See what time I'm logging on? - This time of year = LONG work days

I can mix the stuff in ~ 1 minute (experience allows me to know the water to dry ratio and I use a 'margin' trowel to mix - real time savers) so have ~ the full 3 minutes to apply and trowel the stuff smooth. Folks mixing for the first time tend to take a couple+ minutes to get the mix to the correct consistency, which means it's got to be troweled smooth more quickly.

If you need a primer on troweling techniques, ask - but it will take me a few days to be able to provide that sort of detailed info - but someone else may help in the meantime.

(had you asked this question in Feb, when I was laid off - I'd have spent hours giving the details - maybe you should open your pool earlier LOL)