Inground Pool Coping: Elevate your pool’s Aesthetics

Our Hydra in-ground pools are a symbol of luxury and relaxation, and the right pool coping can enhance both the aesthetics and functionality your oasis. Let’s explore the three most popular types of inground pool coping—bullnose, flex, and cantilever coping—and delve into the step-by-step installation process.

Understanding Pool Coping: Pool coping, the material covering the top edge of the pool structure, serves both practical and aesthetic purposes. Its primary functions include providing a smooth and safe edge, preventing water seepage, contributing to the pool’s overall design, and most importantly, holding your pool liner in place.

Now, a common question we get is how does the liner hang onto the coping? And what is the coping track? Well, the coping track is the channel or slot inside the piece of coping where the bead of the liner sits. Additionally, the bead of the liner that goes into the track is located on the top back lip of your vinyl liner–inserting this bead into the coping track is how the liner hangs and stays in place.

Exploring Coping Options:

Bullnose Coping: Bullnose coping is a classic choice known for its rounded edge. It adds a timeless appeal to your pool and is available in various materials such as natural stone and concrete. While offering a seamless finish, it’s essential to consider factors like durability and maintenance when opting for bullnose coping.

• Description: Is a popular and classic choice for inground pools. It is characterized by its rounded edge, providing a smooth and finished appearance.
• Materials: Is available in various materials, including natural stone, concrete, and pavers. Each material offers different aesthetic qualities and durability levels.
• Aesthetics:The rounded edge of bullnose coping lends a timeless and elegant look to the pool. It complements various pool styles, from traditional to contemporary..
• Considerations:While bullnose coping offers a seamless finish, considerations should be made regarding durability, maintenance, and the specific aesthetic preferences of the pool owner.

Flex Coping: Flex coping, often crafted from PVC or rubber, is prized for its flexibility. This type of coping is ideal for curves and irregular pool shapes. The installation process involves securing the flexible material, ensuring a snug fit that accommodates the pool’s unique contours.

• Description:Flex coping, also known as flexible coping, is designed to accommodate curves and irregular pool shapes. It is crafted from materials like PVC or rubber, offering pliability.
• Materials:PVC and rubber are common materials for flex coping due to their flexibility and ability to conform to the pool’s unique contours.
• Aesthetics:Flex coping provides a practical solution for pools with non-standard shapes, ensuring a smooth and secure edge that follows the curves of the pool.
• Considerations:Flex coping is ideal for pools with unconventional shapes and adds a functional element to the pool design. It is a practical choice for those looking for versatility in coping options.

Cantilever Coping: For a modern and sleek look, many pool owners turn to cantilever coping. This type extends slightly over the pool’s edge, creating a seamless transition. Commonly made of poured concrete, cantilever coping requires precision during installation to achieve its sophisticated appearance.

• Description:Cantilever coping is known for its modern and sleek appearance. It extends slightly over the pool’s edge, creating a seamless transition between the pool and the surrounding deck.
• Materials:Commonly made of poured concrete, cantilever coping provides a durable and visually striking option for pool edges.
• Aesthetics:Cantilever coping offers a contemporary look and is favored for its clean lines and the absence of visible joints or seams.
• Considerations:Cantilever coping requires meticulous installation to achieve its sophisticated appearance. It is suitable for those seeking a modern and minimalist pool design.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide:

Preparation: Before diving into installation, ensure the pool perimeter is clean and level. Any irregularities may affect the coping’s alignment and overall appearance.

Installation Process for Bullnose Coping:

1. Begin by laying out the coping material around the pool edge.
2. Ensure proper alignment and spacing.
3. Secure the coping in place using self tapping screws to screw the coping down onto the panel.
4. Once coping has been laid out and secured, you will then pour your mortar mixture up to the back of the coping (within the fill line on the backside of the coping piece) and cement your pool edge.

Notice: Bullnose coping from Poolwarehouse.com already comes pre-bent from the mfg – if you are building a freeform/non-rectangle style of pool, the corners will already be pre-bent to match the radius required for that pool.

Installation Process for Flex Coping:

1. Begin by laying out the coping material around the pool edge.
2. Place the coping on the top of the panel and line it per 12′ section.
3. Carefully secure the flexible material, adjusting as needed to accommodate curves.
4. Confirm a secure fit to prevent shifting over time.
5. Flex coping has notches on the back that make it pliable and easily adjustable. Now on straight walls, you will pull the coping flush with the wall and then about every foot or so, you will drive in a self tapping screw and do that around the entire structure. However, if the pool is a free form or radius pool, then you will repeat the same process, but about every 1-2 inches, you will drive in a self tapping screw to ensure the coping matches your pools radius.
6. Lastly, you will take the flex braces, place them in the track on the back of the coping, and then tack them down with a self tapping screw.
7. Once coping has been laid out and secured, you will then pour your mortar mixture up to the back of the coping (within the fill line on the backside of the coping piece) and cement your pool edge.

Installation Process for Cantilever Coping:

1. Begin by laying out the coping material around the pool edge.
2. Tack down the coping strip along the pools top edge of the panel with self tapping screws.
3. Now, cantilever coping has two different options for the use of the coping. They can either be used for brick/stone/pavers, and then with the addition of concrete forms, they can be used to form a concrete edge around your pool-as opposed to the coping be the edge of the pool.
4. If you are using the cantilever coping to apply brick/stone/pavers, then you will need to pour your mortar mix and then place your brick/stone/pavers up against the back side of the coping track and form your edge. If you are using the concrete forms, you will then take the form and slip it into the front side of the coping track and do this around the entire structure. Once you have the forms installed, then you will need to precisely pour and shape the concrete along the pool edge.
5. Ensure an even distribution for a seamless appearance.
6. Allow ample time for the concrete to set and cure.

Maintenance Tips:

Proper maintenance is crucial to prolonging the life and beauty of your pool coping. Regular cleaning, inspecting for damage, and addressing issues promptly can prevent more extensive problems.

Conclusion: Inground pool coping not only serves a functional purpose but also adds a touch of elegance to your oasis. Whether you opt for the timeless bullnose, flexible flex coping, or the modern cantilever style, understanding the installation process is key to achieving a stunning result. Follow these guidelines, and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a poolside retreat that combines both form and function.