I'm not quite sure who is fully responsible for the long wait, but I've been the squeaky wheel to both the pool builder and the plaster crew. Typically they just ignore me and don't respond. They are located four hours away so there is no visiting. I've been friendly every time as I don't have any other options. I have to be careful as the squeaky wheel gets the grease, but if it squeaks too much, it might just get replaced with a new one (i.e. never show up). My build started in November. I'm just glad I took charge and hired my own mason and concrete crew. They were much easier to deal with, communicated with me, and were more reliable.
Hopefully I'll have a pool to swim in before long and pictures to share on the forum.