There is a product out there if you need ideas. Something like Floating pond islands. It's a plastic tub (like the dish pan) with holes in the bottom, and suspended by a foam "Lifesaver" around the outer edge. Depending on your DIY ness, you could probable make the Lifesaver out of that pink styro. I wouldn't use the white/pellet styro, as once the pellets get loose, you'll never be rid of them. Just a caution with the Koi pond conversion. you pool filter is built for Chlorinated water, not pond water. It would require an upgrade to really filter a koi pond. If you want to go for the conversion, I would suggest koivet.com, in the message boards, for some people who have done it. Disclaimer, yes I am a moderator at Koivet, but I recieve no money or other benes for it. I just know that the thread was there several years ago. Greg

If your planning a pool installation here are some safety measures to consider. note: some measures will require infrastructure to be installed prior to finishing your pool. Speak to your pool professional prior to breaking ground. Automatic, Power Safety Covers PURPOSE: An impenetrable covering that completely covers the swimming pool, blocking access to water. Cover is operated electronically or by a key independent of all other swimming pool equipment. Fencing PURPOSE: To isolate the swimming pool by way of a minimum four-foot-high enclosure. Manual Swimming Pool Safety Covers PURPOSE: An impenetrable covering that completely covers the swimming pool, spa, or hot tub, blocking access to water. Door Exit Alarms PURPOSE: Warns parent or guardian when a child opens the door to the swimming pool area. Self-closing/self-latching devices for doors and latching devices for windows PURPOSE: Keeps all doors and windows leading to the swimming pool, spa, or hot tub area securely closed, limiting access by children. Fence Gate Closer & Latch PURPOSE: To close and latch fence gates securely, making a swimming pool, spa, or hot tub inaccessible to a child. Fence Gate Alarms PURPOSE: Sounds when fence gate is open to the swimming pool area. Infrared Detectors PURPOSE: Wireless detection alarm that sounds when the area around the swimming pool perimeter is entered. Pool Alarms PURPOSE: An alarm placed in the swimming pool that sounds upon detection of accidental or unauthorized entrance into the water. Child Alarms PURPOSE: An alarm clipped on the child that sounds when the child exceeds a certain distance or becomes submerged in water. Rope & Float Line A rope & float line should be placed across the pool, alerting swimmers to the separation of the deep end from the shallow end of the swimming pool. Life Ring, ShepherdÂs Hook All rescue equipment should be placed near the swimming pool in an easily accessible spot, and should be kept in good condition. These can be used to pull someone in trouble to safety. Posted Emergency Information Post all CPR, other emergency information, and warning signs, as well as the emergency phone number "911" (or other emergency medical service number), near the swimming pool, spa, or hot tub. Outside Telephone A cordless or poolside telephone means parents donÂt have to leave children unattended while they answer the phone. Also, itÂs a good idea to

Six, thanks for asking this question as I have been wondering as well. We've been speaking to contractors about a replaster to renovate our 35+ year-old-pool in the house we just bought, and all want to sandblast and presumably only chip down at tile line and fittings, no complete chip out. No one has really been direct in answering the question "If we do this now and agree to add a second layer of plaster for $15k without a complete chip out, when this plaster needs to be redone in 7-10-15 years, is a third layer of plaster going to require a complete chip out at somewhere much north of $15k, like $25k?" It seems like there must be some advantage to having the complete chip out up front - especially if it was the fault of the PB. If it's a $10K mistake and they put a second coat on now, have they just passed a $10K problem onto you for the future re-plaster? Wonder if anyone facing third-layer re-plaster experience could chime in with their thoughts. Some might feel it's a pay-now or pay-later type thing, you pay it all in the end, (like $15K for a straight re-plaster, $25K for re-plaster with chip out, doesn't matter which you do first, it's all $40k at the end) I like to know what I'm up against. Like right now we both have good jobs so could easier save up for the $25k but in 10 years, who knows?

jmoock, The replaster failure rate for chip-outs is near 0%. The failure rate for bonded replaster is probably closer to 8% based on my experience with both. I like the chip-out but it is more pricey. You will probably be happy with any of the finishes you listed. I like the quartz, which I am most familiar with. Good luck.