Zephans,
Option B sounds like your best bet, once you have the water transfered to the other pool, using method A to move the column plumb will be easy.
While you do this, the swimming will not be interrupted since everyone can use your temporary pool that you set up just for them
Use option A to perform the fix if needed - although I believe at this time you should just be able to move the column by hand.
Refill and toss the swimmers from the little pool into the big pool - they won't even notice!