For the vast majority of in-ground pools, pool coping is an integral part of the design. Pool coping is the material above the tile line that protects a pool’s edging. Coping is vital for both structural and aesthetic reasons. It covers the edges of the pool from any potential wear and tear, and it assists in drainage by helping water flow away from the pool and into deck drains. Pool coping also helps create a seamless look between the pool and the deck that is pleasing to the eye. Like other components of a pool, however, pool coping can eventually wear out and will need to be replaced. 

The most common sign of needing to replace your pool coping is when there is cracking throughout the pool deck. This is because of how the coping interacts with the decking and the mastic in between them. The mastic is an expansion seal made of caulk that allows the pool deck and the pool wall to expand and contract as the weather changes. However, this caulk eventually wears out over time, reducing the space the decking has to contract and causing it to crack. By replacing the pool coping and mastic, you can restore this expansion joint and help protect both your deck and your pool surface. 

Another sign of needing to replace pool coping is when the coping tiles themselves begin to break. The adhesive that holds tiles in place can contract so much that the materials it bonds to can begin to break as well. Individual coping tiles can be replaced, but it may be difficult to find a matching color or design. Fortunately, SoCal Pool Plaster offers a wide range of pool coping tiles designed to match all kinds of pool finishes. 

A major sign of needing to redo your pool coping is when deck heaving occurs. This occurs after sudden, drastic changes in weather when temperature changes cause the area around the pool to expand or contract. This can seriously compromise the integrity of your pool coping and deck. After heaving occurs, you will likely need to replace your pool coping to restore that structural integrity. 

If you use grout between your coping tiles, water may be able to penetrate through old, deteriorated grout and cause the walls of the pool to shift. This can inflict serious damage on your pool, so it is critical that you remove any deteriorated grout that you spot. Removing old grout and resealing the affected area with new grout should be enough to prevent moisture from penetrating. 

If you think your pool needs new coping, you can trust the renovation specialists at SoCal Pool Plaster. We offer a wide range of pool finishes and coping options, such as porcelain, granite, and slate tiles. Since 2007, we’ve been providing Southern California pool owners with quality remodeling services, and we’d love to help you make your pool into a backyard paradise. Call us today at (714) 617-8182 to get a free estimate on your pool renovation project.