We just decided on stonescapes tropics blue for a medium blue just like yours or at least I hope! We will also do beads and shells. So my question to you is what color beads did you put in and having your pool for over a year now would you change the color of the beads and if so to what?
And thank you for the compliment
Hi Will!
Love the "Mama Suz"!!!
Thank you for the very high compliment of trying to get close to my plaster color!
Being honest, the black pebbles make me think sometimes there's black algae. However, my numbers are good and water is clear, so, clearly, I'm paranoid. I blame it on the PTSD I have due to my traumatic build experience.
I think the black helps darken the blue color, though, so I wouldn't remove it because I wouldn't want my water lighter. In fact, I LOVE a darker finish (JaimieP's and twinkiesmom). Both of their pools caused me to really wish I had their color options. But, I do love my pool and thankfully it all came together.
The beads and abalone were part of the plaster mix I chose, as Suz mentioned. I did request extra abalone from my PB because other builds just ahead of mine really encouraged asked for extra because the sparkle and shine was so incredible. My PB didn't charge me for it, but he also was noncommittal on the amount of extra (if any) I would receive.
My pool was plastered twice. The first round, I was there and asked the installer about the extra shells. He assured me they had it. Then I watched him get on the phone and about 30 minutes later a man showed up from the pool company with a narrow long bag (maybe 4x8") of what was clearly crushed shells. I think maybe they hand cast some of those but only maybe 1/2 the bag was used, if that. When they were done, it looked sparkly but not as much as I had hoped. Then they had to replaster.
I made sure to remind the PB and the installer to include the extra abalone. This time, there was exponentially more shells. They show up really well in pictures and are visible all over the pool. There is a heavy concentration on all the benches, steps, tanning ledge and in the spa. They are visible on the wall and all over the floor. I think they did it heavier because they felt bad about having to replaster. There is a HUGE difference in the amount of shells the 2nd time vs the first. Again, I wasn't charged a dime for it, so I have no idea about the cost.
Moral of the story, get as much as you can!! BUT verify the quality of the shells with the PB or talk to other POs that he has plastered and used shells. Make sure they are not having trouble with their shells turning brown. It hasn't been an isdie for me, but others on here have had that problem.
It's gonna be GORGEOUS!!!
