Ocean Blue

Almost everything in this color family is a single stone, Ocean Blue marble, which is why the two pages overlap. The stone page is the narrower cut; this family page also includes the one porcelain paver in a blue-gray stone look (Crater Blue) for a no-seal alternative. Ocean Blue is a dense gray marble with a soft blue cast and light veining, and it has become the standard pick for a cool, modern pool surround that is not plain gray.

Leather or sandblasted finish

Ocean Blue is sold in two textures, and the choice matters more than with travertine. Leather finish (40 products) is brushed to a low, soft sheen that deepens the blue and shows the vein clearly; it is the finish for a patio or a covered lanai. Sandblasted finish (38 products) has a fine matte grit that gives noticeably better wet traction and lightens the color a shade; it is the safer pick for the deck immediately around the water. A handful of tumbled pieces exist. Many builders mix them: sandblasted pavers on the deck, leather coping on the edge. Ask for a sample of each before deciding.

Coping and paver sizes

Pool coping leads with 44 products in bullnose (24), eased edge (20) and remodel, across 6x12, 12x24, 14x24, 16x24 and 4x9. The pavers run 16x24, 12x24, 6x12, 24x36, 24x24 and 24x48, with a few 36x36. Two 24x72 caps cover step treads and wall tops. Thickness is split between 1-1/4" and 2". The stone pool coping buyer's guide covers how to pick profile and size for the pool shape.

Pairing Ocean Blue

Ocean Blue coping over a white marble field (Ibiza White or Ice White) is the most-requested combination and reads crisp against turquoise water. Against a Silver travertine field it goes cooler and more tonal. Because marble is denser than travertine it stays flatter and more uniform, but it also runs warmer in full sun than a light travertine, so keep that in mind for a south-facing deck.