Decide to with regular concrete over stamped since i can only use pool 4 month ayear up here. This may be a dumb question but can you get this concrete without the brushed look? idont like the swirls/ridges just want a flat smooth finish. Any thoughts would be appreciated

I think the main reason to 'brush' the concrete is to make is less slippery (mostly when wet).

You could probably have a polished mirror finish if you wanted it, then you can ice skate all year around.

My guys did NOT charge any extra for the 'wet' release stamp. It is literally a big rubber stamp they beat into the concrete with a stick (with a big flat metal plate on the bottom).

http://youtu.be/8l_bOUvhqQU

Everything costs double here in MA must be nice to have an endless stream of cheap labor