When we talk about swimming pools, we often focus on the size, depth, and the surrounding ambiance. But few people are familiar with the specific terminology associated with each part of a pool. One such component that is frequently overlooked, yet integral to both the function and aesthetics of a pool, is the edge of the pool. Knowing the correct term for this part not only enhances your pool vocabulary but also helps when discussing design options, maintenance, or renovations.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of pool design, identifying what the edge of the pool is called, its different types, its functional and aesthetic roles, and how it fits into the bigger picture of swimming pool construction and usage.
Defining the Edge of the Pool: What Is It Called?
The edge of the pool is most commonly referred to as the pool coping.
What Is Pool Coping?
Coping is the material used to cap or cover the top edge of the pool where the water meets the deck. It serves as a transition between the pool structure and the surrounding deck, providing a finished look while also playing an important functional role.
Why Is It Called Coping?
The term “coping” comes from the architectural term that refers to the top layer or cap of a wall or structure, designed to shed water. In the context of pools, the idea is similar—it protects the edge from water damage and provides a smooth, safe surface.
The Role of Pool Coping in Pool Design
Pool coping isn’t just decorative—it’s crucial to the structure and longevity of the pool. Here’s a breakdown of its primary roles:
Structural Integrity
Coping is an integral component that supports the structural transition from the pool shell to the deck. It reinforces the edge, ensuring the concrete shell of the pool is connected securely to the surrounding area. This is particularly important in preventing cracks or shifts that can occur from ground movement or water pressure.
Water Management
One of the main functions of coping is water drainage. Coping often features a slight overhang or bullnose edge that helps direct water from the pool deck and splash-out back into the pool or into the drainage system. This reduces standing water, erosion, and potential slip hazards around the pool perimeter.
Safety and Comfort
Pool coping provides a smooth, rounded edge that makes it safer to walk around the pool. This rounded surface, often known as a bullnose edge, is gentler on feet and reduces the risk of injury from sharp corners or edges.
Types of Pool Coping
There is a wide variety of pool coping styles and materials available on the market, each offering different aesthetic, functional, and maintenance benefits.
1. Concrete Coping
This is the most common and cost-effective option. Concrete coping can be stamped, stained, or textured to match the surrounding deck or landscaping. It is durable, but may require sealing over time to prevent water damage or staining.
2. Natural Stone Coping
Materials like travertine, limestone, or granite offer a luxurious, elegant look for coping. Natural stone is heat-resistant and slip-resistant, making it ideal for poolside use.
Travertine Coping is especially popular due to its cool-to-the-touch quality, which makes lounging along the edge more comfortable in sunny climates.
3. Paver Coping
Used primarily with concrete or vinyl pools, paver coping offers a modular system that is easily replaceable if individual pieces get damaged. These coping pavers are often made from the same materials as the surrounding deck, offering a seamless transition in design.
4. Cantilevered Coping
Cantilevered coping extends beyond the edge of the pool, creating a floating bench or seating area around the pool. This style is often seen in resort-style or custom-built pools and provides a multi-functional aesthetic.
Design Considerations for Pool Coping
When selecting or designing your pool coping, several factors need to be considered to ensure both functional and visual harmony with your space.
Material Selection
Your climate, usage level, and aesthetic preferences will influence the best coping material.
Edge Profiles
The profile of the edge can vary, from a bullnose (rounded edge) to a square edge. A rounded bullnose is the most popular for safety and comfort reasons.
Expansion and Sealing
Since pools naturally expand and contract due to temperature and water pressure fluctuations, it’s important to ensure that the coping allows for this movement without cracking. Expansion joints or proper sealing techniques can prolong the life of the coping material.
Seamless Integration with Decking
One growing trend is the use of matching decking and coping materials, such as travertine coping with travertine decking. This creates a cohesive design aesthetic that elevates the outdoor living space.
Alternatives and Innovations in Pool Edges
While traditional coping remains popular, new design approaches and pool technologies have introduced alternative edge treatments that are gaining traction in modern pool design.
Tile Overhang
Some pool designs use a ceramic or glass tile overhang as the edge instead of dedicated coping. These are particularly used in vanishing edge pools or naturalistic poolscapes, where the water appears to spill over into a catch basin or landscape feature.
Zero-Edge Pools
Also known as infinity pools, these modern designs eliminate the traditional coping line. Water flows over one or more edges into a gutter or catch basin, creating a seamless visual effect. Instead of coping, these pools often use metal or concrete coping alternatives designed to handle the constant overflow of water.
Automatic Safety Covers Integration
Modern pool safety covers often require a specific recessed coping design to fit seamlessly into the pool’s edge without compromising aesthetics or safety features.
Historical Perspective: Evolution of Pool Edges
Throughout history, swimming pools have evolved dramatically—not just in function, but also in form and finish. Understanding the historical evolution of the pool edge helps highlight how coping has become a fundamental part of pool structures.
Ancient Civilizations
In ancient Rome and Greece, pools (or bathhouses) were often surrounded by stone or marble steps. Early edges were simple and practical, serving bathing, socialization, and ritual purposes, but lacked dedicated coping systems.
Vintage and Mid-Century Pools
In the 1950s–1970s, especially in places like California and Florida, pool construction boomed. These pools often had simple bullnose concrete coping, matched with terrazzo or concrete decking.
Modern Revival and Luxury Era
Since the 1990s, especially in the luxury market, designers have paid more attention to edges. Coping evolved into a design statement, with natural stone, custom shapes, and integrated seating becoming the norm.
Contemporary Trends
Today, pool edges are often part of smart designs that include infinity waterfalls, built-in lighting, and even embedded planters, all incorporated into the coping and edge zone.
How to Choose the Best Coping for Your Pool
When planning your pool or renovating an existing one, choosing the right coping is essential. Here are some tips to guide your decision:
Factor in Climate
In regions with harsh winters or intense sunlight, certain materials may expand, contract, or degrade faster. For example, concrete coping can be durable but may need more maintenance in extreme conditions.
Consider Maintenance Needs
Some materials require sealing, cleaning, or re-grouting more often than others. While natural stone like travertine is durable, it does need regular maintenance to sustain its appearance.
Think About Aesthetics
Coping should complement the overall look and color palette of your outdoor space. For example, dark pavers might pair well with bold concrete edges, while light travertine could soften modern pool designs.
Determine Functionality
Will the edge be used for sitting or lounging? Is it part of the deck access for kids or pets? Choose a coping that offers the right comfort and safety based on usage.
Work with Professionals
Hiring a licensed pool builder or designer who understands structural and aesthetic requirements can ensure your coping design is not only beautiful but also functional and safe.
The Cost of Pool Coping
Coping costs vary significantly based on material, labor, and customization.
Material Costs
Here’s an approximation based on the current market:
| Material | Average Cost per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| Concrete | $8–$15 |
| Poured-in-place concrete | $20–$30 |
| Travertine | $30–$45 |
| Granite | $40–$70 |
| Paver Coping | $15–$35 |
Installation Costs
Installation typically ranges from $10–$25 per linear foot depending on complexity, especially if it involves custom forms or integrated features like gutters or cover recesses.
Additional Features
Options like lighting, color finishing, edge patterns, or specialty finishes can add to the overall coping cost but also enhance curb appeal and property value.
Maintenance Tips for Pool Coping
Like the rest of your pool, coping also requires regular attention. Here are some maintenance tips:
- Clean regularly to avoid buildup of algae, dirt, or mineral deposits
- Inspect for cracks or chips and repair them promptly to avoid water infiltration
- Re-seal stone or concrete surfaces every 1–2 years
It’s also crucial to keep an eye on alkalinity levels in pool water, as imbalanced chemicals can stain coping surfaces over time.
Final Thoughts
The edge of the pool—technically called coping—plays an essential role in both the structure and aesthetics of your swimming pool. Whether you are designing a new pool from scratch or renovating an existing one, understanding what the edge of the pool is called, what materials are available, and how it impacts overall pool safety and function can help you make the best decisions for your space.
From traditional concrete to high-end natural stone, and from custom cantilevered edges to infinity pool designs, the world of pool coping is as varied as it is functional. By combining style with durability, and by paying attention to material choices, climate fitness, and professional installation, homeowners can ensure that their pool edge not only looks great but lasts for years to come.
What is the edge of the pool called?
The edge of the pool is commonly referred to as the “pool coping.” Coping is the material or structure that forms the top edge of the pool wall, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes. It provides a finished look to the pool and acts as a barrier between the pool structure and the surrounding decking or landscape. Coping also helps to direct water back into the pool or into the drainage system, preventing erosion and water damage around the pool area.
Coping comes in various materials, including concrete, stone, tile, and pre-manufactured coping bricks. The choice of material often depends on the pool’s design, the surrounding environment, and personal preference. Some coping styles are designed to be non-slip for safety, while others are selected for their visual appeal or durability. Proper installation of coping is essential to ensure longevity and optimal performance in all weather conditions.
What are the different parts of a swimming pool called?
A swimming pool has several key components, each with a specific function and name. The primary parts include the skimmer, which draws in surface water to be filtered; the main drain, located at the deepest part of the pool to assist with water circulation; the return jets, which push filtered water back into the pool; the coping, which is the edge around the top; and the decking, which surrounds the pool for walkways and aesthetics.
Secondary components include the pool ladder or steps for safe entry and exit, the waterline tile that lines the perimeter at the water’s surface, and the filtration system that cleans the water. Understanding these parts helps pool owners perform basic maintenance and communicate more effectively with professionals when repairs or upgrades are needed. Familiarity with pool terminology also aids in recognizing potential issues, such as poor water circulation or structural wear.
What are the differences between a pool coping and a pool deck?
While related, the pool coping and the pool deck serve different functions in pool construction. The coping is the finished edge that sits at the top of the pool wall, acting as a protective barrier and an interface between the pool structure and the surrounding area. It is often made of durable materials like stone, concrete, or specialized coping bricks designed to resist water and wear.
The pool deck, on the other hand, refers to the flat surface surrounding the pool, typically made of concrete, pavers, wood, or composite materials. The deck serves as a walkway and lounging area and is designed with slip-resistance and drainage in mind. While the coping contributes directly to the integrity and aesthetics of the pool shell, the deck supports user activities and overall accessibility around the pool.
What is the water-level edge of the pool called?
The edge of the pool at the water level is typically referred to as the waterline. This area is where the water meets the pool wall and is often lined with waterline tiles, which are specially designed to withstand constant exposure to water and chemicals. These tiles are usually more durable and resistant to staining and scaling compared to regular pool tiles, which are submerged.
Maintaining the waterline is crucial for keeping the pool looking clean and functioning efficiently. Algae buildup, mineral deposits, and waterline stains can occur if this area is not properly maintained. Automatic pool cleaners and manual brushing can help keep this critical zone spotless, and regular chemical balancing is also important to prevent scaling and discoloration around the waterline.
How important is the design of the pool coping?
The design of pool coping is important not only for aesthetic appeal but also for functionality and safety. A well-designed coping complements the pool’s overall look, enhances the transition between the pool and surrounding area, and ensures durability. The style and shape of the coping can influence the feel of the pool—whether it’s traditional, modern, or rustic—and should align with both the architecture of the home and landscape design.
From a practical standpoint, coping should provide a smooth, safe surface that doesn’t cause injury or discomfort when users sit or walk along the pool edge. It also plays a role in directing water away from the pool area, preventing water accumulation that can lead to slip hazards or foundation issues. A well-thought-out coping design can also support additional features like built-in seating, lighting, or spa overflows.
What types of materials are commonly used for pool coping?
Pool coping can be made from a variety of materials, each offering distinct advantages. Common choices include poured-in-place concrete coping, which allows for customization and a seamless look; precast concrete coping bricks, known for their ease of installation and affordability; and natural stone materials like travertine, limestone, and granite, which are prized for their elegance and durability.
Tile coping, often made from ceramic or porcelain, is also used for its smooth surface and variety of color and texture options. The choice of material affects both the maintenance and the lifespan of the coping. Natural stone and concrete tend to be more durable but may require periodic sealing, while tile and precast options offer easier cleaning but may be more prone to chipping or cracking over time.
How is coping installed around a swimming pool?
The installation of pool coping begins after the pool shell is completed and the waterline tiles are in place. First, a layer of mortar or a bonding agent is applied along the top edge of the pool wall to secure the coping material. Coping is then carefully laid, ensuring proper alignment and a slight sloping angle outward to help water drain away from the pool surface and reduce water accumulation on the deck.
Once the coping is set in place, the joints are typically filled with a grout or mortar mix, then sealed to prevent water infiltration and enhance durability. This process needs to be carried out by a qualified professional to ensure accuracy and proper sealing, especially on curved sections and around features such as steps or attached spas. The final result should be a sturdy, well-finished edge that complements the entire pool design while offering a safe, comfortable surface.