIY before closing / lowering the water level):
1. "carefully" pull out the liner surrounding my skimmer (the liner came off the track in the past and I carefully wedge it in using a plastic tool)
2. not sure whether I need to remove anything from the track / railing (e.g., are there any screws??)
3. expose the area to sand down any rust (and use a shop vac to ensure rust do not fall in between the wall / liner)
4. repair / replace the metal plate or apply the repair kit (saw a replacement part for $100+ on amazon) - https://www.amazon.com/Pool-Wide-Mo...32-862f-2482ad81c5a1&pd_rd_i=B01EEMI0WO&psc=1
5. using the cyclone, "vacuum" between the liner / wall (not sure this is required but will do just in case)
6. re-insert the liner into the track / railing

I am "somewhat" handy (e.g. open / close pool, replace bearings in a pool pump, etc.) but have not done any liner related work so wondering whether this can be manageable by myself vs. hiring a pool guy (whose price, like everything else, has skyrocketed, but more importantly, not sure he will thoroughly remove the rust before repairing). As usual, would love your feedback / insights!!

 

[1Sammy]

Easy enough, just as you described. The lower the water and the more liner you LIFT out of the track the easier it will be. You need to get a tight sandwich on new gaskets , one inside, one outside. You can even add a sealer if you want. Thinking you can pick up a piece of galvanized sheet metal cheaper than that kit. Round over the edges of the metal with a file and tape it.

 

[Hoster]

East enough, just as you described. The lower the water and the more liner you LIFT out of the track the easier it will be. You need to get a tight sandwich on new gaskets , one inside, one outside. You can even add a sealer if you want. Thinking you can pick up a piece of galvanized sheet metal cheaper than that kit. Round over the edges of the metal with a file and tape it.

Thanks for the insights as I forgot about the gaskets (but never considered inside AND outside - a great advice). Also, I was just thinking about applying some kind of a sealer as well - any recommendation on the type of a sealer I should use (e.g., LOCTITE waterproof sealant)?

 

[1Sammy]

No need if you use new gaskets but would not hurt if you do use. Any silicone would work and helps to hold the inside one in place. You can put the inside one in place and tape till the silicone stiffens up, remove tape and all you need to do is line up the liner. Try and do same day as getting that liner back in place over the skimmer faceplate holes can be a a a a , i won't say it, lol. A heat gun can help if needed but not to hot as the liner will go thin when heated and stretched. Spread the heat over a large area so not to pull in a small area.
When you pull the liner up to the track, go higher and push into the lock / lip and let in drop down inside the hook.

 

[Hoster]

a great point - I was going to have some hot / warm water and a heat gun ready-to-do just in case. I do not know exactly what's behind the liner so just trying to plan things out so that I can finish in a day without going back to home depot / pool store back and forth