Thanks for the input, funinthesun. I did see a pool this afternoon and the pebble color up close did not bother me, I didn't really notice the blue pebbles, but thought the white and gold pebbles gave a really cool effect to the water. It was the random blotchiness that gave me pause. Do you recall whether the Midnight Blue pools you saw looked blotchy?

Was the 'blotchy' effect that you see maybe a 'concentration' of more pebbles in some areas???? We did have that and the problem was rectified after an additional acid wash and diligent brushing with the aliminum brush for a few weeks. But we didn't have any areas that were blotchy (or differences in shades of color) in the plaster of sort that is the base for the pebbles. Nor did I see any in the other pools we looked at. I felt VERY GOOD about the plaster company my pool builder used--be very leery of some 'inexperienced' plaster companies that attempt a pebble pool. The lack of experience with a pebble finish may be why a pool ends up 'blotchy'. I am not -- and do not claim to be an expert of pebble pools -- but did gain alot of info while talking to alot of people. Hopefully one of the pool builders on this forum could help you in what to look for. BUT...I see your plaster is being applied tomorrow--just ask them how often they put in a pebble finish. And remember to get all black drains, outflows, and pool cleaner--I've seen a few awesome dark plaster pools looking ridiculous with white fixtures. These are putin by the plaster company. Good Luck!!!! I'm sure your pool will look FANTASTIC!!! You'll have to post pictures for all to see...

I think the blotchiness probably was due to pebble concentration, so it's good to hear that an additional acid wash and brushing may help (although I'm going to go into it with positive thinking that it will be perfect out of the gate). My pool contractor is very much an artisan and says the crew doing the pebble finish is the only one he has worked with for years and they are extremely good. I'm hoping someone else with lots of experience will respond in the next 12 hours, lol, to give specific advice about things that can be done to try to ensure an even finish.

Good point about the black drains, etc. We will be getting Colorlogic lights so I'm excited about that also. We're also adding an outdoor barbeque and have revamped our outdoor patio structure by putting a solid pitched roof on it to turn it into an outdoor room. I'll definitely post pics when all is finished (although finished landscaping and pottery/fountain features will likely take several more months to complete.

Funinthesunincl - Well, I asked my pool contractor about the black drain covers in light of your comments. He said his pebble crew actually covers the drain covers and outflow with the pebble. They applied the pebble all day today and the way they painted/pebbled the drain covers looks amazing. Now they will totally blend in!

Tomorrow is acid wash and then fill, so fingers and toes crossed that it does not end up with lots of blotchy spots. It was a perfect day here weatherwise and the crew was professional and efficient, so I really hope we love it. I will post pics after it's all balanced, probably next weekend, since I will be traveling on business most of the week.

dkdollie...
Your pool is going to look fantastic!!!! That is great that your pebble crew will 'guise' the drain covers with pebble-that is surely the way to go. Sounds like you're set with a good plaster crew!! I can't wait to see pictures---but remember--it takes a couple weeks to get the clear water and have the true pool water color to show through. How exciting---you'll have a great summer!!!! Good Luck!