Are you planning a new swimming pool? Is it time to remodel an existing one? Then you need to pick out a type of coping to trim the pool & spa perimeter.
What is pool coping in the first place?
Coping is construction terminology referring to masonry material used to cap the top of a wall. Most pool walls have some type of coping to finish off the look of the pool and spa.
Coping material, typically natural stone or various forms of concrete, mounts over the top of the pool shell (the upper portion of the wall). This is where your structure meets the surrounding deck.
Coping is installed in a 12-inch row around the pool perimeter, as well as the spa. There can be some exceptions depending on the type of design of your pool and spa area. Some of those exceptions are rock waterfalls, vanishing edges, beach entries or swim-up bars.
Once in place, coping sits above the pool’s tile line. In most cases your coping will extend 1 – 1½ inches over the water’s surface, creating a small lip or overhang.
Structural and performance functions
First and foremost coping is necessary to a pool’s construction.
Coping will protect the pool’s bond beam and any protruding tips of rebar. A pool’s rebar creates a barrier preventing water from flowing behind the pool wall. This is a common problem in pools that have been poorly installed or neglected for many years.
Coping helps with your pool l maintenance as well. With the slight overhang of the inside edges of the pool, coping prevents runoff water like hosing down your deck or concrete around the pool, from streaming down the tile and pool wall. Repeat exposure to untreated water from sources outside the pool can cause staining and calcium buildup.
On some pools, the coping is designed with a slight outward angle. When high-energy swimmers, you know, kids playing Marco Polo, or little girls pretending to be Mermaids, splash water out of the pool, this slant helps flow the water out to nearby deck drains. This will reduce water that might otherwise take longer to drain before accumulating on the deck.
Coping options
Most coping options have some sort of a textured, skid-resistant surface. Here are a few examples and ideas:
Pre-cast concrete coping “stones”
Wide color selection; prefabricated for a pool’s corners, curves, and straight sections; edge-shapes include bullnose, “safety grip,” and right angle with smoothed edges
Concrete pavers
Factory-produced squares and rectangles in composite materials; multiple colors; some remain cooler in high heat; easy repairs
Natural Stone Pavers
Cut from slate, limestone, travertine, marble, granite, quartzite, or flagstone; distinctive looks and colors; may require periodic sealing
Poured in Place Concrete
customizable for color choices and for creating decorative surface patterns;
Organic Shape Stones
Natural-cut flagstone or quartzite pieces; random shapes; edges ground smooth for comfort; premium cost
Brick
Affordable; durable; solid or antiqued colors for a traditional look
Pool maintenance can be a lot of work but it will be more work than you desire if you don’t stay on top of it. If your needing your coping or decking replaced give me a call. Let’s get your pool sparkling for next summer!
-Kelsey Julian
214-908-3655
