Restoring/Converting My 24' Above Ground Pool. Help needed!

Mar 29, 2013
22
We are located in the Chicago area and last winter my pool lost all water. The liner was repaired previously multiple years in the raw and is about 6-7 years old now.
I really need some help with the plan to restore or even replace the pool. As we have a small baby now I really would like to get a salt water pool system.

Here is my current setup:
1. 24' round above ground pool of unknown age. there are two small 1'' rust holes on a side of the pool. The steel top rails have some metal (not rusted) spots that are not covered by paint.
2. The liner has some hols must be replaced as there is almost no water in the pool. The liner-type is overlap liner.
3. I have a gas heater that was not used for the last 6 years. We would like to start using it.
4. We have a cartridge filtration system and floating ducks with 3'' chlorine tablets for sanitation.
5. We have a variable pool pump and ladybug pool cleaner.
6. The pool usage was very low in the last six years. Maybe on average 5-6 times a year. However, the projected pool use for the next five years will be 20-40 times annually. The swimming season in Chicago is short (4-5 month with a heater).
7. We have a giant deck attached to the pool.

I considered replacing the whole pool and getting salt water system but this will come at about $5000-$6000 upfront investment. This will price each use at $25-$50 + maintenance cost... Financially this is a terrible decision to make. I am reluctant to remove the pool with the deck as it adds the value to the house.

My Options:
1. Remove the pool with the deck. ~$1000 restoration cost if I will be able to find someone to buy the pool and disassemble it for free.
2. Spend $5000-$6000 on the pool replacement.
3. Replace the liner and fix the holes on the side of the pool and purchase the salt water system. ~$1100 DYI or ~$1700 if I hire someone.
4. Your suggestion.

My Questions:
1. What is the best option above you would recommend? I am leaning towards option #3.
2. If I go with option #3:
2.1. What liner would you recommend? Should I go with the 24' Overlap Pool Liner - Glimmerglass from Liner World?
2.2. Can I buy their standard coping or it will depend on the AGP manufacturer?
2.3. Do you recommend any other accessories like foam coves and Rino pad for the liner?
2.4. What saltwater system would you suggest for 24'' round 4 feet high pool?
I am confused as it looks like the Intex system will work for the amount of water we have and it is 5-6 times cheaper than other compatible systems.
Amazon $130: Intex Krystal Clear Saltwater System with E.C.O. (Electrocatalytic Oxidation) for up to 15000-Gallon
or do I have to use the expensive system:
Amazon $680: Hayward Goldline AQ-TROL-HP AquaTrol Above-Ground Swimming Pool Salt Chlorination System
2.5. Should I be concerned about my water heater or pool rusting out because of the salt water pool?
2.6. Should I buy water delivery or use my well water to fill the pool? It will probably cost me $400-500 to purchase water and almost free (high calcium and some iron) water from the well (5-7 days to fill).

Sorry for lots of questions, but I would like to hear other people thoughts on this. Thanks!
 
@kimkats has AGP experience

Pools never make financial sense. If you are going to look at it as $/swim you should make friends with someone who has a pool.

My rule of thumb if you can repair for 40% or less of replacement cost then do it. The question is the structural integrity of the rusting areas. Post pics of the problem areas and folks can comment if they think they are repairable.

All pool water contains salt over time because the chemicals you add have salt in them that accumulates in the water. The small amount of salt used by a SWG does not cause rusting of heaters or pools. Heaters and pools rust without a salt system as you see with your pool.

Do you have a good test kit? Post the pH, TA, CH of your well water. Iron in your well water can be a problem but there are ways to treat it. Although treating the iron from your well water could chew up most of the savings of not trucking water. Read Getting Rid of Iron
 
First off I want you to know we almost did not buy this house and property because it had a pool :shock: and look at me now....................a MOD on a pool forum!!! LOL funny how life works out! I LOVE our pool and will buy another one when this one gives out!

Now saying that I will tell you that in some areas a pool does NOT add value to the property and can even lower the desirability for the property for some people. So do not fix the pool for that reason. Fix it for your families enjoyment!!!

Me? I would fix the one you have now IF we think the areas of rust can be fixed. Like asked for above share some pics of the areas and we will see what can be done.

Just think of the enjoyment mom and baby will have splashing in the water together!!!

Kim:kim:
 
For the SWG you should get at least 2x rating than your pool size so one rated at least about 30k gallons. I haven't finished my pool install yet but I bought the Inyo Pool brand PureLine Pool Salt System 40,000 Gallons - PL7700 - INYOPools.com It was about $50 cheaper when I bought it than it is currently listed but is much cheaper than the systems I was finding and my build was definitely a budget build.
 
@ajw22 I had some issues with PH last season. I was adding lots of baking soda but it didn't raise PH that much. I had a regular Aqua Check test strips but after reading this forum I will definitely buy a better test kit. It should also help to start with fresh water as our pool was not drained for the last 6-7 years.

Iron is usually not a major problem for us but thanks for the link as I will need a solution to remove lots of iron. I was using Utikem® Mineral Myte Mineral Fighter https://www.menards.com/main/health...73-c-10137.htm?tid=7077282186208648612&ipos=6 and it did work for us really well.
 
@kimkats It is a very good point. It was our first house purchase so pool for us a wow factor and a very nice bonus... At that time I didn't know much about houses, pools and large backyards:)

The areas of rust are relatively small (0.5''-1'') and I just got a liner installer who agreed to fix it and install the liner in about a month for just $325. I am very happy about that.

Meanwhile, it is snowing here again...:cry:

98951

First off I want you to know we almost did not buy this house and property because it had a pool :shock: and look at me now....................a MOD on a pool forum!!! LOL funny how life works out! I LOVE our pool and will buy another one when this one gives out!

Now saying that I will tell you that in some areas a pool does NOT add value to the property and can even lower the desirability for the property for some people. So do not fix the pool for that reason. Fix it for your families enjoyment!!!

Me? I would fix the one you have now IF we think the areas of rust can be fixed. Like asked for above share some pics of the areas and we will see what can be done.

Just think of the enjoyment mom and baby will have splashing in the water together!!!

Kim:kim:
 
Jack, very confusing that your post was about a 24’ AGP and your signature says 40K IG pool????

Can you explain or update your signature.
 
That deck is unreal! SO pretty and well done!!! I can see why you wanted it!!

I am SO happy you found that guy to do the fix and work. That price is AWESOME!!! Have you picked out your new liner yet?

Snow?? Here I am sitting inside with the AC running! Got to love how the internet makes the world seem smaller!

Kim:kim:
 
Thanks for the suggestion. How is the warranty on PureLine systems?

After reading forums I consider getting CircuPool RJ-45 or CircuPool RJ-60. Just a bit concerned about reviews on Amazon related to the warranty issues.

@ajw22 I had some issues with PH last season. I was adding lots of baking soda but it didn't raise PH that much. I had a regular Aqua Check test strips but after reading this forum I will definitely buy a better test kit. It should also help to start with fresh water as our pool was not drained for the last 6-7 years.

Iron is usually not a major problem for us but thanks for the link as I will need a solution to remove lots of iron. I was using Utikem® Mineral Myte Mineral Fighter https://www.menards.com/main/health...73-c-10137.htm?tid=7077282186208648612&ipos=6 and it did work for us really well.
 

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Thanks. The previous owner put a lot of effort/money into this. There is also a gas line that goes to the pool...

I am planning to get this liner 24' Overlap Pool Liner - Glimmerglass from Liner World.
24' Glimmerglass Round Overlap Pool Liners from LinerWorld

Any feedback on this selection? Thanks!

That deck is unreal! SO pretty and well done!!! I can see why you wanted it!!

I am SO happy you found that guy to do the fix and work. That price is AWESOME!!! Have you picked out your new liner yet?

Snow?? Here I am sitting inside with the AC running! Got to love how the internet makes the world seem smaller!

Kim:kim:
 
My input is on how pretty it is....I don't really know about which liners are the best. I will be learning when it comes time for ME to get a new liner though and I will let YOU tell ME what a good liner is!!

Kim:kim:
 
I wanted to stop by and say thank you to all for advice, ideas, and support.

We are moving forward with the liner replacement and it is scheduled to be installed in two weeks. I got all the supplies ready including my new RJ-45+ I got from Discount Salt Pools. I am impressed with the customer service and value they provided so far!

The only part left is plumbing and I will have to stop by Home Depot to figure out if I need to order any plumbing supplies online.
 
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