Do you know what the swimming pool coping is or what it does for your pool? If you don’t, you should talk with your Ohio swimming pool builder for a primer on swimming pool coping. You will learn that coping is the edging that surrounds a swimming pool.
Coping performs double duty in that it can really pull the look of the pool walls and deck together because without it, your pool will look unfinished; coping adds polish and style to your pool.
Additionally, coping is considered a layer of safety as it provides a smooth edge between the deck and pool walls and is a non-slip feature. You can consider coping as the cap between the pool walls and the deck.
Coping can be installed to contrast with your pool walls and deck, or it can be a seamless complement to the structure and be a melding of the two. Swimming pool coping tiles, you will find, come in myriad colors, materials and styles. Whether you prefer a natural look – formed to resemble stones or pebbles or one in a colored, poured and stamped style (with designs such as seashells, initials or other stamps that highlight your unique style) concrete coping is the way to go.
The coping material and style you choose will be based on personal preference. You will also want to talk with the swimming pool contractors at Hawaiian Pool Builders about whether you should use cantilever coping or bullnose coping. Cantilever coping is usually used with brick, concrete and stone and will extend over the lip of the swimming pool; the bullnose style is used with concrete decking.
When you’re shopping for coping – whether for a new construction project or a remodel or renovation – browse your pool builder’s selection of natural stone coping. Natural stone styles are available in granite, marble, sandstone, marble, limestone or even bluestone. The coping is typically in tile format and is cut to mold to the walls and corners. If you’re looking for a smooth finish you will want a honed-stone coping style. Standard pool coping material will feature a rough texture.
If you opt for concrete coping it will either be formed and poured onsite, or your pool builder will bring precast coping for the project. The concrete coping is one you will need to choose a color or pattern for unless you want to keep it natural and let it weather naturally as well.
Porcelain tiles are also another option that provides myriad patterns and color choices. Keep in mind that brick is the most durable coping material and can also be colored from light gray to beige to dark red and black-browns – remember though, the darker the color the hotter it will be to the feel under the summer sun. Stone coping is becoming a more popular choice because of its durability and the fact that it remains cool to the touch. With the variety of textures and colors, stone is a great match for many pools and spas.
A swimming pool coping project can breathe new life and beauty into your pool without adding too much fanfare. If you are thinking about a new pool purchase, or a remodel of your current pool, we are here to help you make the best selection for you.
