new to me pool and cant stop skimmer from leaking .

Ok. lets start with the basics. I have received, set-up, filled and swam in this free pool that my boys brought home from a friend. The problem is the liner is tore -up real bad by the skimmer opening. I replaced the skimmer because it was cracked. Now, it leaks down the side wall more than it did before. I want to no if I can get a big heavy patch over the skimmer hole then mount the front of the skimmer like it was a new liner???. or does someone have a better solution. like duct tape and more rubber gaskets. its a older 21 ft light house brand pool.