Purchase questions - used vs new. Heat pump vs Natural Gas

Hello

We have been researching buying an above ground pool. Recently, I found an ad for a used 18' A/G pool. I do not know the brand at this point. Steel/Resin. Comes with a Laars 2 Lite NG heater and a cartridge filter & pump. The ad states that everything was bought 8 years ago. price is less than 1/5 cost of new. I am guessing that the liner may not travel well and may have to be replaced but should I be worried about the pump/filter & heater. How long do these things normally last? Unfortunately, I am new to pools and am unsure if used is something that I should steer clear of?

If we go with a new pool I am trying to decide b/n Natural Gas heater and a heat pump(exchanger). As we live in Saskatchewan Canada, we need to heat any pool we get. I like the idea of a heat pump as there is no requirement for Natural gas hookup but will it work as well as NG in the spring and fall when temps are cooler in mornings and evenings? I.E. down to 50 degrees F.

Thanks for your help.

Hi Clueless and welcome to the forum. I can't answer all your questions, but I can tell you that you will definitely need a new liner. Liners that have been drained are not usually able to be used again as they become brittle over time and cannot usually be stretched back into place very well. Plus, it is already 8 years old, so you will definitely need a new one. The pump and filter are anybody's guess. You can always replace the cartridge. The pump? Maybe just give it a try and see. You'll also have to inspect the steel walls to look for rust. Hopefully someone else will come along here who will better be able to talk heaters with you as that is not something I know too much about.

Welcome to the forum.
A used pump can only be evaluated properly by seeing it and listening to it. An 8 year old pump that has been protected from the elements should be in pretty good shape. Mine is in a poolhouse and has been going 13 years with no problems. Some that have sucked a lot of water mist in and/or have been a home for insects can be pretty much shot after a few years. Probably rusted to the point of not being able to take them apart. Bugs and webs can block air passages leading to localized overheating of the windings. So, if you can, at least look at it. Better still, listen to it at least for a few seconds if it doesn't have water in it. Also look at its size. Typical AG pool packages come with a way oversized pump so you may decide to change it anyhow.
As for heaters. Heat pumps lose efficiency in cooler weather, just when you need it. I don't know what they run BTU wise but gas can be as high as you want it, certainly much more than any heat pump. My educated gut would say go with gas in your climate. Maybe someone else has other suggestions and ideas.
Hope this helps.
Al

Thank you to both of you for your comments. They are very much appreciated!!