Trendy Options for Pool Coping

Coping separates a pool from its surroundings and frames its visual appeal.

While a pool's shape, location, and layout contribute to its overall appearance, pool coping is fundamental to stunning aesthetics. Coping separates a pool from its surroundings and frames its visual appeal.

Here are a few of the most elegant pool coping options:

What is pool coping?

Many homeowners don't know what pool coping is or why it can make or break the visual appeal of a pool. Bridging the gap between the inner structure and the decking, pool coping comes in many different materials.

Thus, it dominates the pool's appearance and functions as an integral structural element. Typically, coping surrounds the entire swimming pool with 12-inch slabs except in feature locations such as vanishing edges, rim flow spas, or pool bars.

Pool coping typically overlaps the pool's upper edge and provides a rim for the swimmers' comfort. Structurally, it ensures the water flows back into the pool deck drains.

Five trendy options for pool coping

Architects and designers usually choose to either install contrasting or matching coping materials. As the frame of the pool, coping can be constructed from the same material as the decking or in a material that creates a visual contrast.

For the most part, coping tiles have a skid-resistant finish for swimmers' safety.

Many different pool coping options exist, but here are the five trendiest options:

Natural stone coping

Natural stone pavers come in limestone, flagstone, granite, marble, or quartzite. The cost and visual appeal depend on the stone type. Natural stone coping has a rough surface, making it non-slippery.

One drawback of natural stone coping is its porousness. Over time, it grows dull and requires resealing.

Travertine coping

Travertine has risen to the top of all the natural stone coping options thanks to its visual appeal and longevity. With colors ranging from beige and deep gold to red, travertine is visually stunning.

The rough finish makes it one of the safest materials, while its heat resistance makes it popular among homeowners in hot climates.

On the downside, travertine is porous and allows dirt and grime to accumulate.

Concrete pre-cast coping stones, concrete pavers, and poured-in-place concrete

Concrete coping is versatile, available in different cuts and colors, and easily replaceable. The color determines the heat conductivity, meaning some colors stay cool even in hot temperatures.

Pre-cast coping stones feature different cuts, sizes, and edges, while concrete pavers are typically square or rectangular. As the term suggests, poured-in-place concrete delivers a clean, customized pool coping option.

Brick coping

Brick pool coping is reminiscent of Greek or Roman bathhouses. Many color and size options are available to create a traditional appearance.

Porcelain pool coping

Porcelain pool coping is extremely popular because of its appearance and abundance of colors and designs. With optimum heat resistance and low weight, porcelain coping is more expensive than other options.

One drawback is brittleness, making porcelain coping more challenging to cut and install and vulnerable to damage.

Choose the right professional to install pool coping

Pool builders, tilers, outdoor paving contractors, and stonemasons are the best professionals to consult on pool coping. Verify their credentials and ask for references before hiring them to install one's pool coping.

If you have a pool need, whether it’s service, renovation, repair, lighting, or something else, call Magic Matt’s Pools at 623-255-2239 today!