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?
www.linerworld.com
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!
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?

Glimmerglass - Round - Overlap
Make your above ground pool pop with the Glimmerglass round overlap liner from LinerWorld! Transform your pool with this popular design. Get yours today!

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!