Stonescapes Tropics Blue vs Tahoe Blue (Images & Videos)
Choosing between Stonescapes Tropics Blue and Tahoe Blue is a difficult task as they’re both similar pool finishes. However, there are slight differences that do influence the final product.
Tropics Blue creates a dark blue finish, whereas Tahoe Blue creates a medium blue finish. However, Tahoe Blue creates a slightly greener, grayer finish because of the added blue/gray pigmented cement. This difference is more visible during overcast days, but on sunny days it’s very difficult to tell the two apart in my opinion.
Want to see further comparisons?
Check out my breakdown of Tropics Blue vs Midnight Blue
As with other interior finish articles, I’ll go over some of the noticeable differences between Tropics Blue and Tahoe Blue, sharing various pictures and videos where I can. I’ll also try my best to find some with added aggregates (Touch of Glass, Abalone Shell, etc.), as you can add these during the build.
Important to Remember!
The final look of your pool with be heavily influenced by other factors, including the weather, pool depth, climate, your pool builder, added aggregates, and the pool’s surroundings. So, although there are plenty of pictures below, yours might look a little different!
Water Color and Aesthetics
The difference between Stonescapes Tropics Blue and Tahoe Blue is so slight – you can barely tell the difference unless you have a keen eye! I’ve been working with these two popular finishes for many years and still trip up when it comes to identifying them.
Tahoe Blue produces a medium blue water color, but in certain conditions (particularly overcast days), you do tend to notice that it produces green and gray hues – a bit like Lake Tahoe itself, if you’ve ever been! However, I will admit it is hard to spot the green in this finish, especially if you have light-colored coping. I’ve noticed the gray elements are easier to spot, especially nearer the shelves and steps.
Tropics Blue, on the other hand, produces a darker blue aesthetic – similar to what I would describe as a tropical lagoon-type of color. It’s a crisp blue that sparkles when the sun hits it on those hot summer days, and it retains this light blue color in the shade which is helped by the added abalone shell. I would also argue that the blues in Tropic Blue are a lot richer and darker compared to Tahoe Blue.
When speaking with folks who’ve had these finishes installed, you tend to find more people opting for Tropics Blue. I think the green is emphasized a little too much with the Tahoe Blue finish, so some people are underwhelmed by the colors when their build is complete.
Quick Reminder:
Do always remember you can mix and match with your pool finish blends. I’ve seen people take Stonescapes Tahoe Blue and add abalone shell to create a gentle sparkle.
In these next few sections, I’ll go over how these two colors look in different climates and with different aggregate blends. I’ll also try my best to find different angles and surrounds, as these all play a part in how the final finish comes out.
Color in Sunlight
Color in Shade
Videos of Stonescapes Tropics Blue and Tahoe Blue
Tropics Blue Video
Tahoe Blue Video
How do the Aggregates Differ Between These Finishes?
Unlike other comparisons on this site, there are quite a few differences in the base aggregate blends between these two finishes. In particular, Tropic Blue has added abalone shell, and Tahoe has added gray cement. See the full mixes here:
- Tropics Blue: Tropics Blue is created through dark blue pigmented white Portland cement and black, gold, and white quartz aggregates. Abalone shell is also added, creating a unique shimmer.
- Tahoe Blue: Tahoe blue is created using blue and gray pigmented white Portland cement with added black and gold natural quartz aggregates.
Remember you can always add and remove different aggregates from these blends. Most of the time, your pool builder will give you suggest different blends and materials to create a finish that is unique to your pool.
How Do Different Blends Influence the Final Color?
As well as the base aggregate blend for these two colors, you will get the option to add other materials to spice up the final finish for your pool. These materials can include things like:
- Abalone shell
- Touch of Glass
- Puerto Rico blend
- Moon rock
- Mother of pearl
Each material when added to your pool finish blend can have a profound appearance to the finish color. It’s also a great way to add a bit of personality to your pool. After all, you want your build to be unique, right?
Just tread carefully when it comes to price. Adding additional materials to your aggregate blend can pump up the price, and you may find yourself paying way more than you first budgeted for. However, always consult your pool builder.
The following sections will go through some classic materials you can add to your Tropics Blue or Tahoe Blue mix. I’ll try and find decent pictures of how each material impacts the aesthetic of both these colors as well.
Tropics Blue and Tahoe Blue with Touch of Glass
Touch of Glass is kind of what it sounds like – it involves adding glass to the mix to create a distinctive shimmer. This can look great when the sun is out in all its glory.
Touch of Glass can be added by the bag and you can throw in as many bags as you want. Just be warned that adding too much can create a rough texture and white out the color. This is something to note if you’re planning on using Tahoe Blue, as this already has gray-pigmented cement.
Tropics Blue and Tahoe Blue with Abalone Shell
Abalone shell is composed of tiny, crushed-up shells that are polished to a high standard. These are added to pool finishes to create a sparkly/glittery effect, especially when added to tanning ledges.
Again, you can multiple bags of this stuff to your final blend. Just be warned it can come at a hefty price tag and the shells can degrade after extended use. I’ve even seen poorly made abalone shell create dark streaks at the bottom of a pool as they start to wear down.
It’s worth noting Tropic Blue already has abalone shell added to its base mix. So, you can already expect to get a nice sparkle when the sun hit this finish.
Tropics Blue and Tahoe Blue with Puerto Rico (PR) Blend
Puerto Rico blend is similar to Touch of Glass with the exception that the glass beads added are both colored and iridescent. This means they change color depending on what angle the sun is shining.
Puerto Rico blend can be added in various sizes, ranging from micro, small, and large. You can add as many bags as you want and it’s a common blend to through into the mix.
Texture Differences
Due to the abalone shell in Tropics Blue, you may find it to be a bit rougher than Tahoe Blue. However, this all depends on your pool builder, as a good pool builder will be able to create a slick finish without any rough patches.
Aside from the abalone shell, there won’t be any noticeable changes in texture.
The only variable that will definitely affect texture is the pebble size. For example, you’ll notice a considerable difference if you opt for something like mini pebble compared to regular pebble.
There may also be finite differences in texture when adding PR mix and Touch of Glass. However, I’ve never heard anyone complain about the feel of the pool after adding these materials.
Durability Differences
If you have a good pool builder, you’ll notice no differences in durability between Tropics Blue and Tahoe Blue. They will equally last a long time and you won’t notice any significant wear and tear in my experience.
The only thing I have noticed is abalone shell can degrade over time, especially when installed poorly. If your finish isn’t done to a high standard, you may notice black streaks and marks appearing at the bottom of your pool as the shell breaks down.
This is why it’s so important to vet your pool builder and get recommendations before you begin your build!
However, this only happens with abalone shell on rare occasions. 90% of the time, your pool will be fine.
Pricing and Upgrades
Determining the final price of these finishes is always difficult as there are several variables to consider. These include things like location, pool size, whether you added additional aggregates, and so on. So, it’s always best to consult your pool builder.
However, I can say with confidence there is usually an upgrade charge when selecting Stonescapes Tropics Blue. This is because of the added abalone shell.
In some cases, I’ve seen upgrade charges go as high as $1200-1400 for Tropics Blue. But this will depend on your pool builder.
Sometimes, you can get an upgrade for free, but I’ve only heard of this happening in competitive areas like Florida. Builders there will do anything to ensure you don’t go to a competitor down the road!
Conclusion – My Favorite
So, there you have it, a clear and thorough comparison of both Stonescapes Tropics Blue and Tahoe Blue. But, which one is the clear winner?
Truth be told, there is no winner – it all comes down to personal preference as well as other variables. Such as where you live, what surrounds the pool, pool depth, and so on.
In my own personal opinion, Tropic Blue is my favorite. I think it creates a consistent and crisp blue finish that shines beautifully during the summer. I know it comes with a higher price tag, but I do believe it’s worth it. Especially if you have a good pool builder who knows what he’s doing.
Let me know what your favorite is in the comments below and if you have any questions, ask away.