If you’re looking to design a comfortable, lasting poolscape, it’s essential to choose the right material for pool coping. You may be asking, “What is pool coping?” It’s the stone or other material that frames the edge of your pool, separating the water from the pool deck. While it has visual importance, it also provides crucial functions like safety and durability.

There are many options for pool coping, including concrete pool coping, natural stone, brick, pool tile, and more! Choosing the right material depends on the style and experience you want. This article explores the key factors to consider when selecting pool coping materials and how to find the perfect fit for your pool construction project!

Why Are Salt-Tested Pool Materials Important?

As any pool owners know, pool water includes chemicals that prevent bacteria and algae from disrupting the fun. While they’re great for killing bacteria and keeping your family safe and healthy, they can also erode your natural stone pool tiles over time.

Trusting an expert swimming pool contractor like SoCal Pool Plaster guarantees that the materials used for your pool coping are up to the challenge. We can recommend the best materials that won’t deteriorate due to the minerals and chemicals in pool water. One significant testing area focuses on salt reactions, which can impact your pool’s lifespan. This is especially important in Southern California, where home landscapes are exposed to salty air from the ocean in addition to pool water. Save yourself and your wallet by investing in reliable, salt-tested pool coping materials.

You Can Increase Safety with Non-Slip Pool Coping

You can tell them to walk a hundred times, but kids will still run across your pool deck. Of course, water on slick materials creates a slippery environment that can lead to injuries. However, innovations in pool coping allow homeowners to mitigate these risks, creating a safer environment for rambunctious kids (and adults).

We recommend investing in slip-resistant pool coping materials or, if not explicitly stated, looking at the material’s P rating. This measures the traction of different materials. The higher the P rating, the safer it is!

What Are the Best Pool Coping Profiles?

Function is essential, but so is fashion! Choosing the right pool coping profile for your home’s visual style will create a cohesive, satisfying appearance. Your pool coping’s profile refers to its shape at the edge that comes over the swimming pool. There are three main profiles: bullnose, pencil round, and drop edge.

Bullnose

This style offers a traditional feel with a slightly rounded edge that delivers a soft aesthetic and increased safety. It’s ideal for homes with traditional designs and is best suited for curved pool shapes.

Pencil Round

The pencil round offers an elegant middle ground between rounded and geometric shapes. The top and bottom edges feature a 3-5mm curve, subtly softening the otherwise straight lines. This style is ideal for rectangular or L-shaped layouts.

Drop Edge

For the ultra-modern homeowner, drop edge is the perfect complement to your geometric or minimalist home. The clean lines of full stone slabs create a stark outline for your poolscape, infusing modern elegance into your aquatic paradise.

How About That Heat Resistance?

California is known for its scorching summers, which can result in overheated pool decks that burn your feet. For this reason, it’s essential to choose heat-resistant pool coping materials. Natural stones with lighter colors, especially marble and limestone, have minimal heat absorption, keeping their surfaces cooler. Swimming pool contractors in California are familiar with the local weather and can recommend pool coping material suitable to high temperatures.

Why Sealing is Essential for Pool Coping

Your pool is no different from your carpets or hardwood floors — you’ll have to clean it occasionally. Staying on top of pool maintenance will minimize how soon you need swimming pool repair from professionals and will preserve your pool’s visual appeal. However, opting to seal your pool coping after it’s installed will make it resistant to stains for up to 48 hours. This gives you two full days to clean any dirt or messes before they sink into and stain the finish, minimizing your cleaning and maintenance requirements.

If you need help choosing a suitable material or assistance with pool restoration, SoCal Pool Plaster can help! Our technicians hold strict craftsmanship standards and utilize premium, durable materials to guarantee lasting results. Call us today at 714-617-8182 or contact us online for a free quote!