Thanks for all the replies. Patrick_B, you're right, this should have been very clearly spelled out in the bid. When the sales guy was here, he told us verbally they would scrape off all plaster, although not necessarily to the gunite unless it was necessary (per the cracks on the bottom). When we discussed the possibility of total delamination, that would have cost us another $1,000. My husband had to physically go out there and ask about the cracks, as the crew was just going to go right over them - the only reason they chipped them out was because he was standing there and asked them to. Now, we have asked for a total delam, and we are being told since they already prepped it, it's now $1,700. NOT impressed with this so far. I suggested they stick to the total delam for $1,000 since this has not gone the way we were told it would go.
Golderdog, our pool is 14 years old and considering its age, it is not in bad shape (it has been hardly used until we bought the house). The steps and sundeck were chipping on the edges and the plaster everywhere else was wearing off and had discolored. We are doing plaster bottom. We considered a pebble bottom but we have a lot of other work to do in our backyard. I should post photos in another thread for you... when the house and pool was built, someone thought it was a good idea to plant a bunch of crape myrtles around the pool. Those have been removed, the very minimal pool decking has been expanded into a beautiful stone patio, and we have yet to fill said patio with high quality furniture, build an outdoor kitchen, add outdoor speakers and shade, and landscape the backyard. It's literally a blank slate.
Here in Austin we had weather delays too... but nothing like MN, where I came from. I'll take winters and their related delays here any day!