You do not have to use a salt system -- it's quite easy to operate without one.

If your pump, filter, pipes and pool shell (or liner) are in acceptable shape, then fixing what you've got may not be such a big deal.

BUT . . . pools require ongoing maintenance. That's why they really don't add lots to home value, and can make a home hard to sell. If you and your family won't ENJOY having a pool, I would consider filling it in. Working to maintain something you don't even like gets old real fast.

As far as what sort of fix you're facing, I have no idea. I'd have to check the piping, the pump, the filter, the shell and the deck BEFORE I'd know. If you're under contract, you're under contract. If you weren't I would have recommended you that you pay the best local pool company you can find to evaluate the pool and needed repairs, BEFORE you signed a contract.

But, since you've already signed, I'd recommend this:
+ Keep in mind you CAN abandon the pool. $1,000 -$2,000 for dozer time, gravel and top soil, plus a couple of weekends, and your pool-free, with more lawn.
+ Don't worry about what you can't change right now. Once you can start operating the pool, you can figure out what has to be done.
+ Coping is not an essential element of a home pool: your family can enjoy swimming in it (if not, looking at it) while you work out what to do.
+ It's very easy to operate without salt. If salt is problematic in your area, and with your deck, stop using it!
+ But, do NOT drain your pool (to get rid of the salty water) without being SURE it's safe to do so. Pools can float out of the ground, and liners can be destroyed if you don't do it right!

Good luck!