If an in-ground swimming pool is constructed of concrete, it will need coping, which is a cap for the edge of the pool. Coping surrounds the shell of the swimming pool and protects it. This piece keeps any water and debris from going in behind the shell, thus safeguarding it from damage or cracking.
Importance Of Pool Coping
Coping can provide an accessible and yet attractive cover for an automatic pool cover and other mechanical components. It helps block water from infiltrating the area behind the shell of the pool that may potentially cause damage. Swimmers can exit and enter from the poolside safely.
Removing the Old Coping
Once you have reached the pool coping it is usually screwed into the pool wall about every foot or so around the whole pool. After you have removed the screws you can pry up the old coping and clean up the surface. Most pools have a 6-8″ shelf at the top of the pool wall.
Expect to pay between $30 and $50 per linear foot to install pool coping. This is the ledge around the edge of an in-ground pool, often in stone or concrete. It's designed to complement the deck but cannot replace its function as a lounge space.
Concrete pavers are a great choice for pool coping for their durability, chlorine- and salt-resistance, and natural, stone-like finish. They're also comfortable underfoot and naturally slip-resistant.
Brick Pool Coping
Brick is both durable and versatile and are not affected by chlorine, heat, and the sun. Brick is in the mid-price range between concrete and natural stone pavers.
A lot depends on what type of existing coping you need to remove. Poured concrete is difficult to break up and remove. But if you're simply removing brick pavers, then it will be easier. For most pool remodels, you can figure at least 2 weeks for simple coping replacement.
Plastic or Aluminum coping can be painted, although plastic/vinyl coping is not intended to need paint. Some vinyl pools have a thick steel band used as coping, which requires regular repainting to prevent rust problems.
What is Cantilevered Concrete Coping? Cantilevered coping is a poured-in-place bull nose concrete edge that extends around the perimeter of the pool. Many pool contractors include cantilevered coping in their base packages, so it is important to become familiar with it along with other pool coping options.
1.5" is standard overhang for most pools with this style of coping. As much as 3" is used for pools that are not built to square (to hide the lines) or pools that have an automatic pool cover with rails mounted on the underside of your coping.
Choosing the pool coping style depends entirely on your personal taste and the appearance that you want for your outdoor area. You can choose from square edged (cantilevered), bullnose, , and rolled-edge.
In architecture, “coping” is the capping or covering of the top of a wall, to prevent water damage and make it look more attractive. In the same way, pool coping is the decorative edge around an inground pool, covering the underground wall of the pool.
Mix a solution of 20 percent household bleach with water in a spray bottle. Apply to the stained areas and allow the solution to work into the coping. This bleach solution works well to remove stains caused by tannins. Use a power washer to direct a high-velocity stream of water at the stained areas.
Typically, pool coping is made of stone, concrete and other composite like materials. In addition to protecting the pool from getting damaged, pool coping also helps to keep debris, dirt, grass, and leaves from entering the pool.
Two primary types of paint are used for pool coping: epoxy and acrylic. (See Resources.) Epoxy paint adheres well to virtually all surfaces; it is the ideal choice for unpainted concrete or stone coping. It holds up well even in the face of sun damage and chlorine discoloration.
You can paint the coping by using a paintbrush, 1/8-inch nap roller or other paint pen. Painting with a long-handled roller prevents falling off the handle and into the water. If the first coat has been complete, then you will need to give the coping a second coat after the first one has finished being applied.
Before you begin, you will need to note the type of material used to make the coping. For pool copings made of aluminum, you should use enamel paint that works for metal surfaces such as aluminum.
Use a pool plaster mix, or waterproof tile grout to repair the area, after chipping and cleaning. After mixing, push the material in with a putty knife, roughly smoothing. After 20-30 minutes, you can clean it up with a wet sponge or rag.
Bullnose Pool Coping
This style of pool coping refers to a rounded edge finish. Instead of a sharp or square edge, bullnose gives you a rounded edge. This can be a great look and a softer look and feel. The rounded shape has safety benefits, as well as offer you a smoother look and texture for your pool.
Simply shatter a small area with a chisel and hammer. Once you have removed a very small section of the pebblecrete you will see either glue residue that will need to be ground off your concrete using a concrete grinder.
That is referred to as your perimeter expansion joint. The expansion joint between the coping and the deck is typically caulked or filled with elastomeric sealant approximately 30 days after the concrete was originally poured. This gives the concrete time to settle and assume its permanent structure.
That said, pavers great advantage over concrete is in its safety. Because they are not slick, Pavers help reduce the chances of falling on wet pool decks. Solid in All Temperatures — Pavers work very well in midwestern climates with multiple freeze and thaw cycles.
Coping is the material—usually natural stone or various forms of concrete—mounted over the top of the pool shell's “bond beam” (the upper portion of the wall). This is where the pool structure meets the surrounding deck.
Flagstone pool coping is a smart choice for around the edge of your swimming pool. It's durable, slip-resistant, and not to mention… looks great! However, it does require some regular care and maintenance to keep it looking nice.