We would like to buy an above ground pool, but cannot afford a brand new one at this time. What should I look out for, avoid, expect, keep the age of the pool under, etc? I have found some internet sites recommend replacing a liner that has been allowed to dry. Anything else?

If you are willing to spend lots and lots of money trying to keep the pool's chemicals right - be my guest. Also you need a winter full cover for the pool. Also it is a good idea if you have horrible water in your house to get good fresh water trucked in by a water tanker instead of trying to doctor up your house water. Also did you know that chlorine if not properly adjusted in the water can enter through your pores and make you sick if in the wrong mixture or too strong? I could go on and on but I guess you get the idea I'm not a big home swimmingpool fan whether in ground or above ground. Plus you have to fence it off to keep kids from using unsupervised and drowning. etc, etc.

I would not recommend buying a used pool either as you are just asking for someone else's problem. You probably will get a filter motor that's on it's last legs also. If you can even find a good used pool - you'll probably end up paying just as much or a tad less than a new one. New pools are not that expensive if you buy them when they are on sale. Is that what you wanted to hear? Happy now? Save up your money and buy new. The people who owned the used pool - who knows what for cooties they had - do you want their cooties? I sure wouldn't. Nor would I want whatever was growing in the pool either as used pools for sale have notoriously have been sorely neglected prior to their being put up for sale.

Better yet use the neighbor's pool and skip yours until you can get a NEW one.

P.S. I owned in ground and above ground pools and personally would never buy a used pool.

I have installed many new pools but avoid used pools. I think you will not be happy with the head aches of rusted/corroded channels, brittle liner, clogged filters elements. These are all common issues with used pools. The previous owner likely did not take the greatest care of the pool in its last year. You knew about replacing the liner so the only thing else I want to bring to light is the corroded channels at the base and the filter problems. Good luck.

I had good luck with the used pool I got, it had little bit of minor rust on the wall and that was it, I used fine sandpaper and sanded the rust down then sprayed it with a rust prevention paint and its been a great pool. I use Baqacil chemicals in my pool because its chlorine free.

WOW~ Angry much?

I would never recommend you to buy a used cool, it will keep on troubling you. My suggestion would be sooner or later get a new pool.