Pool Coping
Swimming pool coping (the immediate edge around most concrete swimming pools) is generally considered part of the decking area, and rests directly above the waterline tiling and directly on top of the pool’s bond beam.
Pool coping materials vary widely, the most popular of them being formed and poured concrete cantilevers, although solid-body constructed coping bricks, natural rock, and non-glazed tiling can all be safely used as coping materials.
Coping choices of style, color, and types of material change frequently as more options are unveiled each season – an easy alteration that can be made to modernize any pool.
For commercial pools, we include the placement of permanent frost-proof ceramic depth and ‘No Diving’ markers in the concrete coping or cast stones around the pool perimeter to meet or exceed local and national standards.
Pool Coping Options
Precast Concrete Coping
Precast Concrete Coping is one of our favorite products to install. It comes in many colors, textures and edges. This is a basic material composed of concrete poured into a mold to create individual pieces of coping. This is a custom ordered product where our master craftsman comes to the pool to measure and order the pieces of coping that will contour your pool. Once installed on a mortar bed, the joints are filled with a matching grout to help blend the product. The variety of edges from bullnose, mesa edges, safety grip and square-nose allows our customers to exhibit their creative flair. The textures include the standard salt finish, a sand-blast finish and a stamped finish (slate). The large selection of colors allows the homeowner to blend the coping with the deck material, frame the pool, make the coping stand out or find a happy medium. This is another product where the craftsmanship and attention to detail is noticeable.
Paver Coping
With the popularity of paver decks at an all-time high, the paver manufacturers have been making complementary coping that matches the decking. Bullnose concrete pavers are the most popular and boast 8,000 PSI strength. You can tie your new paver deck with the same type of coping with these brick shaped coping pieces. Another option is to use paver wall caps as a coping. This is useful when a wider and thicker coping is needed for the design.
Poured-in-Place Coping
This versatile coping is a close cousin to the precast concrete coping. Instead of individual pieces of coping, this coping is poured into molds set along the edge of the pool. It is ideal when a thicker coping is necessary or when there are many curves in the pool. This method can help to make a small area around the pool look much bigger, and give the deck cleaner lines. It is available in washed, broom, or stamped finishes. Like precast coping, it can be made with a pebble-finish or colored to create the pool owner’s desired effect.
Poured-in-Place Coping is actually attached into the pool beam with re-bar anchors, essentially becoming one with the pool. This option is often recommended when the beam is badly deteriorated, as it reduces the amount of beam re-building required, and is often the most economical choice.
Natural Stone Coping
Natural Stone Coping can help update and transform an old, dated pool into a pool that is unrecognizably beautiful. From the rugged and earthy look of sandstone and quartzite to the sleek and sophisticated feel of travertine, there is a stone to satisfy all tastes. Quartzite and sandstone are known for their durability and strength. The non-slip texture of these stones appeals to those with families who will be using the pool and spa on a frequent basis. The quartzite and sandstone also have a good selection of color tones and shades that can complement different deck materials, tiles, and pool surfaces. Quartzite and sandstone come in a random “Flagstone” pattern that is used most commonly. They can also be honed and chiseled into rectangular modular sizes. Travertine has a natural non-skid surface along with a cooler surface than concrete or bricks. This elegant coping comes in beige, caramel, and gray tones.
Brick Coping
Brick Coping is a classic and familiar coping that can be found outlining many pools and spas. It provides a warm, comforting, rustic look while maintaining exceptional durability. Brick coping is available in both single and double bullnose design as well as Safety Grip. Installing a successful brick coping project requires extra attention to detail on the curved areas and mitered corners where the cuts must be well planned and precise.
Pool Coping Edge Finishes
In addition to the coping material, several coping edge styles exist to further create a different look and feel for your pool.
Drop-Down
Do you like a seamless finish? The drop down face hides the rims and gives the perception of the water surface as being flush.
Square
Do you like a contemporary feel?
The square edge and its variations offer a clean, modern look.
Bull Nose
Do you like a more traditional, heritage look? The Bull Nose provides rounded edges that give a softer finish to your pool’s edge. Bull Nose coping is available with a raised safety grip edge, which is required for commercial pools in most jurisdictions.
Tumbled
Maybe you prefer the rustic look?
The intentionally uneven edges of the Tumbled Edge offer that rustic look you want.
Special Considerations
Water Penetration & Freezing
The essential item to ensure the water tightness and longevity of your waterline tile and plaster finish is the coping that forms the seal at the top edge of the pool. No water should penetrate from the outer side of the pool, or the pool deck itself into the coping as it will eventually seep into the tile and plaster. Water penetrating the coping, tile, or plaster will freeze, expand, thaw, freeze and repeat, eventually causing your tiles to fall off and your plaster to blister.
Coping should be considered when repairing or replacing your waterline tile.
A common complaint from pool owners who have had repair jobs on their waterline tile, or a full re-tiling of their pool, is that the new tiles don’t last or stay bonded to the pool. Proper attention and repair (or replacement) of the coping may be needed as this is often the root of the problem.