Tile with pattern around indoor swimming pool

We have put in a swimming pool with a concrete floor around. We had colour concrete in hopes it would suffice for a finished floor... unfortunately it was botched!

We purchased *a lot* of 12x12 tiles (1200sqft) with some 8 inchers to create a little pattern to outline the pool.

To edge the pool, I purchased some plastic edging.

I have a couple of questions before I proceed..
1. Should I start from the pool and work my way outwards? (the pool is supposed to be 16x38, but is off a few inches)
2. When I lay the tile, what is the best way to accommodate the "extra" couple of inches around the pool perimeter? (I want as few tile cuts as possible, obviously)
3. I have a hot tub (empty) that has to be moved and re-moved to where it will ultimately rest. How should I proceed with tiling under where it goes?

Thanks in advance

 

you seem to be on the verge of quite an under taking.there are so many things to take into accout in this situtation. starting at the pools edge is a good idea. this will allow a uniform perimiter to the pool as well as a finished edge to the tile at the plastic edging.realise this edge strip my flex, which may (ok... will) fail to prevent water from seeping into or under the tile. hydro-static pressure is your biggest worry. seal this area well. additionally the installation of the tile on the deck must allow for drainage. this is farily simple on small areas,a pool deck is a nother matter. if you are careful and keep your 6' level close by your can maintain a gentle slope.modifyed thin-set is a must. setting the floor in a brick pattern may help to mask the out of sq. problems. lay out a few feet to see if you like the look of the patterns. puddles on the deck caused by low areas will mildew and discolor the grout as well as becoming a slip hazard take it slow you don't want to create a new problem by attempting to fix the concrete man's error....oh yeah.....
sew the s..t out of them for botching the job.the world needs less "hacks"
good luck
brianmac