Pool Coping Advice

Coping gives your pool a neat, finished look.

When creating a finished, polished look for your pool area, coping is a crucial component. Pool coping is the trim that runs along the perimeter of the pool and often connects it to the deck surface. It not only serves a decorative purpose but also protects the pool shell from water damage as well. If you are installing a new pool and are unsure what type of coping to install or how to care for it, a few basic tips can help you wind up with an attractive trim that last for years.

Choose the Right Material

When planning the coping for your pool, you have several material options. Brick or natural stone can be used if you prefer coping with a warm, textured look. Poured concrete is the most effective option when you want the coping to connect seamlessly with the pool deck so your pool area appears larger. If you are on a tight budget, precast concrete may be an ideal choice because it is less expensive than the other materials but is available in variety of colors, textures and patterns. It is also the easiest type of coping to install.

Caulk Expansion Joints

When pool coping is installed, a joint is created between it and the deck. This joint ensures that there is enough space between the two surfaces to prevent cracking if they should expand when exposed to the hot sun. In many cases, the expansion joint is not caulked during installation so the coping and deck have sufficient time to cure and shift. However, if you forget to caulk the joint, water can seep inside and begin to erode the soil beneath the deck. During the winter, the water may freeze and begin to expand, causing serious damage to the deck and coping. To seal the expansion joint, you can use gun-grade, self-leveling or semi-leveling caulk.

Clean Yearly

To maintain your coping's attractive appearance, clean it on an annual basis. For light stains, a mixture of mild soap and water can be applied with a hand brush to remove visible traces of dirt. For more severe stains on concrete coping, an acid wash may be necessary. Muriatic acid is typically mixed with water in a 50-50 solution. The acid mixture can be extremely caustic, so wear safety gear such as rubber gloves and protective goggles. Carefully follow the instructions on the acid's packaging to prevent injury as well. In addition to acid washing, you may use a pressure washer to remove stubborn debris that clings to your coping.

Purchase Extra Material

Over time, your pool coping may experience chips, cracks, shifting and other damage. Purchase additional material when the coping is installed so you always have extra on hand if you need to make any replacements. In particular, you should purchase extra material if you use natural stones or pavers so you can ensure that the new sections will match the rest of your coping.

References

• Adams Pool Specialties: Pool Coping Installation, Repair and Replacement
• Pool Center: Pool Caulking -- Time to Caulk Your Expansion Joints
• Concrete Network: Pool Coping, Options for Swimming Pool Coping
• Landscape Planet: About Pool Coping
• Swimming Pool Parts: Swimming Pool Coping
• Pool Center: Acid Washing