Quartzscape vs Stonescape Micro vs Colorscape

[poolguy968]

Hi folks, I'm currently in the process of picking the plaster for my pool and my contractor uses NPT products.

My goal is to pick a plaster type/color that
1) Feels very comfortable (nobody will ever complain about roughness, bleeding feet, etc)
2) Retains heat from the sun so I don't have to run the heater as much and can swim more days throughout the year.
3) Have good longevity and minimize the amount of maintenance and chances of having issues.

I went to the NPT show room and I saw the different *Scapes family of plaster products. To me it felt like the QuartzScape samples were all a lot softer and less rough than any of the Stonescape samples. The only Stonescape products that might be not too rough seemed to be the Stonescape Micro family.

My contractor also mentioned that there is something called Colorscape which is basically just like Quartzscape but slightly cheaper because you have to mix it yourself while Quartzscape is pre-blended.

My contractor also mentioned that for Colorscape and Quartzscape, you have to pick a lighter color because the darker colors fade very quickly. But the Stonescape supposedly maintains the darker colors much better.

So I guess my question is: based on your experiences, would you guys recommend using Quartzscape/Colorscape over Stonescape Micro? Or if you could go back and change your choice of plaster, then would you? I believe both QuartzScape and ColorScape are much cheaper than Stonescape so I'm worried if I may end up with a lesser quality product that'll fail earlier. I'm not sure why people go with Stonescape when it all feels so rough.

If you have knowledge/experience with NPT plaster products, in general which kind would you recommend the most? And if I just want the softest and most comfortable plaster, then should I just go with the basic white?

 

[kimkats]

I will tell you the plaster samples in the show room are not a true test of how it would feel in the pool. The samples have been touched and rubbed many, many times over the years by people just like you.

If you want the "softest and most comfortable plaster" then go with plain plaster without any kind of rock or stone in it.

 

[agjr85]

Do whatever the equivalent of Pebble Sheen from the NPT is. That gives you a semi smooth finish and durable plaster.

 

[poolguy968]

Thanks! I'm just wondering in terms of durability/longevity, about how much difference is there between plain white plaster and those various stonescape/pebble products?

Also based on experiences, do you think the color makes enough difference to the water temperature that it would allow you to possibly extend your swimming season a little bit (like if you were to go with a darker color vs a white plaster)

 

[agjr85]

I don't know that color will extend a season.
Color does make a difference in how hot the water can get during peak heat. Lighter pools will run a few degree's cooler than dark finished pools. I would factor in your local weather, how much shade your backyard has, how much sun you get, etc to help determine a color choice. I will say not many do dark pools, but it does like nice when it's meant as part of the design, also if you live in a hot climate and can fork out for a chiller, then problem solved.

A stone level plaster is stronger by design, if the pool water is maintained well the stone finish will out last the quartz. Base marcite plaster, anywhere from 7-10 years before you have to look at having it redone. Factor in your initial upfront cost vs delayed refinish in the coming years. If you only plan to be in the house a few years, then no biggie and let the next owner eat it, just time your depart right otherwise it will be something a new buyer will count against you.

 

[HKpool2023]

I am not an expert since this is my first pool, but I have NPT Quartzscape and it really feels smooth with no roughness, I have no experience with stonescape, but one of my friend has pebble tec pool ( not sure the specification) and mine is much smother