I guess I will take a stab at answering what I think the question is. IMHO, a mortared stone staircase is well beyond the ability of somebody without construction experience. There are too many things that have to be aligned, fit together, levelled, etc. A DIY stepping stone 'stair' is a totally different animal. However, it isn't going to be very solid. The idea is the stones are placed, then when they move, they are moved back. I'd avoid anything else other than the stones because it will just get in the way when the stones have to be replaced. The biggest issue for DIY with this is that larger stones will be less likely to move, but also much heavier to place. A hybrid type would be framing out the steps with landscape timbers, then paving them with dry-laid stone. This is very commonly done with pavers and brick, and should be doable with bluestone. It is a reasonable DIY job, though it will take time and effort.

Take the $711 credit for the Northstar... if you want a disposable softener get a Sears for less, it's the same thing. You will be smarter having the builder leave a softener loop (intercepting the water service), drain, and AC outlet and then bringing in a local water treatment professional to test your water and quote your needs.

I work for a builder so I have seen it many many times. I am with you about the texture, it looks too much like a wall for my taste. However, most of our customers that have it done have it stamped and stained with two different colors. The stamped spray deck we typically do looks more like rock. As far as chipping goes, we don't really have an issure with it except for springtime hail. Customers will call us over the tiniest imperfections about decks, but they paid good money for it so it's expected to last. I've noticed hail that is baseball size or larger will chip it. Here is a link that might be useful: stamped and stained spray deck pics

Love peeps that answer questions, with additional questions. OK. Have had 3 Meyco (same as Loop Loc) covers. All mesh......looks clean, but be ready for the clean up of silt at the Spring opening. Solid, with 2 mesh panels......again very clean look and less clean up of silt. Solid with pump. No silt in pool but water must be put in the pool under cover. All in all, there are pluses to each, with no minuses. Oh, we also have 3 golden retrievers that weight 85, 95 and 100 lbs. that love the water on top of the cover during the winter. The mesh holds their combined weight with no problems and the mesh is very durable with no toe nails rips. I would go with either of the the 2 mesh covers. Have worked for us for years. Good luck.