For those who are thinking about adding a swimming pool to their backyard or purchasing a property with a pool of its own, pool coping is something important to consider. 

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Nearly all inground pools have coping stones surrounding them. While pool coping may seem like a mere styling finish, there is actually more to it. Adding pool coping is a visually appealing way for the swimming pool to be preserved and protected. Hence, it is vital to know how pool copings work and what options are available.

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Pool Coping 101 

In the world of landscaping and architecture, coping refers to the protective cap or lip that covers a wall. This covering helps boost the attractiveness of the wall but also prevents it from getting damaged by water.

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Similarly, pool coping is an inground pool’s decorative edge that surrounds it. It covers the pool’s underground wall. 

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Simply stated, when someone sits at the pool’s edge and dangles their legs or feet inside the water, it is the pool coping that they are sitting over. At times, these pool copings are made with natural stone, such as sandstone and limestone. 

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Why is Pool Coping Important? 

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Inground swimming pools likely have steel over their walls or a bond exposed on the upper surface. Coping can be used to cover this. But more than that, pool coping offers other vital benefits. 

• Pool coping boosts the aesthetics of the inground pool. 
• Pool coping protects the pool from water damage and guides the flow of water. 
• Pool coping makes the inground pool safer.
• Pool coping stops debris from entering the water.

Pool Coping Boosts the Appeal of the Inground Pool 

Coping helps boost the overall appearance of the pool. Because this addition can be made with materials that come in different styles and colors, it offers room for creativity to be explored. Pool coping can also be tied to other elements of landscape and design and can also suit the place’s overall feel or theme. 

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On top of that, pool coping also offers an added function to the pool. For some individuals, the pool’s edge offers more action compared to the middle of the pool. Some people sit on it, hang off of it, or lean on it. As it is the pool’s entrance, pool coping makes the edge of the pool fun, welcoming, and comfortable.  

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Pool Coping Protects the Pool From Water Damage and Guides the Flow of Water 

As mentioned earlier, pool coping helps protect the wall and shell of the pool. It stops water from seeping into the pool’s back and prevents damage from happening. 

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Aside from this, pool coping also helps direct the flow of water. Because of it, water is directed away from the pool and to the drains. The pool’s edge could gather drips and splashes of water, but the pool coping stops the water from moving away from the inground pool. 

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Pool Coping Makes the Inground Pool Safer 

With pool coping, the inground pool is also made significantly safer, especially when anti-slip materials, like granite paver stones, are used. It is natural for water to splash and cover the pool’s edge, which is why it is important to have pool coping made with premium materials to ensure safety. With the right pool coping, the edge can be made less slippery and, thus, safer to enter and leave the pool. 

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Pool Coping Stops Debris From Entering the Water 

Debris such as dirt, leaves, and grass could all enter the pool. The coping, however, can stop this from happening. With proper pool coping, grass clippings, among other debris, will be forced toward the deck of the drain rather than ultimately entering the water drain. 

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You’re most likely to be thinking about pool copings if you’re about to build a swimming pool in your backyard or buying a home with one.

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Almost all in-ground pools have coping stones around their edges. And to get the most out of your pool, you need to take care of it. You have to maintain not just its overall looks, but its durability and efficiency as well.

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Pool coping is not only a finishing touch which you can grip when it’s time to get out of the water, it’s also a stylish way to help protect and preserve your swimming pool. Thus, it is vital to understand the function of pool copings, and the options available out there to help you choose the perfect pool coping for a border that’s both practical and attractive.

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Things to consider when picking a Pool Coping 

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While pool coping in itself is extremely important for inground pools, the materials used for the pool coping could also make or break its function. When choosing materials for pool coping, it is important to consider the following. 

• Durability and functionality 
• Safety 
• Cost
• Style
• Texture

Durability and functionality

Materials for pool coping should be made to last. On top of being slip-resistant, they should be able to withstand the harsh weather conditions of the area. 

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Safety 

Pool coping has a unique environment where it will undeniably be exposed to water. Hence, it is important to use materials that are strong, useful, and designed with safety in mind. It is also important to know if these materials can absorb significant amounts of heat from the sun. 

While there are several factors that contribute to safety, slip resistance is one that directly affects how safe a pool coping is. When choosing pool coping materials, it is extremely important to understand the product’s slip rating. 

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Cost 

While it is important to consider durability and safety, it is also important to only go with what your budget permits. However, it is also vital not to compromise on essentials just because there is a cheaper option. Choose affordability without taking durability and safety for granted. 

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Style

Especially if the area is following a specific landscape design or theme, it is important to ensure that the chosen materials also have style and aesthetics that can blend well. Ensure that the pool coping does not end up oddly off. 

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Texture 

Different pool coping materials offer different texture, which inevitably affect the safety, use, and aesthetics of the pool coping. It is important to keep in mind that pool coping that is heavily textured is remarkably slip-resistant.

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Different Pool Coping Materials

There are four types of materials for pool copings – natural stone, bricks, concrete pavers, and composite materials.

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1. Natural Stones

You can bring out the natural beauty of your pool and make it durable with natural stones. You have a lot of choices from limestone, sandstone, granite, and travertine. They may cost more than the other materials, but they require little upkeep. These landscape stones can also give your outdoor area a stunning visual appeal. Natural stone pool copings have recently become extremely popular in North America due to their durability and anti-slip nature.

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2. Bricks

These pool coping materials are versatile, can withstand chlorinated water, and readily available. Bricks also come in a variety of colours and sizes. You can easily replace them as well when damaged, although you have to caulk and seal them when repairing.

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3. Concrete Pavers

Pavers come in various sizes and finishes. You can also replace them gradually if necessary. They are sturdy like bricks and need little upkeep. Moreover, they’re water-resistant and ideal for salt-water swimming pools. Concrete pool copings don’t look as appealing as natural stone pool copings, and sometimes cost similar to natural stones.

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4. Composite Materials

Composite materials are very affordable. They’re also easy to modify, cut, and shape. You can find this coping material available in curved sections, corners, and straight lengths. You can even have each piece mortared and then sealed to achieve a cohesive look. Additionally, they’re salt and water-resistant, as well as extremely durable as long as you use a good sealant when installing them.

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Natural Stone Pool Coping Materials

While pool coping materials come in wide varieties, natural stone pavers are among the best materials to choose from. Let’s take a look at some of the best natural stone pool coping materials. 

• Sandstone 
• Travertine 
• Limestone
• Granite 

Sandstone 

Sandstone pool copings are quite common when it comes to texture, coloring, and grains. This sedimentary rock is known due its natural beauty and remarkable durability. This stone can be applied on pool copings due to its anti-slip, smooth, and resistance. It also comes in various styles and colors, which makes it a versatile material to use. 

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Travertine 

Travertine natural stone comes in different colors. On top of that, it is resistant to slip and remains cool when touched. Because of this, travertine is an excellent material for pool coping. Travertine also boasts non-slip properties and remarkable resistance to wear and weather. It also comes in different styles and colors, which makes it a versatile natural stone to use. 

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Limestone 

Limestone offers both durability and natural beauty. These materials are among the global go-tos and are known to keep their form despite exposure to various conditions. Its earthy color makes it work well in an outdoor environment. They are also capable of enduring heavy traffic. 

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These stone pavers also come in different textures and colors, offering versatility and flexibility. 

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Granite 

Granite works extremely well for pool settings. Its flamed finish, non-slip properties, and elegance suits contemporary architecture extremely well. Moreover, due to its remarkable density, it is an extremely popular pool paver. 

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This natural stone is popularly applied to pool coping due its capacity to endure a pool environment’s strong conditions and its remarkable durability.

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Go For Natural Stone Pavers With STONEarch 

Now, while there are many premium materials for pool coping, natural stone pool copings are the best material. You can choose from granite, limestone, travertine, and sandstone. Hence, if you are looking for a reliable supplier or wholesaler of premium natural stone pool copings, STONEarch is here. Our premium collection boasts great durability, slip-resistance, and aesthetic appeal. 

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Contact us to get your natural stone pool copings for your next project.