We did everythying except the the vermiculite/cement (DIY poolcrete), but that was only because my husband did not the week he would have needed to get the job done. (It was already October and we needed to get the liner in before it got too cold here in Maryland). We hired someone experienced who, with his two-man crew, did the job in 1 1/2 days.

It was a pretty big job. Our pool is "L" shaped. The long side is 20 x 44, 10.5' deep end, 4.5' play area. The bottom of the "L" is the entrance/shallow area, 16 x 16, 3.5' deep.

On the advice of another DIY'er, before we installed the liner, DH went over the entire sides and bottom of the pool with a flat edge and sandpaper to take off the trowel marks (ridges) smooth out the surface. Afterwards, we vacuumed and, last, cleaned it with damp towels. That took about 4 solid hours, and it was probably the best four hours we spent.

Our pool bottom is smooth as silk. There is one minor dip and a single footprint from when Ronnie got out of the pool, but you really have to be looking for them when the light is on.

It is possible to get a smooth bottom, but you have have a good poolcrete base and be willing to make it smooth yourself after the poolcrete cures. Jo