A crucial element of any pool is the paving and coping around it. These elements are often overlooked during the pool design process but play a large part in the final look of the pool.
Coping is required to stop water from getting underneath the pool. Paving is also needed to avoid stepping out of the pool onto a slippery surface.
What is Pool Coping?
Pool coping is the section that lies around the shell of a pool, separating it from the paving. It is there to protect the pool structure by preventing water from getting in beneath the pool shell. Well-designed coping allows water to splash against it without letting any seep in.
Pool Coping Options
Pool coping is available in many materials. These include granite, porcelain, sandstone, travertine, and more. Choosing a type of natural stone that is dense and non-porous is a great choice that will be attractive and durable. If you’re after a more cost-effective option, brick and concrete function well too.
A 20mm coping is the most common type, but you can buy rebated coping in 40mm or even up to 100mm thicknesses. Pool coping comes in 2 main style options: single bullnose and square edge.
Single Bullnose
This older style of coping is not often installed on modern pools anymore. However, the curved appearance can look flawless with an older-style pool.
Square Edge
Square edge coping is likely to be the style that you have seen more often, as it’s used in more contemporary pools. You can also get rebated square edge coping, which offers a thicker edge to protect your pool shell even more.
Pool Paving Options
So, what about around the edges of your pool? When you get out of the pool and step onto the ground, you’re likely to be standing on pavers. These can be made of the same material as the coping or a different one, depending on the look you prefer.
Hardwearing natural stone is a popular material for pool paving. For options that won’t easily get marked, you can choose between limestone, granite, and travertine. Some people enjoy the look of sandstone as well, but this type of stone requires a seal over the top as it gets marked easily.
Bluestone is by far the most used pool paving material. It’s versatile, long-lasting, durable, and easy to obtain. You can also cut it to the desired thickness or size, depending on the look you would like to achieve.
The Pool Co. can help by explaining your pool coping and paving options. Whether you want to renovate your existing pool or are building a new one, we have all your pool needs covered.
