I just got done digging out an in ground pool that was filled in by the previous owners. They didn't punch any holes in the bottom for drainage. They just removed the equipment, filled the pool with dirt and put astroturf over the top like it's a putting green. My plans are to have the coping, tile, plaster, and portions of the decking removed. Then I want to get the stairs redone (older parents won't be able to use the steep steps) as well as the plumbing roughed in. My wife wants to add a waterfall but that is up for debate.

My questions are too many to list but here are a few.

Is pebbletek that much better than regular plaster for a southern california pool?

What should I look out for when getting bids for the work I mentioned above?

Is salt water the best option if I don't like the overpowering smell of chlorine?

The only plumbing in the pool I see is the main drain(still need to move the dirt that collected so I can examine it) one small line that looks like maybe a return and one line that is threaded for maybe a suction/cleaning line. Does this sound right for a pool that is at least twenty years old?

The skimmer was filled with concrete but nothing else was. I was going to bust out this section of decking and at least replace the skimmer but should I consider having all the plumbing replaced even if I can get flow through the pipes?

I would post pictures if I could but I don't think I can yet.

Thanks a lot

Mike