New user - a few questions about refinishing options

[PoolDoc]

One option you may want to look into, especially as a DIY project, it using epoxy paint. Kelley Technical makes the paint that I've always used, and it is a reliable product IF you follow the DETAILED instructions they have on their site:
http://www.kelleytech.com/olympic/

The nice thing for you is that you can use an epoxy patch to fill in bad areas, and then immediately follow with epoxy paint, and you can use the SAME finish on both surfaces. One caution: you cannot immediately coat cement (concrete, sorta) based patches with epoxy.

[samtex]

I spoke to a rep at Kelley and he said if I removed the old plaster, (and properly prepped the gunite) the primer would fill in the roughness of the gunite (as well as small cracks) and give a smooth surface to put the final coat on. Does that sound ok?

He also said his product would adhere to the fiberglass walls. (with prep & primer) He couldn't suggest what to use to repair the blisters, only saying it must be compatible with their primer. I am assuming an epoxy mixture over the grounded out blisters would work? Is there a difference in applying the primer to the gelcoat vs the epoxy repairs?

He said they have a product used as a caulking to fill in the seams. Does the primer and top coat stick to this well?

[samtex]

From what I have read so far, Kelley is the only supplier of epoxy paints that anyone is comfortable in recommending?

Are they helpful in answering questions before and during application?

[PoolDoc]

#1 - Kelley's products are inter-compatible, so long as you stay away from the rubber products. But, if you aren't sure, ask.
#2 - The Gunzite product has significant filling capability, but you may want to experiment with a gallon on a smaller area first. Remember that you MUST sand or roughen any primer that sits for more more than a week without being finished. The finish will NOT adhere well to fully cured primer. Also, the primers other than Gunzite do NOT fill gaps or roughness well.
#3 - I've seen some bad results with other paints. Kelley has more complete instructions than other companies I've looked it. I don't know that ALL of the products out there are inferior, but I've not been willing to experiment, personally. Kelley's products have performed as advertised IF (and only if) you follow directions. I *have* seen some severe failures with Kelley products when contractors did NOT follow instructions. In general, epoxy is not very forgiving.

On the other hand, plaster recoat quality is VERY dependent on contractor skill, and many aren't very skilled.