Ok, so it sounds like you're saying that since the doughnut could have a problem. We shouldn't set the filter to run (since it would burn up). Obviously, we shouldn't upgrade the gear, we should just cover it and leave it? If it's busts while were away, it will leave a muddy mess but won't hurt anything else.

I don't have any desire to preemptively drain 5000 gallons of water.

Then, basically wait for this pool to die with current equipment, and replace with a totally new set up when it does.