We are also looking at an AG recessed into the ground. As JJ says the walls rusted, I have to ask how old was the pool, if known and if the liner was leaking? Also the make of the pool. If the liner was leaking, I think that would cause more rust than the ground water. Than if the ground was not graded for runoff of the rain that also could have been part of the problem.

After researching this type of install, I think that back filling with sand will help with drainage and movement of ground in the winter.

If the bottom part of the walls starts to rust out in ten years or so, I think the ground around it will support the liner for more years of use.

Both the Doughboy Desert Spring and Johnny Weismuller TItan seem to be of higher quality of manufacturers, thus better treatment of the metal.

The concrete around the pool worries me because of the frost maybe moving it and pushing it against the walls. I don't know if this applies to you or not, not living in a cold state.

Overall if we lose a few years off the life of pool and still have it for 20 plus years and not 30 years, is that really a loss?

Looking for more opinions on this.

Thanks Dave