We're in the middle of our Texas pool build and getting ready to plaster. We opted for Tropics blue mini pebble but our PB modified the shell content. He reduced the amount of shell from the standard mix and will set it in instead of mixing (to increase visibility). We want to increase the abalone shell content but I have no idea how many bags we should add. The pool is approximately 16k gallons and we are being offered a price of $200 per bag. Thanks for any assistance.
How much abalone to add? Stonescapes Tropics Blue
- Thread starter occufit
- Start date
Welcome to TFP!!!I do not know that answer to your question and would defer to any installers
I have read some negatives about adding shells though ... like them turning black as they break down. Although that is probably a very rare occurrence.
Also, PB said he could hand set the bags on the floor only instead of adding to the mix. This would mean no shell on the side walls.
My PB Pebble crew hand set the abalone on the sides and floor. They used smaller brown paper bags and about 4 guys tossed the shells by hand all over the walls and floor, towards the end of the trowelling process - the y called it feeding the chicken and they clucked when they were doing it, very amusing. Not sure how much stuck, because in the end I feel like there isn't much impact from adding the shells, I see a few shimmers or sparkples from the shells here and there but not many - kinda depends on the angle. But they also did it for free in exchange for 9 carne asada burritos and large Coke's
Tropics blue owners, do y’all have any finished pictures of the Stonescapes tropics blue mini pebble?
Decision time for me.
Decision time for me.
- May 23, 2015
- 25,699
- Pool Size
- 16000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
You should ensure that the abalone shell is being procured from a reputable source and is “pool grade” material. Abalone is a natural products created by an ocean mollusk that uses enzymes to self assemble its shell. The shell material naturally has protein residues in it. If those residues are not destroy by a proper autoclaving process, they will react with your plaster and chlorine and over time leave brown stains all over your pool. This is a well-documented problem with abalone material.