How to Protect Your Pool Coping

  • Aqua Pool & Patio gunite swimming pool construction in Connecticut showing geometric pool with seating

Available in a wide variety of materials, colors, and styles, pool coping—or the ledge that separates the pool shell from the surrounding surface area—offers a great way to customize the appearance of your pool. However, its purpose is not solely aesthetic. Coping also helps keep dirt and debris out of the pool, prevents water from entering the space behind the pool shell (where it could cause damage), and provides a sturdy structure for swimmers to grab as they enter and exit the pool—thereby reducing the risk of slipping.

Given its many functions, it’s important to take steps to shield your pool coping from damage caused by the chemicals and natural elements to which it is constantly exposed. Here are a few ways you can protect your pool coping:

  • Remove debris from around the pool. If leaves, dirt, and other debris stay in contact with your pool coping, they may cause staining over time. Sweeping the pool area frequently and hosing down the coping as needed will help preserve the appearance and integrity of your pool’s coping.
  • Maintain proper water levels. If the water level in your pool is too high, the coping may constantly get saturated—which could accelerate deterioration. To prevent this, the water level should be kept approximately halfway up the skimmer plate.
  • Maintain the expansion joint between the coping and the patio. In our climate, we deal with freeze/thaw conditions and there must be an expansion joint between the patio and coping (a one-half inch closed cell foam or similar). This foam helps prevent the movement of the patio from damaging the coping (the patio will move over the winter, during the freeze/thaw periods while the coping does not move as it is attached to the gunite which goes below the frost line). And, if the patio is a poured patio (concrete, stamped or similar), then there needs to be a sealant between that patio and the coping (it is less important with a paver patio, for example) which will need to be repaired or replaced as required. Some brands are Deck-O-Seal or Sika Flex sealants.

Protecting your pool coping is one of the many important maintenance tasks that will help keep your pool in excellent condition over time. At Aqua Pool and Patio, our maintenance experts can properly care for your pool coping, ensuring that it stays beautiful and structurally sound regardless of its material or style. To learn more about how we can help, call us today at 860-623-9886!