So the first step was to empty the pool. We just put a hose in, and sent it down the hill into the woods to add to our neighbors stream. I think it took a good 3 days to completely empty. This really was the point of no return already as once you empty a vinyl pool, you have to replace the whole liner. As part of our decision to get rid of the pool, we thought we'd make it easier on ourselves to offer the pool for free to anyone willing to take it out themselves. With it they'd get the filter, heater and pump. It turned out to be easier to remove than we expected and the gentleman who got it, while he didn't end up with a pool (the supports were all rusted through), he ended up with some nice equipment for minimal effort.