cword - The diamond brite ocean blue plaster is a mix of 4 midnight blue + 4 french grey + 2 onyx for a total mix of 10 bags per mixed batch. Its difficult to describe the color in words and the pictures do not do the color justice. The plaster changed dramatically for the first few weeks as the plaster was brushed - initially the french grey was too overpowering for my taste. After a month the color is very deep and somewhat of a dark blue in the shade and a rich blue in the sun. I have black fittings and I can seem them in the deep end easily in the sun - in the shade it may be just a little more difficult to make them out but I would in no way say it is difficult to see the bottom of the deep end of the pool (8ft) in either sun or shade. The blue color is not natural here in the Houston area - our smaller natural bodies of water tend to be milk choclate in color. I have a 0.25 acre pond in the back of my property so the contrast is a little amusing but there are a large number of trees between the pool and the pond to break up the sight lines.

Thanks everyone. I haven't commissioned my own water test but i've read the reports from my water district on quality and I gather there's nothing particularly nasty. But more importantly, i've seen the condition of the pre-filters on my RO system after a short time and i've smelled the chlorine in the shower, so i'm convinced that a filter is needed (I've ordered the Rhino EQ-300). weissman, I checked the owner's manual of my KA KUDE70 dishwasher... Nowhere does it claim to heat its own water, although it repeatedly mentions the need for 120-degree (F) incoming water (stating the lack of which could be the cause for most all potential performance issues :-). Besides, I'll be happy to have immediate hot running water from the faucet without having to let it run for nearly a minute (so I've also bought the pou water heater :-). Still hoping for recommendations on instant hot water dispensers (near-boiling for coffee / tea ). On this, perhaps I could consider a hot-only dispenser (like the KitchenAid) if I could find a good main faucet with an integrated cold filtered water output - it seems I've seen such a thing somewhere (I'm also shopping for the kitchen faucet fixtures). Regarding the post-whole-house-filter drinking water filter, I'm still undecided... I like the purity & taste of the RO-filtered water, and although I probably miss the benefit of fluoridated water, I'm not otherwise worried about mineral deficiencies or other claims of health risks from drinking RO-filtered or distilled water (but I really don't like the wasted water aspect of the RO filter). Aquasana has offered a deal on their better under-sink drinking water filter (based upon my purchase of their Rhino unit), but I can't put it in front of the instant-hot tank or an ice maker... just over-thinking stuff, brian

Crafterbeth, I am so glad you are getting some rest. I have only been to Novia Scotia. We plan to make a trip with our kids to PEI this summer. I would love to visit your little piece of Heaven. It looks just like Memphremagog but far more beautiful and less crowded. We love Memphremagog in the summer and ski at Owl's head in the winter. Canada is full of beautiful treasures that are pleasing to the soul, eyes and mind. Now get well soon so you can return to your healthy marathons. And it is wise to have saved some pennies buying in the US. I am sure there are some tiles stores that could ship to one of the tile suppliers in Maine and you could get backsplash tiles in a reasonable price. One idea might be to go with the subway that you like. It will be easier to find thus cheaper. Then order a little flashy piece of tile in a color to match the ubatuba granite. Create your own piece of art with the subways. It will be cheaper than trying to find tile similar to your favorite and in a way might be more beautiful. The decorative piece can be ordered by a tile shop in Maine. This is where you would splurge just a tiny bit for a bit of excitement. Have everything shipped to Maine. Here are some visuals to think about. ~boxerpups Accent tile Trinity distinctive designs Subway Backsplash in one color with a row of accent tile Mosaics BS Here is a tile pattern you could follow, Visit Modwalls.com Glasstileoasis.com Lowes.com

Usually people do like the deeper tubs for bathing. The size of Bellwether you are looking at is what I have. I didn't have the space for the 2" extra space, and I liked the clean lines of the Bellwether. I also only used that bathroom for an occasional bath. I used that bathroom mostly for bathing children so this height is better too even though my kids are grown there is a chance that this family farm house will see future generations, bathing kids :) I don't have a shower in this room. So, for bending over to bath kids and or pets, I like the shorter height. I love the clean lines too. Regarding interior size, it is a bit longer than the other tubs I looked at which I liked. It is narrow, but I fit in it just fine. I'm 5'7", I weight about (don't tell anyone) 195lbs. Granted the wider bath would be nice but it works for me with the occasional bath that I take. If you like the looks of the toto, get that. I don't think the extra height will be an issue at all unless you have mobility issues. Do put up a grab bar at the side (and at the back). This will take planning because there will need to be blocking installed between the studs, when the walls are open, the length of bar you will be installing. My side bar is 18" and the bar I put at the end is 24" and is used as the towel bar. I didn't want an actual towel bar in that location in case I should fall, I know I would grab it, and didn't want to pull it out of the wall. I think every thing in or near the tub should be rock soild. I don't seem to be able to link my photobucket picture to this sight. Photobucket looks different too:(