Boy, this forum is dead! Not like the good ole days when GardenWeb ran it.

If the original plaster is sound and bonding, there's no need to chip it out. If there any hollow spots, those areas must be broken up and removed.

It's customary to cut below the tile line and around any fittings or lights and remove that plaster. This allows for the new plaster to "feather" in.

A bond coat must be applied prior to replastering so the old can bond with new.

Thanks for the comment. This is what I have found to be true for all of the builders I got quotes from. WHere do all of the pool builders and pool owners hang out now? Maybe TroublefreePools.com?

It's been quiet on this forum for a while now.