Julie,

I'm in E. Central Illinois, so I can't really get there to help you BUT - I can lend words of encouragement. I'd never owned a pool before we bought our house. We've had problems. I used to use the local "pool stores" but they weren't a lot of help and cost $$$. I always watched what they did, asked a ton of questions, and did research on the web. I now feel confident doing much of my own work. I only use them to help me close up for the year, since I don't have anything to blow out the lines with.

If you are willing - you will learn too. You CAN do it!

It might help if you posted any information on what the labels on the equipment says, as to brand names & model numbers. The folks here are awesome & can help you sort it out. I'm by no means an expert, and have a concrete pool, but for what you're experiencing - construction material doesn't matter.