Semi-inground pool is failing — liner vs rebuild vs fill it in?
Need some grounded advice before I make an expensive mistake.
I’ve got a semi-inground pool that’s at end-of-life, but the situation around it is what makes this tricky:
- There are structural brackets set in concrete (not a simple install)
- We just added a fence
- My wife built a full deck around it… less than a year ago
So ripping everything out has real collateral damage.
I see three paths right now:
- Replace the liner + try to reinforce/“solidify” the walls
Basically extend the life without a full rebuild.
→ Question: is this just delaying the inevitable if the structure is already compromised?
- Replace the pool (same hole or smaller)
Keep the general setup, try to preserve the deck/fence as much as possible.
→ Concern: existing concrete anchors + current excavation… will this fight me the whole way?
- Kill the pool and backfill the pit
Clean slate, but the deck becomes awkward/useless and the fence was just installed.
→ Also worried about proper backfill and long-term settling.
What I’m trying to understand from people who’ve been through it:
- When is a liner + wall reinforcement actually worth it vs a money pit?
- Has anyone successfully reused a semi-inground setup with existing concrete supports?
- If you downsized the pool in the same hole, did you run into stability/backfill issues?
- Anyone regret saving the structure instead of just starting over?
Not looking for “it depends” — I’m trying to gauge where the real tipping point is between patching vs replacing.
Appreciate any firsthand experience.