You may have better luck if you post this in the discussion section - seems to be more traffic there.

Pebble Tec is not rough because, as the OP stated, the stones are tumbled. The stones in Pebble Sheen are much smaller, also tumbled, but in addition the Pebble Sheen is buffed before the pool is filled with water. We have Black Onyx Pebble Sheen and love it. The texture of the Pebble Sheen is very much like a basketball or football. To really choose between larger/smaller stones, you absolutely should have your pool builder or plaster company take you to at least one pool with the larger stones and at least one pool with the smaller stones. Be prepared to take your shoes off and step into the pools, so you can tell what it feels like underfoot.

Diamond Brite will vary in price BIGTIME. If your entertaining one of their premium colors like Midnight Blue you'll find out the upgrade cost isn't nearly as bad as if your jumping up from a Blue or a Blue Quartz. The price per bag, at my cost, is nearly $20 more per bag on Midnight -vs- Blue. And a pool uses a whole bunch of bags. My suggestion is go with Pebble Tec/Sheen. Just-a-pb, I've always paid the same for Sheen-vs-Tec on all pricing levels. Is this a promo from the Mfg to the applicator on a discounted price per bag, or is it something your applicator is doing on his own to drum up more Sheen applications? See ya, Kelly

Thank you all!!! My e-mail is sheri at shweri dot com. Would love any photos. Very appreciative! Is ocean blue darker than midnight blue? I thought they were same. Or do smaller pebbles end up changing color? And thus, is Turtle Bay, which folks here love, loved more than Emerald Bay? Funny, I saw a photo of one, but not labeled. I said, whatever this color is, that's the one I'm going to get. Pebbletec let me know it was Black Pearl. I do love the black ones, but nervous they will be too pondy in some lights. Or affect resale down the road. But they are gorgeous. You all have me sold on abalone! That's one decision down! Ah, that may be why Turtle Bay is seeming loved over Emerald Bay! Turtle Bay has enough I don't need to add any, right? Thank you again. You guys have been more help than PebbleTec, builder, and PT installer! And thanks natural_one for the offer of photos! sheri