Hi Packerfan, We are new to this, also in So Cal, and just posted our new pool build stats with some questions today; (North County San Diego pool + putting green). I'd love to see more pictures and any helpful websites you found in the process of building your beautiful pool! Nancy

What part of Louisiana are you in? I'd feel reasonably certain that I could find you an excellent local (SE Texas) pool plaster contractor for less if your in the southern Louisiana area, as slow as it has been they'd probably entertain going to northern Louisiana too. At the level you were quoted you could probably get an upgrade plaster such as an exposed quartz crystal finish from this company. Did your potential contractor mention why they wanted to chip out all the old plaster? Normally the chip method is tomahawking the existing every 3 to 5 inches and/or using a bonding agent. However, if your existing pool finish is delaminating (blistering) you'll need to remove all of the lifting area. If it's something you feel you may be intersted in let me know. Otherwise, follow Scott's suggestion and get a few more bids from some of your local applicators. See ya, Kelly

stir fryi: This forum is full of advice and experiences both good and bad in regards to fiberglass pools, gunite pools, and vinyl liner pools. The professionals that contribute to this forum believe in whatever product they build, install, repair, or maintain and are going to be somewhat biased in their opinions. The homeowners are no different in that regard in the contributions that they make. The best advice I can give you is to do your homework. I'm not just talking about the research that you may do on the internet which is full of information both pro and con about fiberglass pools. If you are talking to your local fiberglass pool builders go look at their jobs, both recent installs and pools that are a few years old. Talk to the customers they installed them for and ask them about how they were treated and if they were happy with the customer service during the pool build as well as afterwards regarding warranty issues. Do the same with the gunite builders and vinyl liner builders until you feel comfortable that you have all the information "first hand". There may not be a reputable builder of fiberglass pools in your area. Does that mean that fiberglass pools are a bad product? Of course not, it just means that you don't have a decent builder in your area. The same goes for gunite or vinyl liner. It all boils down to the builder. Do they have the reputation for doing the right thing or the wrong thing?

Not to worry. You can use GE 100% silicone to reset the broken piece in place. The silicone with set up underwater. Put a small amount on the back of the broken piece and push in place. Wipe the excess away.