Need pool renovation advice for a 1950's pool

[slythic]

Thanks Watermom!

We have definitely kept any events mainly inside the house for that reason. Haha!

Hi PoolDoc - many thanks for your advice, it makes sense! Option #1 at $1000-2000 included painting the pool and some BASIC patching of the pool delamination. Do you think I should spend that considering I will likely be sandblasting and resurfacing the pool later this year? I was thinking I should save that money and just get the system up and running by fixing a leak at a return and repiping from the existing location to where the pump/filter will be (about 10' away, behind the short wall that is sticking out from the house in the first photo).

I'm pretty handy so I will likely do most of this myself (not sure about the leak though but will attempt it). What patching material do you recommend to fix the delamination on the pool floor? I've heard of E-Z Patch or hydraulic cement but it looks kind of expensive. Will a white thinset do or does it have to be this special material?

Also, when we purchased the house they mentioned the pool ran off well water. The insurance policy required the pool be filled before closing, which they did. I noticed the water was a quite "milky", not sure if that was because of the well water or the cheap paint that was used (or both). Either way, the level dropped to one of the jets in a few days and stayed there for a few weeks until it started to get nasty and I decided to empty the pool.

I have been able to identify all the pipes (main drain, returns and skimmer) but there are two others that stick up. I'm assuming one of those is the well. The other day I hooked up the pump to each one and did my best to prime it but failed. I'm 95% sure the well works but not sure how to get it flowing. Do you guys have any tips? Would love to fill the pool using well water to at least identify the leak location.