We did exposed aggregate in the 2 aprons of our U-shaped driveway. I don't remember the cost because this was part of a large hardscape project w/most of the driveway being pavers. But I do remember that it came in many colors. Our paving guy brought over a whole bunch of zip-lock baggies with the different color mixes for us to choose.

No, it's not enough room unless your serviceman is a midget. It will also be likely to flood in a heavy rain. The motors don't like being submerged, even partially. The foam insulation will get wet and mold/mildew will form in places you can't get at. I don't like saying it but I have to. IMHO, sinking it into the ground, surrounded by concrete is not a good idea. There are a number of custom skinning products that can be used if you don't like the look of the side panels on the spa and want something that better matches the decor and color schemes you like for your backyard paradise. Happy Easter! Scott

ladyanglertx wrote: "I think Smbnobles, Stonesmama, and Tresw may have aggregate. You can do a search for their projects." We do indeed, below is a link to our build thread with a bunch of photos of it. We've been swimming for just over a year now and we love the exposed aggregate! As Kelly said, the aggregate size makes a difference in how it feels. Ours is small pea gravel. Also there are two types of this finish, the "seeded" type and the "integral" type (may go by different names). With the seeded type they pour regular concrete and then seed the gravel onto it and imbed it. My mom-in-law has that type and pebbles are constantly popping loose on hers. Ours is the integral type, the pebbles are mixed in at the batching plant and are therefore throughout the concrete. After they pour it, they let is set up a bit and then broom it to expose the pebbles. While our pool decking is only a little over a year old, our adjacent patio and sidewalk are around 10 years old and still look fantastic! I've had to power-wash them once, but other than that the finish has been maintenance-free. We looked at every deck finish when we did ours and cost wasn't nearly as big a concern to us as appearance. We actually liked the look of the exposed aggregate the best for our particular application. I don't think it would be as fitting for a Grecian or formal style pool, but for a more natural lagoon look it's perfect. Here is a link that might be useful: The pool life

too much acid exposure here! You can see here the difference between what was poured first (most of it!) and what they had to come back a week later to pour because our general contractor was not onsite to make sure they did it correctly to begin with! That's the two squares (vertically) right next to the new asphalt (they also did a terrible job on that transition!). So should we have them repour it all? They said if they did they would mess up the asphalt. And if they repour, they said we would still have the potential for giant holes forming at the corners when they cut the control joints and areas of too much exposure because of difference in shade and sun! Is this true?? HELP!!