I have an above ground 10 year old pool. The liner was replaced for the first time two years ago because of two small holes. The sidewall was starting to rust so they taped a plastic coffee can lid over the holes, installed the liner, and handed me the bill. They told me I could paint the outside but there was no mention of the rust on the inside of the wall. I now have a hole and rusted area at least 6" and the plastic lid is bulging out. I can slip a plastic or metal panel between the sidewall and the liner and I'm OK with a quick fix but I am concerned with the chunks of rust that are embedded in the back of the liner. I have the capability to cut the panel affected panel out (two holes about 7' apart) and rivet in new.

In most cases you can drop the water level, remove the cap and slide material down between the liner and the rusted side wall. I would recommend aluminium, not a steel coffee can like the goof who did you last job.

In most cases you can drop the water level, remove the cap and slide material down between the liner and the rusted side wall. I would recommend aluminium, not a steel coffee can like the goof who did you last job.

Should I be concerned with the rust embedded in the back of the liner?

Most of that is a stain of rust, not to worry. However, if it is actual falkes of rust I would flush with soapy water and remove the flakes with apaint brush. If the stain shows as a darl mark on the side that shows you can spray it with Whink Products Company (http://www.whink.com/)