Coping is the cap on the edge of a swimming pool or spa. Coping covers the top of the pool’s bond beam, forming a frame or border around the pool. It also, ideally, creates a non-slip surface near the pool, as well as something for swimmers to grab onto. Once you have selected the right material for your new pool surface, and complimented it with just the right tile selection, you are ready to select your pool coping. Dolphin Pool Services, LLC offers many exciting and creative options to choose from when it comes to pool coping stones.
Swimming pool coping 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 precast concrete coping, coping bricks, natural stone or paver coping.
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.
Glass tiles come in a small – mosaic tile format. It has the advantage of being able to cover curved surfaces completely. Pool designers can also mix different colors of glass tile, creating a customized color scheme and thus, form an artwork. Quality of glass tile ranges from low to high, and like most things in life you get what you pay for. With lower quality glass tile, you still get reflections that can be brilliant underwater. Some other glass tiles have an iridescent coating that shimmers with the change of light and water flowing over the surface.
On the other hand, the artistic look and feel of a finished installation are more significant and dynamic with an upscale glass tile. It has a better optical quality, and its shine, color, and depth are more exciting than the look of small mosaic designs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
