Thanks, Meow and Will... we are really happy with how it turned out. Looked a little bluer (and clearer) today. Will try to get some more pics tomorrow.
Esloser, the plaster was starting to get rough. Pool also had some stains from a yaupon holly that dropped berries into it and just old age. We didn't think it looked that bad, well, until we drained it. Then we saw what rough shape it was in. Wanted to replace the finish before it degraded any further and caused problems with the integrity of the gunite.
Never did like the white finish. We built a pool at our home in San Antonio way back in 1988 and used a plaster called Mountain Stream green.... made it look just like a pond. That pool had a rock waterfall which had palms and banana trees planted behind it. This pool came with the house. Liked the design (although I would have made it deeper) but just was waiting for the plaster to start wearing out so I could change the color.