Types of Pool Coping and How to Decide Which Is Best for Your Pool
When building a new custom pool, the homeowner must learn about pool coping and the choices surrounding the pool’s edge.
On the other hand, if you are renovating an existing pool because it has lost its original luster, you must know that the new types of pool coping today are much different from the past options as pool technologies advance.
This article will discuss the different types of pool coping, which can help you decide which type will bring your pool to the next level. But first, let us explain what pool coping is.
What Is Pool Coping?
Pool coping is the material that separates the pool from the solid ground of the deck or landscape surrounding it. This ledge is a transition that seals off and protects the pool shell and external surfaces from potential water damage. Choosing a non-slip coping type will prevent bathers from slipping.
Not only does it serve an essential purpose for your pool, but it is also aesthetically appealing because it adds another dimension of beauty to the poolscape. Pool coping can match the surrounding deck in color and style or choose a different look to create impressive contrast.
Below, we will discuss the four main types of inground pool coping materials: concrete, paver, natural stone (travertine), and brick.
Concrete Pool Coping
Concrete pool coping, often called cantilevered concrete because it cantilevers out over the pool’s edge, can be poured or precast. Both concrete types are typically less expensive than pavers, natural stone, and brick and are the best choice for homeowners on a budget.
Poured concrete provides a seamless finish that is easy to match to any pool deck or landscape. This coping is part of the concrete deck that will go right to the pool’s edge. There will be no break in the design. It’s ideal for smaller pools because it can make the entire area appear bigger, as it is one cohesive concrete slab.
Precast pool coping concrete costs significantly less than the poured concrete option. There are also many colors, patterns, and textures to choose from. The edging is typically square or rectangular with straight edges and can be cast in any width and length.
Concrete is a versatile paver that is durable, resistant to chlorine and salt in saltwater pools, and slip-resistant. Its porous nature makes it ideal for this purpose.
Paver Pool Coping
While inground pool coping pavers can be more expensive than concrete, they are durable and easier to replace.
Pavers pool coping comes in various styles, from rounded to square edges. The most common is the bull-nose coping, which has a rounded edge.
Paver coping can be matched to beautifully complement a home’s style and decor, using beautiful gray, brown, and red tones.
Natural Stone Pool Coping
While cement and paver coping are man-made, natural stone is created naturally. This type of coping is the most costly.
Natural stone has many advantages. It is harder and more aesthetically appealing than concrete. It will also last longer when temperatures fluctuate from hot to cold. A great benefit is its naturally porous texture, which makes it slip-resistant and safer for swimmers.
These natural stones come in various beautiful, subtle colors, enabling you to personalize your pool’s design and surroundings perfectly.
Choose a natural stone like travertine and enjoy its colder touch in the hot sun. It’s also slip-resistant, so you can feel confident it will be safe for your family and guests.
Brick Pool Coping
For traditional homes with brick, choosing brick pool coping is ideal.
Typically, brick pool coping is red or natural earth tone in color, and the edges are straight and smooth, unlike paver coping, where the edges can be curved. Bricks can be curved as well, but they are not as common.
Brick is durable and versatile and not affected by chlorine, heat, and the sun.
Brick is in the mid-price range between concrete and natural stone pavers.
Get the Right Types of Pool Coping for Your Home Today
Now that you know a few crucial facts about concrete, paver, natural stone and brick pavers, let us help you decide which is best for you and your poolscape.
Contact us BPS Pools, The Backyard Pool Specialists of Texas today. We would love to hear from you and help you to get started.
We are located in Cypress, Texas, and have been proudly serving the areas of Houston, Conroe, Montgomery, Cypress, The Woodlands, Spring, Katy, Magnolia, Tomball, and Barker Cypress since 1978.
