Quartzscapes/Colorscapes finish and color questions: new and confused

We are doing a major pool remodel in AZ. Added a large sun shelf, raised the depth, added seating. We (think we are) planning to glass tile the sun shelf, the water line, and the rise of the connected hot tub. I now need to decide on the interior finish. I can't seem to find reliable answers to the following questions, and I hope someone here can help me out. All of these questions pertain to NPT Quartzscapes and Colorscapes.

1. First off, is this accurate: If I go with a white/not color-pigmented/enhanced base color, not a darker blue or gray, do I have less of a chance of seeing the mottling/blotchiness that seems to be present in the darker base color choices? I would like a darker shade of water, but if it means less chance of problems appearing, I may change my mind to go with one of the lighter colors.

2. Quartzscapes Reflections: Their website says "add a sprinkle of sparkle to any pool finish." OK. Does this mean that the reflections line is not really it's own line, but is just something to be added into one of the other finishes they offer?

3. On their website it says that "adding a higher percentage of colored ceramic quartz crystals can bring dramatic depth to the water color." I understand this...in theory. But in practice, I'm not so sure. Is this an option with both finishes? Any way to get a handle on what the end result will be of adding more colored crystals to any particular pre-mix? And would adding more crystals to a white/not pigmented plaster be the way to get a deeper water color with less chance for obvious mottling (Question 1 above)?

4. Do the Colorscapes "ceramic coated color quartz crystals" strengthen or add longevity to the pool finish in the way that adding quartz does to a pool?

5. Can you actually see the multi-colored 'bits' in either Quartzscapes or Colorscapes in the installed finish? Just on the shallow steps? To a few feet depth? Or does it read as simply an overall color?

Thanks for any help!
 
Here are some links to help you get the best plaster job you can no matter what color you end up getting:
Trouble Free Pool
Trouble Free Pool
Ten Guidelines for Quality Pool Plaster Best one of all
Not All Color Pigments are Good for Pools How to pick a good color for plaster.

Now I am going to try to go done your list:

1.Lighter colored plaster does not SHOW the streaking/mottling/blotchiness as much as the darker colors. It is still there IF the installers are not top notch and the above links were not followed.

2. I am not sure and would like you to call the company and ask them. Please share what they say so we can both learn from it.

3.Adding extra beads and such will change the overall color of the water. Add more dark blue then the overall color will be darker and go from there..................The different depths will look different just like in the ocean. It is how the sun reflects and how shadows affect the colors.

4. Great question that I don't know the answer to for sure. I know what my gut says but will call in someone who can tell us @bdavis466

5. Depending on how the sun is hitting the water and the ripples on the water you can see the different bits if you are close to the plaster such as under water with goggles on. Mostly it is an overall color seen in the water.

Kim:kim:
 
Picking color was the most difficult part of all of my research. So many sites have pictures and old or inaccurate color description, I think it would be helpful for other people in construction if we do a sound off with just a picture of our pool and the name of finish/plaster used. Make it a sticky thread in “under construction”, thoughts everyone?
 
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That is something we have been asked for before. I am a teacher so off in the summer. I am making it a summer time project to go through some of the builds and finding their colors and making a sticky with good examples of some of the colors. Until then you will have to use what you find online.
 
That is something we have been asked for before. I am a teacher so off in the summer. I am making it a summer time project to go through some of the builds and finding their colors and making a sticky with good examples of some of the colors. Until then you will have to use what you find online.

KK,
If we all just took one or two of our existing pool pics and replied to a thread with name and color, it would be done for you.

then you could enjoy your summer looking at all of our blingy pool pics!!!
 
Hello. I was fearful of the color motting so I went with a lighter color Quartzscapes Super Blue but wanted a more blue color in the water. I had them add two extra bags of blue quartz and I'm very happy with the color outcome. With the extra blue quartz the shallow areas don't appear too grey or white which I like. I also went with a lighter color because of the Texas summers and the lighter color will not heat up as fast. Hope this helps some.
 
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Hello. I was fearful of the color motting so I went with a lighter color Quartzscapes Super Blue but wanted a more blue color in the water. I had them add two extra bags of blue quartz and I'm very happy with the color outcome. With the extra blue quartz the shallow areas don't appear too grey or white which I like. I also went with a lighter color because of the Texas summers and the lighter color will not heat up as fast. Hope this helps some.
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I showed pictures to my pebble guy as they know what the end result will look like, maybe more than someone in a showroom, or that was my uneducated thought process was.. I initially went in NPT and got ideas but then sent the finish guy pool pics I liked.
 
The getting a hold of the former builds people that would be the hard part I think. If you want to start a thread I will MOD it and remove any extra stuff that may be thrown in. Make the title very clear for what you are looking for. Make sure to @ me when you start it and I will jump right in with you!

kim:kim:
 

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Hello. I was fearful of the color motting so I went with a lighter color Quartzscapes Super Blue but wanted a more blue color in the water. I had them add two extra bags of blue quartz and I'm very happy with the color outcome. With the extra blue quartz the shallow areas don't appear too grey or white which I like. I also went with a lighter color because of the Texas summers and the lighter color will not heat up as fast. Hope this helps some.
 
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