Time To Replace The Pool?

[crokett]

Our existing pool is a 27' round 52". The pool wall is 18 or 19 years old. We have had it since 2016, I can't remember if it was 11 or 12 years old when we got it. There are spots on the bottom edge that are rusted through, but it doesn't seem to be in danger of imminent failure. 1 of the uprights is rusted through at the bottom, another is mostly rusted through. The track is pretty bad around the filter/skimmer area. I replaced all of the top rails 3 years ago. The filter housing is original, but I replaced the sand a few years ago when I replaced a cracked lateral. The pump/motor is 3 years old. Another issue is the liner. Last spring when I took the cover off the liner was torn from the bead in spots. I taped it up with rubber sealing tape. That held all season. I took the cover off this week. Some of the tape had separated and the liner had come out of the bead for a few feet. I've resealed everything with tape again. The liner will have to be replaced this fall, I figured while I was at it with the rust issues on the pool wall, we should think about replacing the entire thing.

I haven't checked yet, but if parts are available, what about replacing just the wall and bottom track? And/or can I get just the pool without the flter/pump since what I have works? If I replace the pool, I can get one that has plastic top rails and uprights so at least that won't rust.

Another question is the liner and why it tore/pulled out of the bead. The issues have all been in one area. Do liners shrink? should I be checking for washout in that area under the liner when I take everything down this fall?

 

[Texas Splash]

It sounds as though you've squeezed that lemon as much as you can and managed to get a very long life out of that AGP. But feel free to post some pics to show us all of your concerns so we can validate. As to the liner, they become molded and set in their ways once filled. Not much flexibility over time. If they slip out of a track, it can be very difficult if not impossible to get them back where they were originally.

 

[crokett]

Thanks. We came to the conclusion that we will nurse this liner through this season and replace the pool. I used some door/window sealing tape to 'repair' the liner. A week later and it's holding. I'll replace as necessary for the season. Another detail I didn't add was the last time I replaced the liner I added some sheet metal to the inside of the wall in a few spots so in that sense it's been repaired once already. Our kids are older and going off to college so we will go with a smaller one that will be easier to care for.