Refreshing Pool → Benjamin Moore
The closest Benjamin Moore matches for Behr Refreshing Pool (PPU13-07), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Benjamin Moore Equivalent for Refreshing Pool
If you love Behr Refreshing Pool but need a Benjamin Moore alternative, you are not alone. This is one of the most common cross-brand paint matching searches, whether you are working with a painter who prefers Benjamin Moore, your local store does not carry Behr, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.
Refreshing Pool (PPU13-07) is a medium-dark blue with cool pool blue undertones. A cool, medium blue-gray with a refreshing aquatic quality. More saturated than Reflecting Pool, less dark than a navy. The color of a clean swimming pool in shade. To find a good Benjamin Moore match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 35) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Refreshing Pool and every Benjamin Moore color using the CIE2000 Delta E formula, which measures how different two colors look to the human eye. A Delta E under 2 means most people cannot tell the colors apart. Between 2 and 4, you might notice a difference in certain lighting. Above 5, the difference is clearly visible side by side.
The results are decent but not perfect. The closest Benjamin Moore option is Boothbay Gray (HC-165) with a Delta E of 4.4, which is a "good match" level match. Boothbay Gray is lighter. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
Benjamin Moore Matches for Refreshing Pool
Boothbay Gray is lighter.
| Refreshing Pool | Boothbay Gray | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 35 | 34.54 |
| Hex | #A3B6B8 | #ACB7B8 |
| Undertone | Cool Pool Blue | Soft Blue-Gray |
| Family | Blue | Blue |
Undertone Comparison
Refreshing Pool has cool pool blue undertones. A cool, medium blue-gray with a refreshing aquatic quality. More saturated than Reflecting Pool, less dark than a navy. The color of a clean swimming pool in shade.
Boothbay Gray has soft blue-gray undertones. A soft, coastal blue-gray from the Historical Collection. Named for the Maine harbor town. Lighter and more approachable than Van Deusen Blue, with a nautical charm that works in both coastal and contemporary homes.
These two colors share the same undertone family, which is a good sign for a cross-brand swap. The undertone similarity means they will behave similarly as lighting changes throughout the day, and they should coordinate well with the same accent colors, trim, and furnishings.
How These Colors Behave in Different Lighting
Refreshing Pool in Your Room
The blue is definite and refreshing. In bright rooms, a soft medium blue. In dim rooms, a sophisticated gray-blue. Cool and clean.
Boothbay Gray in Your Room
In bright light, the blue is soft and present. In dim rooms, the gray calms it into a sophisticated neutral. The coastal quality makes it feel fresh and relaxed in any setting.
LRV and Brightness
Refreshing Pool has an LRV of 35, while Boothbay Gray has an LRV of 34.54. These two colors reflect a very similar amount of light, so you should not notice a significant difference in room brightness when switching between them. The room will feel approximately the same in terms of light and space, which makes this a smoother transition.
Best Rooms for Refreshing Pool
Behr recommends Refreshing Pool for: bathroom, bedroom, office, accent wall, living room. With an LRV of 35, this is a medium-dark color that is in the medium range, adding real depth and presence to a room. It works best in rooms with good natural light or as an accent wall color. In smaller or darker rooms, pair it with bright white trim to keep the space from feeling closed in.
Boothbay Gray is recommended for: bedroom, bathroom, living room, hallway, kitchen. The recommended applications differ slightly between brands, but the color's properties should work in the same rooms regardless of which brand you choose. Trust the LRV and undertone data more than the specific room suggestions, and always test in your actual space.
Refreshing Pool in Other Brands
Looking for Refreshing Pool equivalents in other brands besides Benjamin Moore? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Benjamin Moore match for Refreshing Pool (PPU13-07) is Boothbay Gray (HC-165) with a Delta E of 4.4, which rates as a "good match" match. Boothbay Gray is lighter. Delta E measures perceptual color distance on a scale where under 2 means nearly identical, 2 to 4 means close with subtle differences, and over 5 means clearly noticeable.
No, they are not identical. Refreshing Pool is a Behr color with cool pool blue undertones and an LRV of 35. Boothbay Gray is a Benjamin Moore color with soft blue-gray undertones and an LRV of 34.54. With a Delta E of 4.4, you will likely notice a difference, especially in bright or direct lighting. Paint formulations differ between brands, so even colors with similar values can look slightly different due to pigment concentration, binders, and finish.
With a Delta E of 4.4, the difference is enough that they should not be used on adjacent walls in the same room. You can use them in separate rooms of the same house, but be aware that walking from one room to the other may reveal the difference, especially if the rooms have similar lighting. For the most consistent look, pick one brand for all connected living spaces and reserve the other brand for visually separate rooms like bathrooms or bedrooms behind closed doors.
There are several practical reasons to look for a Benjamin Moore equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in Benjamin Moore. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing Benjamin Moore work, matching within the same brand gives you the best consistency for seamless results.
Match calculations use Delta E (CIE2000) computed from Lab color space conversion. Color data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Last reviewed: March 22, 2026.