Kernel

Our 18x33 above-ground liner bit the dust this winter after 13 years of use. Not bad since it was installed in May of 2001 and we bought the house in August of 2001. We've contacted a few local shops to provide estimates for replacement, which include an evaluation of the pool to deem if a replacement is a viable option since the pool was build in 1992. Our first contractor said he could do the job and provided what we believe to be a high estimate but from what I can tell, it's not for nothing... the contractor plans to wrap the walls in foam, replace the skimmer cup and return, cleanup the sand underneath, patch the walls if needed, and claims there won't be a single creases or ripple when they are done (is that even possible?). The downside to this is that he only uses in-ground liners and will not even consider an above-ground liner. He told me the cost for this custom made 48" wall liner is going to be in the $800 range. Is this realistic or is it simply a case of over-zealousness on behalf of the contractor? I mean, I like quality and there are definitely some things I don't skimp on... could it be this way for him? I know a standard above-ground liner can start in the low $300 range and go upwards of $600 but I haven't looked exhaustively... and I could not find anything on Google indicating using an in-ground liner is any better than a standard above-ground liner. Thoughts and insight is welcome. On the one hand, I'm thinking this standard liner that cost just under 700 to install in 2001 (I have the receipt from the previous owners) lasted 13 years. But on the other hand, there were tons of creases in it and it faded and looked dirty especially on the top edges for many of those years.