- When installing pavers around a pool, the pool coping is a critical element to a successful build
- Install or replace pool coping with concrete pavers for an attractive and durable finish
- Follow our experts’ advice on prepping and setting pavers for a solid pool coping installation
- Belgard pavers come with a lifetime structural warranty
If you’re installing pavers around a pool, the pool coping is a major design consideration. In addition to providing essential drainage, a non-slip surface, and a decorative finish, the coping is where your clients will envision themselves basking by the pool edge with friends, family, and an umbrella drink. Getting the coping design and installation right is critical to a successful pool build. Concrete or porcelain paver coping can also be installed throughout the poolscape design to add a cohesive look — for example, on outdoor steps, terrace edging, built-in planters, landscape wall caps, fire pits and more.
Belgard’s top tips for pool coping installation
Whether you’re working on a new install or replacing an existing pool deck with coping and concrete pavers, you’ll want to ensure that this key design element is perfectly installed. Here are our top tips to creating beautiful and long-lasting pool coping:
- Take time and care when preparing the sub-base – it lays the foundation for the whole system, so a strong base will set the entire install up for success. See our blog on installing a paver installation base.
- Make sure the coping stones are level-set with mortar – don’t pitch the coping, since the pool deck itself will be pitched.
- Ensure that coping pavers have a consistent 1-inch overhang.
- Use a different color to mortar the joints in a complementary color to create contrast between the pavers.
- If the pool has an auto-cover with a track, do not mortar the track itself – instead, use a construction adhesive on the track portion, and mortar on the back side of the track.
- Finish your pool deck by utilizing quality polymeric sand to lock in your pavers. Install foam expansion between coping and pavers to protect the bond seam.
Why choose a Belgard concrete paver for pool coping
Concrete pavers are a great choice for pool coping for their durability, chlorine- and salt-resistance, and natural, stone-like finish. They’re also comfortable underfoot and naturally slip-resistant. For a bullnose style, Belgard offers smooth, bullnose coping pavers in a variety of styles and colors that complement our wide selection of pavers – see why they’re a top pick for pool coping:
- Durability: our pavers are designed to be extremely durable and come with a lifetime structural warranty.
- Design: concrete coping pavers matched to our coordinating paver collections allow you to seamlessly connect your outdoor spaces.
- Low-Maintenance: simple seasonal maintenance along with a periodic resealing (every 3-5 years) will preserve the beauty and integrity our concrete pavers. In the event of a damaged paver, it’s easy to repair a damaged section without undertaking a full renovation.
- Flexibility: our concrete coping pavers can also be used as a finishing accent in other applications such as wall seating, wall caps, steps, fire pit caps and more.
For porcelain paver pool decks and steps, Belgard also offers coordinating porcelain Unico coping, which works especially well for contemporary zero-edge pools. Porcelain pavers offer the additional durability of stain resistance and create a beautiful contemporary look.
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20 comments
Hi, I’m managing high rise building in San Francisco CA. My pool coping needs to be cleaned and sealed.
Please let me know if you can meet with me and give me an estimate.
Your request has been forwarded to our customer service team who will reach out to you to help you find a qualified contractor in your market. Or if you would like to search our directory of pre-screened contractors, please visit Belgard.com/locator.
Hi,
Do you recommend installing an expansion joint between Belgard bullnose pool coping stone and Belgard pavers? If so, how big should the gap be? What should I use to fill gap?
My pavers will be set on 1.0” of concrete sand, and 4.0” of crusher-run.
Thank you.
Thanks for your comment Mark!
There isn’t a need for an expansion joint. In a typical application, the bullnose will likely be adhered to the concrete of the pool structure with adhesive or mortar. The pavers then would butt up to the coping with a gap typically around 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch. We would recommend using Techniseal polymeric sand in the joints. Please let us know if you need anything else. Thanks!
ARE YOU REPRESENTED IN SOUTH AFRICA _ CAPE TOWN. WOULD LIKE TO BUY YOUR PRODUCT
Unfortunately, we do not have any facilities there.
it would be very helpful if you actually put the names of the colors on the very nice pictures you show in your site
Color names and availability vary by market. And often even a color of the same name and formula can look different from one market to another because we manufacture regionally using local aggregates. The best way to look at product colors and availability is to visit our product gallery. Our website is geotargeted to your location to make sure you see accurate representations of what you have available in your market.
Which mortar material is best adhesive for Belgrade bullnose coping for pool?
We recommend Structure Bond or StickyStone from Techniseal… Sticky Stone is thicker and will be able to make a small amount of height if the surface isn’t complete flat.
I need pool coping and 3 stone pattern for pool deck
Thank you for reading our blog! Your request for information has been forwarded to our customer service team.
what is the difference between pool coping with mortar between paver or no mortar in between (i.e. a more flush look)
Joseph,
Thanks for your comment. It is possible to not use mortar in the joints of pool coping, however, it most instances either mortar or grout should be applied. This will prevent water (and especially ice) from penetrating between the units, and potentially causing issues. It really depends on the climate and bonding materials, however, and would recommend they consult with a local pool, hardscaper, or masonry contractor to best assess for their pool type, material and situation.
Very difficult to find Belgard product I found in your Belgard book. What I like (building an unground pool) is picture of 6 x 12 bullnose coping on page 102 – Marino Ossabaw (now you call it Savana). Is coping travertine, marble or what? Also need your concrete pavers Mega-Arbel with edger Mega- Begerac. Picture on your website under Walkways (shows winding walkway with plants on both sides of walkway with lights on both sides. What’s the color? Is it Savana?
Another problem is samples color don’t look like book pictures.
Coping needs to be ivory (like the book) and pavers a darker grayish/brown color.
I’ve been to Site-One in Lexington and they are getting more samples.
Help!
Patricia,
Thanks for your comment. If you give us a call at 1-800-BELGARD, we can get some more information from you and be able to get you in touch with a Belgard Sales Representative that can answer questions and assist ASAP. We look forward to hearing from you! Thanks!
Is it necessary to place both a foam barrier and mastic between the pool coping and pavers? Would it be sufficient to just use mastic? What if the space is too thin and inconsistent after they installed the pavers?
Leticia,
Thanks for your question. If you have a concrete pool with mortared or glued on coping, then they can just but the pavers into the back of the coping. The pavers joints will allow any necessary flexing with freeze/thaw or expansion/contraction. In either case, we would recommend installing a polymeric sand in the joints. This sand will adhere to the pavers to help prevent any water or direct from getting in the joints, but will still flex as well. Please call us at 877-BELGARD if we can assist further. Thanks!
Is there a bullnose coping that would match Blanco Travertino? It’s for a Roman style pool that has both straight lines and curves.
Good afternoon!
We are more than happy to assist with finding compatible products with Travertino. If you give us a call at 877-BELGARD, we can get a few more details so we can get you in touch with your local sales representative. We look forward to hearing from you!