i have decided to carry on regardless for the next month and a half filling the pool and to get the best out of our short summers.
when i do decide to change (which i think i will do myself) i will ask for any all tips available here. first question: does the fall or spring make more sense? i would think the spring: clean water etc...
in the meantime the cause of my leaks is very important, for the next time around. everything you suggest regarding the vacuum being the root cause makes sense. the only thing that flies in the face of that logic is that to my recollection, anytime i came out to find the vacuum stuck, it was a different end of the pool as to where i find the pinholes.
however, when i do change the pool, i will make sure to be on point when the vacuum is running. i wil aslo use the little vent pipe that lessens the power of the vacuum.
thanks. for the tips.