I would assume that this is the same product based on three things. 1st, I always ask lots of direct questions in regards to new products because I've never been a fan of switching products because of my referral network. I strive to provide the same equipment and building materials year in and year out. The last thing I want is a buyer telling me that he didn't get what so and so got and asking me why. What I was told was literally word for word what you pasted here ""MARQUIS is a factory blended mixture of polymer modified cement, quartz aggregates and various admixes specifically designed as an exposed aggregate coating for the interior of swimming pools." 2nd- your quote here - Bluestone: provides a blue tint - Bluestone w/Black: provides a deeper blue then plain Bluestone - Marina: slight green tinit to blue - Marina w/Black: a deeper green tint to blue I wasn't told color names but was told that you can darken a color slightly by mixing black dye into the mix 3rd- When responding to a direct question about how colors were achieved I was told that Oyster was the initial base and the different colors are achieved by dying the base Oyster matrix according to their mixing amounts and then if you choose adding a tad of black to darken slightly. My supply house, although the largest in the world, doesn't like the fact that they have to stock all the different bags of premixed exposed aggregate pool finishes. Many move well while many set idle as the pool buyers don't choose them. Utilizing this Mfg's product means that all they have to do is stock the base and the different containers of the coloring agent. Note, I haven't spoken to the Mfg's salesman in person. This was all discussed over some after work dinner and beers with my sales rep from the supply house. When he calls me to discuss new products at my favorite bar and grill near the house I never refuse. I ask as many direct questions as I feel are relevant to the product and my organization and as equally as important what's the WIIFM (salesman's acronym for "what's in it for me") I hate to sound like a Ho but there has to be a WIIFM to justify jumping when you make the amount of volume purchases as I do. There are lots of zero's for the Mfg from the distributor who I pay all of my zero's to. I'll call my man on Monday and get the name of the Mfg. All we discussed was ballpark pricing and I haven't seen literature from him. Although he told me the Mfg's name I forgot it, he did call it Marquis and it was from a Mfg in Florida. See ya, Kelly

I am wondering how the steel blue stands up to time (fade, etc.). Does anyone here have any pictures of the steel blue and if so, what are your thoughts on going with this color? I am days away from having to choose a color for my own pool. Thanks!

jillyjack, SGM produces/sells Diamond Brite and Diamond Quartz. The 3M product is called Colorquartz Crystals. NPT sells a product that is called QuartzScapes. NPT is a distributor and most likely purchases 3M or SGM product. Diamond Brite is an exposed aggragate finish and the quartz products are additives. So many similar and competitive products make it difficult for PB's and customers. The applicator(plaster contractor) is usually the one that picks which product thay are going to offer in consultation with the PB. Limitations include franchise agreements, inventory considerations, training, and distribution outlet locations. In some areas it isn't practical to offer a large inventory of product. Unhappy customers are usually the result of poor application or poor start-up procedures. All of these products look good when done properly. Problems occur when applicators are asked to use a product that they may not be familiar with. Happens more than you might think when customers want something different than everybody else.

I know this thread is years old, but Teppy, if you're still around, would be very interested in a picture of the DB blend that you ended up with (as well as how you feel about the DB after almost 10 years). Generally interested if others have recent input re DB or other finishes - we are in the midst of new pool construction and trying to figure out surface finish. We had originally intended to go with just regular old white plaster (marcite), as that is what we have in our pool in Florida that was built in the early 80s and has never been refinished and is still in decent shape. But now we have learned, and keep hearing, that marcite is not the same as it used to be (mainly b/c they can no longer use asbestos in the mix) and doesn't hold up anything like it used to, so we are thinking to avoid that. We're thinking probably an aggregate of some sort, but want a pretty smooth surface (DON'T like PebbleTec at all). Our pool builder is most familiar with DB, but we're also talking to a company that uses Wet Edge products - we particularly like the Luna Quartz line. So any experiences re Diamond Brite, Wet Edge, or any other surface finishes for that matter, would be most appreciated. Thanks!