What is pool coping?
If you are looking into an in ground pool, there are a lot of things for you to consider. You have to think about the size and shape you want your pool to be, you have to consider the budget you have for your pool, and you have to think about the materials you will use for your pool and its surroundings. Below, you can learn more about types of in ground pools, pool coping, pool tiling, and more. You can also learn about how Triad Associates can help you with your next pool project.
Types of In ground Pools:
- Gunite – A gunite pool is one that uses a rebar framework that is sprayed with a concrete and sand mixture. This is an exceptionally popular type of in ground pool because it is extremely durable, and it also allows for unlimited shapes. There are a variety of ways you can finish your gunite pool, but it will be built to last, and you can create any shape you want for your in ground pool. This means your pool can be completely custom to your style and needs.
- Fiberglass – A fiberglass pool can also come in different sizes and shapes. This type of pool is molded and then installed into your yard in one piece. This type of material is a lightweight material to use that is finished with a weather-resistant gel. One advantage of a fiberglass pool is that it can be installed very quickly. These pools are also great because they never require resurfacing.
- Vinyl Liner – Another option for an in ground pool is a vinyl liner pool. This type of pool can be less expensive than the options discussed above, so many people appreciate that. A vinyl pool has a sand or cement floor with a custom sheet of vinyl on top of it. These vinyl panels are then secured together to make the shape of the pool.
Now that we have discussed some different in ground pool options, we are going to talk about finishing off your pool with some pool coping. Check out more about what pool coping is below, as well as the different options you have for pool coping.
What is Pool Coping?
Pool coping is a material that is installed to finish the top edge of the pool. This material surrounds the pool and often hangs over the edge slightly. This protects the pool from damage, and it protects the structural elements of the pool. Pool coping also exists to give your pool a more attractive look and finish.
Pre-cast concrete with a bullnose front edge has been the standard pool coping for many years. Modern pool designs are making use of cantilever, bullnose brick, and natural stone coping, which come in many colors and textures. Cantilever coping (poured concrete) extends the concrete pool deck over the edge of the pool and eliminates the maintenance of an expansion joint between the coping and pool deck. Style, cost, and maintenance are all items to consider when deciding on your pool coping. Your Triad sales representative can help guide you through the decision process and help you make an educated choice. Check out some different options below for pool coping.
Coping Accent Option:
Pool Coping Options:
When you talk about the different pool coping options, it is important to note that all of these options can be used with a gunite, fiberglass, or vinyl liner pool. Your choice of pool coping material depends on the look, style, and function that you are looking for.
- Cantilever – This type of pool coping is a poured-in-place concrete edge. It is a bullnose concrete edge, which means the edge is rounded. This type of coping is poured on top of the pool shell, and it is a low-maintenance and affordable option.
- Bullnose Brick – Brick pool coping provides a smooth edge to your swimming pool. It can be available in a variety of looks and colors so that you get the style you want, but it can be a great finish for your pool.
- Custom Stone – A custom natural stone can be a pricier option for pool coping, but it can be a gorgeous one. This can give your pool a very high-end finish, and you can choose from different types of stone to get the look you want. Travertine is a popular stone option because it is very slip-resistant, which could be great for your pool.
- Pre-Cast Coping – This type of pool coping can be a more affordable alternative to natural stone. It is a pre-cast type of edge for your pool that is easy to install. It is also a very durable option, and it is easy to maintain. You can find pre-cast coping in a variety of different patterns, textures, and colors, so it can be a great way to get the exact look that you want.
- Receptor – Receptor pool coping is mounted on the top of your pool wall, and it is used when concrete is going to be poured around your pool.
Pool Coping Options:
As you can see, there are different types of pool coping that you can choose from. These different types are made of different materials and have different installation processes. The type of coping that you choose for your pool partially depends on the style you are looking for, but it also depends on your budget and what you want for your installation process.
Pool Tile:
The pool coping above is for all three types of in ground pools, but if you have a gunite pool, you may want to look into pool tile to help finish off your pool and make it easier to clean and maintain.
There are a lot of different pool tile options to choose from, so it can be a process for you. The first step in selecting your pool tile is to decide the size of the pool tile you would like to use. Typically, the pool tile is installed so that the top 6″ of the gunite pool is finished with the tile. The water level of the pool should be kept so that half of the tile is underwater. The purpose of the pool tile is to make it easier for you to clean and maintain your swimming pool and avoid a water-line ring around the top of the pool.
There are different types and styles for your pool tile, and you should consider your budget and the look you want your pool to have before making a decision. You could choose glass tile for your pool because it offers you a great look, but it can be a pricey option because it is very durable and non-porous. There are also stone tile options that can give you a natural look for your pool. You can choose from a variety of types of natural stone to get the look you want. You can also choose to check out ceramic and porcelain tile for your pool. These types of pool tiles can come in exciting hand-painted designs to give your pool a unique look.
Pool Tile:
The first step in selecting your pool tile is to decide the size of the pool tile you would like to use. Typically, the pool tile is installed so that the top 6″ of the gunite pool is finished with the tile. The water level of the pool should be kept so that half of the tile is underwater. The purpose of the pool tile is to make it easier for you to clean and maintain your swimming pool and avoid a water-line ring around the top of the pool.
Pool Tile Sizes:
Example Pool Tiles:
Choose Triad Associates for Your Pool Project
Triad Associates is a hardscape expert. That means that we help you create pool decks, outdoor patios, driveways, retaining walls, and more. We have all kinds of materials to be used for your outdoor living space, such as exposed aggregate, natural stones, textured concrete, and more. We help people create the outdoor living space of their dreams, whether that includes an outdoor patio, fire pit, outdoor kitchen, pool, retaining wall, or other types of outdoor landscaping.
We are a family-owned and operated company that has been in business since 1986. This means that we have the experience and expertise to help with your next outdoor project. We have a wide selection of materials and designs in our 5,000-square-foot facility and showroom.
At Triad Associates, we can help you with the materials and the installation for your next outdoor project, but we can also help you come up with a design for your next project. We offer 3D design services where we can help you envision your outdoor living space before you get started in the process. We can help you come up with the specific design you want to fit with your life, and then, we can help you make that perfect design a reality.
If you are ready to upgrade your outdoor living space with a pool and pool coping, or some other type of hardscape, we can help you out. Let us help you make your outdoor living dreams a reality. Reach out to us at (978) 373-4223 for more information about how we can help you.
Check out some of our Pool Coping finished products:
>> Click here for a complete selection of pool tile colors and styles
