What Is Pool Coping?
Updating your pool’s coping is a great way to completely transform the look of your inground swimming pool and pool deck. Pool coping refers to the protective cap or lip at top of your pool that gives it a finished look and protects its structure.
When an inground pool is built, the upper surface of the pool wall, known as the bond beam, will likely have exposed steel. This is not only unsafe, but also unattractive. Pool coping covers the bond beam while helping to direct water away from your swimming pool and into the deck drain.
Coping is also used to keep debris from entering the pool, provide an attractive and accessible space for storing automatic pool covers, and give swimmers a slip-resistant way to enter and exit the pool. Pool coping may be made from a variety of different materials, depending on what look, price, and slip-resistance you desire. For the best pool coping installation and pool renovation services in the Miami area, turn to Elite Swimming Pools! Get in touch with us today to get started.
Pool Coping Materials
Concrete – The classic coping material, poured concrete gives a seamless transition between the pool deck and the coping. Both poured and precast (a more affordable alternative) concrete come in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
Natural Stone – Natural stone provides a stunning, high-end look to any inground swimming pool. Options include fieldstone, limestone, granite, and travertine, which is especially popular for its coolness to the touch and high level of slip-resistance.
Brick – Brick is a very attractive option for pool coping, especially if your home already uses brick as part of its aesthetic. Bricks are naturally weather- and water-resistant and easy to replace individually.
Wood – Wood makes a gorgeous pool coping for those with a pool deck or those wanting a natural look for their backyard. It is, however, more high maintenance than other pool materials, so wood composite is recommended.
Pool Coping Styles
Top-mount: The most common style of pool coping, top-mount coping forms a gentle, rounded, and protruding edge at the top of the pool for comfort and usability.
Flat-mount: Flat-mount coping is a track that secures the pool liner. It also provides a platform for stones, pavers, and any other surface materials.
Cantilevered: Also called square coping, cantilevered coping uses foam to provide a finished edge for concrete, allowing the pool deck surface to blend seamlessly with the water’s edge.
Rough-cut: Rough-cut coping is a great option for those looking for an earthy appearance. As its name suggests, it uses stones in a natural, organic, and textured state.
Bullnose: Bullnose coping is a great option for serpentine-style swimming pools, as its tapered edges make curves appear soft, smooth, and clean.
Elite Swimming Pools is your source for superior coping installation services in the Miami area. Contact us now to get started.