How to Remove Coping From Pool

I installed pools years ago. I Specialized in vinyl liner and above ground pools so I'll take a shot at this answer for those type of pools. Someone with other experience will have to help with Gunite or cement construction pools. On a vinyl liner pool the coping is the material that is used to cap off the steel, wood or aluminum wall panels and give the inside edge of the pool a finished look. The problem is coping is screwed down to the panel before the sand and cement is added to finish the walking area around the pool.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Jackhammer
• Chisel
• Cement saw
• Drill or socket to remove screws
• Safety Equipment

1. To be honest, this is a job that you would be better off leaving to a professional unless you have extensive concrete work background and a lot of time to spend on the project. But if you choose to proceed you could TRY the following.

2. Coping varies in width and length so I can't tell you exactly how far back you should start. Take the cement saw and cut or groove a line perpendicular to the coping at a distance that will be past the copings buried edge.

3. Use jackhammer, chisel, hammer, etc. to break up and remove cement that is covering the edge of the coping. On vinyl liner pools the underside of the coping may be filled by sand, cement or a combination of both. If your lucky, it will be sand. If not, you will have to create enough room behind the coping to chisel or break out the cement that was poured under the coping in order to access the screws.

4. If you make it this far it will then be a matter of unscrewing or cutting the screws from the coping in order to remove each piece.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have another type pool you might consider calling a company and that installs your type pool if you can see one under construction to get an idea how to approach your problem.
• Use face shield and safety glasses when working with hammer,saws,etc.