Daren:
For me, I would HATE to see you either have a tragic accident, or end up spending more than a new pool would cost you. I've not heard of the wall having dirt against it--maybe the missing bottom rail.

I'm pretty handy too--I spent a couple of years after college as residential carpenter, and, when I did my pool, I did all my own architectural drawings--plans, elevations, details, etc, which were approved by our building dept. I milled most of the cedar I used in the fence and gate, too. (the gate was my own design--I didn't want any diagonals across it.) My point is I am able to empathize with you, but I think you are making a mistake, and I'm afraid for the consequences if I'm right.