Pool Stone Coping Types and Materials Explained

Pool stone coping is a crucial component of a pool's design, and understanding the different types and materials available can make all the difference in creating a beautiful and functional outdoor space.

Natural stone coping, such as limestone and travertine, is a popular choice for its unique texture and appearance.

It's available in various colors and patterns, making it easy to match with your pool's surroundings.

Limestone coping, for example, can add a classic and sophisticated look to your pool area.

Concrete coping, on the other hand, is a more budget-friendly option that can be molded to fit any shape or design.

It's also a great choice for those who want a more modern and sleek look for their pool.

Concrete coping can be finished with various textures and colors to suit your style.

As for maintenance, natural stone coping requires periodic sealing to protect it from stains and damage, while concrete coping is generally easier to clean and maintain.

Peruvian Travertine is a top choice for pool stone coping due to its exceptional durability and stability in water-line applications.

It's one of the only natural stones that can be used in submersible applications in swimming pools, making it a reliable option.

Peruvian Travertine has tested with 99.9% Calcium Carbonate, the most reliable and stable Calcium you can have in a natural stone.

Peruvian Travertine Coping/Wall Caps are a popular choice for swimming pools due to their exceptional durability and stability in water.

Peruvian Travertine has 99.9% Calcium Carbonate, making it one of the most reliable and stable natural stones available.

This stone has been tested to withstand exposure to Muratic acids, chlorine, and saline pools without any adverse effects.

Inca Stone's Peruvian Travertine is a top choice for pool applications, and it can be used in both water-line and submersible applications.

The average cost of travertine/natural stone coping, including Peruvian Travertine, is $45–$55 per linear foot.

This beautiful stone has become the leader in the industry, and it's a great option for homeowners looking to add a touch of elegance to their pool area.

Silver is a popular choice for pool stone coping, and for good reason. It's made from Peruvian travertine, which has a density that allows it to withstand a compression strength of over 12,000+ P.S.I. for 2" thick material.

This surpasses the strength of typical concrete pavers, which can only manage 5,000+ P.S.I. at 5" thick. Inca Stone has successfully used 2cm or 3/4" pavers on driveway overlays and 2" pavers on driveways with a sand set application without any issues.

You can choose from standard pool coping and wall cap sizes, including 12", 14", 16", 18", and 24" widths. However, you're not limited to these sizes - Inca Stone can create custom sizes, thicknesses, and shapes to fit your design needs.

Proper installation of pool stone coping is crucial to ensure its durability and functionality. A professional installer will ensure a level, secure, and aesthetically pleasing finish.

Regular maintenance is key to extending the life of your pool stone coping. This involves cleaning, resealing (for natural stone coping), and inspecting for any damage.

Square or Straight-Edge coping offers a modern and contemporary look with its straight, clean lines.

This type of coping is often used in modern or minimalist pool designs, giving them a sleek and sophisticated appearance.

A straight-edge coping can be a great choice for small pools, as it creates a sense of openness and makes the space feel larger.

It's also a good option for pool owners who want a low-maintenance design, as it's typically easier to clean and maintain than other types of coping.

If you're looking to add a unique touch to your outdoor space, consider using radius wall caps. We're the only travertine company currently making radius coping in 24" lengths, making it a convenient option for your project.

Radius wall caps can be a game-changer for pool owners who want to avoid cutting straights to make radius pieces. This can save you time and effort in the long run.

Our radius coping is available in 24" lengths, making it easy to install and reducing the need for cutting. This can be a big plus for DIY enthusiasts or those with limited time for pool maintenance.

Our wall cap sizes are designed to meet your specific needs, with standard sizes available for your convenience. For example, our Inca Stone Peruvian Travertine has a length of 24 inches, which is perfect for most pool installations.

You can choose from standard sizes, but you're not limited to them. Inca Stone will fabricate your pool coping and wall cap sizes to meet your unique design requirements.

The slip co-efficiency of friction of our Inca Stone Peruvian Travertine exceeds ASTM industry standards, ensuring a safe and non-slippery surface around your pool. This meets all American Disability Act requirements, giving you peace of mind.

Whether you need a specific thickness or shape, Inca Stone will work with you to create a custom wall cap solution that fits your design perfectly, within their production capabilities.

When choosing a shoe for your pool, consider the style options available. You can match the shoe with the pool material or choose something different for contrast.

The main types of shoes are similar to coping options, such as brick, paver, travertine/natural stone, and cantilevered concrete. Cantilevered concrete is the least expensive option ($6–$10 per linear foot), and natural stone is the most expensive material ($40–$55 per linear foot).

Installation and Maintenance is a crucial aspect of any design project. Proper installation of coping stones is crucial to ensure their durability and functionality.

A professional installer will ensure a level, secure, and aesthetically pleasing finish. Regular maintenance involves cleaning, resealing (for natural stone coping), and inspecting for any damage.

Safety grip coping has a textured surface, providing a non-slip grip for added safety, especially in wet conditions.

Some materials are more suitable for pool stone coping than others. For example, materials like Slate and Travertine are often used for pool coping due to their durability and resistance to water and chemicals.

Here are some materials commonly used for pool stone coping, categorized by their safety features:

Travertine/Natural Stone is a beautiful and durable option for outdoor spaces. The average cost of travertine/natural stone coping is $45-$55 per linear foot. This can be a significant investment, but it's worth considering the long-term benefits of using natural stone.

In Virginia, a project was completed by Cross Creek Nursery out of Richmond, featuring stunning travertine coping work. Their expertise is a great example of how natural stone can be used to create a beautiful outdoor space.

Cremino is a brand that stands out in the market for its high-quality Peruvian Travertine pool coping.

Their coping is sold in "true sizing", meaning if you order a 12x24, you'll get a 12x24, unlike some other brands that may sell thinner copings.

Their Peruvian Travertine is quarried from over 12,000+ feet above sea level, which results in minimal to no voids in the stone.

This high elevation also makes the stone very compact, giving it a superior quality compared to other travertine in the market.

Compared to Turkish or Mexican travertine copings, Cremino's Peruvian Travertine is actually cheaper, with some prices being $160 less expensive per 80 lineal feet.

When choosing materials for your pool coping, you have a variety of options. One option is to use Artificial Grass, which is listed as a material with a safety rating of 1.

Some materials are more prone to damage than others. Limestone, Sandstone, and Slate all have a safety rating of 0, indicating they may not be the best choice for high-traffic areas.

If you're looking for a durable material, you may want to consider Porcelain Paver, which has a safety rating of 2. This material is often used in high-traffic areas and can withstand heavy use.

Other materials to consider include Quartzite, Onyx, and Pool Coping, all of which have a safety rating of 1. These materials are often used in pool coping due to their durability and resistance to water damage.

Here are some materials you may want to avoid in pool coping:

Note that this is not an exhaustive list, and you should always consult with a professional before making a final decision.

Safety Grip plays a crucial role in preventing slips and falls, especially in wet conditions. A textured surface, like that of Safety Grip Coping, provides a non-slip grip for added safety.

In wet conditions, a textured surface can be a lifesaver, literally. Safety Grip Coping has a textured surface, providing a non-slip grip for added safety, especially in wet conditions.

Pool coping stones are the material or stone that caps the pool shell wall. They provide a finished edge and create a visually appealing border around the pool.

Coping stones serve a functional purpose as well, directing splashed water away from the pool and into the deck drains. This helps prevent water from accumulating around the pool and reducing the risk of slipping hazards.

A well-chosen coping stone can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your pool area, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication.