replacing liner for the 1st time - do I need padding?

After 16 seasons, we are going to replace our liner.

I cannot believe how difficult picking a liner is. gauge, mil, 10, 15, 20 year warranties, Swimline, GLI, Luvari, purchase online or spend more to buy local, etc. It is driving me crazier than I already am.

When we put up our pool back in 1997, we put in a good sand base with sand cove, and a layer of black plastic and then put down the liner. No problems. I have no idea where the leak is, but I assumed it was around the skimmer and return because both are rusted. I tried to remove as much rust as I could, and sprayed rustoleum. We plan on patching those holes with sheet metal and cut new holes and put up wall foam.

So here is my question: Do I bother with putting down armor shield or just stay with the sand I already have, since there are no issues with the sand base (other than footprints which we will fill)? The local pool installed don't bother with the padding unless their customers ask.

I just wanted to comment, 16 years on the same liner, that is great!

Yes, thank you. I am assuming it is because of the better made liners back then.

I finally decided on a liner and the company is saying 3-4 weeks before it can even ship. So now I am back to square one.

I wish someone could lead me in the right direction......

I don't think you *have* to have padding, but it merely makes it nicer on the feet plus offers some protection between the ground and the liner. I have always put padding under my liners.

Thank you for replying. The sand has quite a few footprints. Now that the pool is drained so I can see the sand cover I am thinking about taking the same that made the cove and putting it in the footprints, installing foam board, and then putting up the foam coving. More $ and time than I wanted to spend, but I do hope this new liner will last a very long time.

replaced my liner last year padding best thing i ever did along with wall pads helps insulate

We just did our liner and went with floor foam pad and wall pad. Nice on the feet, but best of all, I think it made the liner install a HELL of a lot easier. Much easier to adjust the liner and get the wrinkles out. Wall foam is nice too, although I dont know about its insulating properties, its only an 1/8".