The area around the edge of a swimming pool plays a crucial role in both aesthetics and functionality. This transitional zone—where pool meets landscape—enhances the visual appeal of your backyard while also serving practical purposes like safety, drainage, and comfort. If you’re planning to install a new pool or renovating an existing one, choosing the right materials for your pool edge is a decision that will impact your outdoor living space for years to come.

In this guide, we’ll explore the wide range of materials and features you can incorporate around the edge of a swimming pool. From popular safety surfaces to decorative accents, we’ll provide a thorough overview so you can make an informed, stylish, and practical choice that complements your lifestyle.

Understanding Pool Edge Zones

Before diving into material options, it’s important to understand the different zones around the edge of a pool:

• Decking: The primary surface surrounding the pool, often made of concrete, pavers, wood, or composite materials.
• Coping: The material built around the top edge of the pool wall, designed to protect the structure and provide a safe, attractive edge for lounging or dipping feet into the water.
• Surrounding Landscape: This includes plantings, lighting, hardscaping, and water features that enhance the space visually and functionally.

Understanding these elements helps you consider the full picture when planning your pool area.

What is Pool Coping?

Coping refers to the cap or edge built along the top of the pool wall. It serves several functions:

Functional Purposes of Coping

• Protects the pool structure from water damage
• Provides a smooth, safe edge for swimmers
• Acts as a transition between the pool structure and the surrounding deck
• Enhances the overall visual appeal of the pool

Types of Coping Materials

Whether you’re going for a modern, rustic, or luxurious look, your choice of coping material greatly influences the final appearance and comfort of your pool’s edge.

1. Concrete Coping: Often used with gunite pools, poured-in-place concrete coping offers customization in shape and finish, though it may require sealing and maintenance over time.
2. Precast Concrete: Similar to poured concrete but pre-made off-site, allowing for greater consistency and smoother edges.
3. Brick and Stone: Often used in classical or traditional designs, brick and stone add texture and timeless appeal.
4. Natural Stone Coping: Materials like limestone, travertine, and sandstone are popular for high-end pool designs, blending beauty and durability.
5. Poured-in-Place Coping: A seamless finish often used in custom pools, providing clean lines and minimal maintenance.
6. Metal Edging: Stainless steel or aluminum is used for a sleek, modern or contemporary edge.

Design Styles and Customization

Coping can be customized in terms of color, texture, and edge style. For instance:

• Waterfall Edge: Offers a seamless aesthetic, allowing water to spill over into the surrounding basin or catch basin below.
• Dry Edge: Features a raised coping edge, keeping the surrounding area dry and safe.
• Roll-Over Bevel: Typically rounded for comfort when sitting or dipping legs in.

Decking and Surface Materials Around the Pool

The area immediately surrounding the pool is known as the deck, and the surface materials you choose have a significant impact on safety, comfort, and style.

Common Decking Materials

Material	Pros	Cons
Concrete	Affordable, durable, can be stamped or stained for design options	Can crack over time, may be hot in sun
Travertine	Stylish, cool to the touch, natural aesthetic	Porous material, requires sealing, can be expensive
Porcelain Pavers	Highly durable, slip-resistant, elegant finish	Priced higher but lasts for decades
Wood (Ipe, Teak, Composite)	Warm aesthetic, comfortable underfoot	Potential for warping, maintenance intensive
Natural Stone	Unique, luxurious, timeless appeal	Heavy, expensive, may require professional installation

Safety Considerations

The decking material around your pool should be:

• Non-slip, especially when wet
• Cool to the touch
• Easily cleanable and low-maintenance

For families with children, avoiding materials that retain heat (like dark-colored concrete) or become slippery when wet (like smooth stone) is crucial. Porcelain pavers and textured stamped concrete are often ideal options for these reasons.

Deck Layout and Aesthetics

The layout of your deck can enhance the experience around your pool. Consider these features:

• Inset Seating: Built-in benches made from coping or decking material allow swimmers to rest or sunbathe comfortably.
• Edge Seating Areas: A wide coping edge can also double as a place for sitting or placing a towel and drink.
• Wet Deck: A recessed area at water level that allows for lounging partially submerged in water—popular in luxury pool designs.

Landscaping Around the Pool Edge

Beyond hardscape, softscape—meaning vegetation and organic elements—can also be strategically integrated around the pool.

Planting Ideas for Pool Borders

Careful plant selection is essential around pools due to chlorine, saltwater exposure, and frequent splashing:

• Palm Trees: Tall, elegant, and wind-tolerant for poolside environments.
• Ornamental Grasses: Low maintenance and movement adds sensory interest.
• Drought-Tolerant Plants: Many succulents and native species are perfect in dry climates and prevent water waste.
• Low-Hedge Gardens: Help define space and provide greenery without being intrusive.

Avoid plants with messy flowers, berries, or those that shed leaves, as they can contaminate the pool or become a cleaning hassle.

Edging and Raised Planters

To avoid soil running into your pool, raised planters, retaining walls, or clean edging can create a defined boundary:

• Stone Planters: Complement concrete or natural stone decking and provide a stable base for pots and shrubs.
• Metal or Modern Edging: Ideal for a sleek landscape transition, especially around palm or Mediterranean-style plantings.
• Living Walls or Green Screens: Increase privacy and design interest for pool areas surrounded by walls.

Illumination Around the Pool Edge

Lighting plays a dual role in safety and ambiance:

Options for Poolside Lighting

• Wall or Deck Lights: Embedded lights in hardscape provide even illumination and reduce glare in the water.
• Recessed Lighting: Ideal for concrete or paver decks, these lights offer a soft glow without taking up space.
• Low-Profile Path Lights: Define walkways while contributing to an inviting, inviting poolside atmosphere.
• Under-Coping LED Strips: Create dramatic nighttime effects, especially with modern coping styles.

Smart Lighting Features

Many modern pool designs integrate smart home systems to control lighting, color, intensity, and even timers and voice activation. These features allow for customization of the mood and enhance evening use and entertainment.

Functional Amenities Around the Pool Edge

Beyond aesthetics and flooring, functional additions can be incorporated around the edge of a pool to enhance both usability and comfort.

Swim-Up Bars and Sun Shelves

• Swim-Up Bars: Made popular by resort-style pools, these offer the perfect place for a quick drink or meal without leaving the water.
• Sun or Baja Shelves: Shallow ledges at the pool edge where loungers can relax, young children can play safely, or sunbeds can be placed directly in the water.

Integrated Seating and Fire Features

• Built-in Benches: Seating inside or just next to the edge for relaxing or socializing.
• Fire Pits or Tables: Create a cozy, inviting extension of the pool experience for evening use.

Edge Spill Over or Sheer Descent Water Features

For pools with vanishing edges or infinity designs, waterfall-style elements that spill over the edge create a mesmerizing aesthetic. These can run the length of the pool or be localized features for dramatic effect.

Material Choice Based on Climate and Usage

The best materials for the pool edge are often influenced by where you live and how you use your pool.

Hot Climate Considerations

In areas where sunlight is strong and temperatures are high, materials that stay cool underfoot are preferred. Options include:

• Travertine
• Porcelain tile or pavers
• Shade-integrated decks (e.g., pergolas or canopies)

Avoid dark-colored concrete or stone, as these tend to absorb and radiate heat.

Cold or Wet Climate Choices

In areas prone to frost or seasonal weather changes:

• Use slip-resistant surfaces
• Select frost-resistant materials like granite or certain types of concrete
• Avoid natural stone with high porosity that can absorb moisture and crack during freeze-thaw cycles

Budget Considerations

Every homeowner has a different budget and investment level in mind when designing the edge of a pool.

Budget-Friendly Options

• Poured-in-place concrete with a textured finish
• Pre-cast concrete coping
• Gravel or decomposed granite pathways

Mid-Range Solutions

• Standard travertine pavers
• Durable porcelain tiles or composite decking
• Basic landscape elements with durable shrubs

High-End Materials and Features

• Custom natural stone coping (limestone, sandstone)
• Swim-up bars, infinity edges, and intricate water features
• Integrated seating, fire bowls, and state-of-the-art LED lighting

These elements are typically chosen for custom-built, high-end pools and entertainment-focused outdoor spaces.

Maintenance of Pool Edge Materials

Durability and ease of maintenance are key factors when choosing your pool edge materials:

Low-Maintenance Options

• Porcelain pavers (resists water, fading, stains)
• Precast or poured concrete with sealant (easy sweeping and cleaning)
• Metal coping (corrosion treated for longevity)

Regular Maintenance Requirements

• Natural stone coping may need resealing every couple of years
• Wood decks (like Ipe or teak) require oiling or staining every 6–12 months
• Landscaping around the pool should be pruned to avoid debris buildup

Considering ongoing costs and effort for cleaning, repair, and replacement should factor heavily into your decision-making process.

Final Thoughts: Choosing What To Put Around the Edge of a Pool

Designing the edge of your swimming pool is more than an aesthetic choice—it’s a decision that affects comfort, usability, safety, and maintenance for years. Whether you’re going for a casual backyard atmosphere, a high-end resort-style oasis, or a modern, sleek escape, your pool edge needs to reflect both your taste and lifestyle.

From natural stone coping to elegant porcelain pavers and smart pool-edge features like built-in bars or LED lighting, the design possibilities are endless. Take the time to explore functional, visual, and material options that suit your space and family’s needs.

So, when it comes to what you put around the edge of a pool, the answer hinges on thoughtful planning, personal preference, and an informed understanding of materials, climate, and maintenance. With some inspiration and expert guidance, your pool border can transform into a safe, beautiful, and highly functional extension of your home.

Ready to design your dream pool? Consult with a landscape architect, pool contractor, or designer to explore the right mix of features for your backyard!

What are the most popular materials used around the edge of a pool?

The most popular materials used around the edge of a pool, also known as pool coping, include concrete, natural stone, pavers, tile, and wood. Each material offers unique benefits in terms of durability, aesthetics, and maintenance requirements. Concrete coping is cost-effective and versatile, as it can be stamped or colored to match any design scheme. Natural stone, such as granite or limestone, provides a luxurious and timeless appearance but may require more upkeep.

Pavers are known for their durability and slip-resistant surfaces, making them especially suitable for high-traffic pool areas. Tile coping offers a sleek and water-resistant finish, often used with mosaic or glass tiles for a decorative touch. Wood, typically tropical hardwoods or composite decking, adds a warm, natural look but requires regular maintenance and protection from moisture. Choosing the right material depends on your budget, style preferences, and how much upkeep you’re willing to perform.

Can I use tile as pool coping, and what are the benefits?

Yes, tile can be used as pool coping and is a popular choice for its sleek appearance and seamless integration with tiled pool interiors. Porcelain, glass, and stone tiles are commonly used due to their durability and resistance to moisture and fading. Tile coping provides a clean edge between the pool deck and the water, and it’s non-porous when sealed properly, which helps prevent water damage.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, tile coping is easy to clean and maintain, making it a practical option for pool owners. It can also be customized with various colors, textures, and patterns to create a unique visual effect that complements the overall pool design. However, it’s important to ensure that the tile is installed by a professional using waterproof adhesives and that a slight overhang is included to allow water to drip away from the edge, preventing staining or erosion of the deck below.

Is concrete a good option for pool coping?

Concrete is a strong and versatile option for pool coping, offering durability and the ability to be customized through stamping, staining, or texturing. It can mimic the appearance of more expensive materials like stone or wood while providing a cost-effective solution. Concrete coping can also be poured on-site, which allows for a seamless installation tailored to the shape and size of your specific pool.

However, concrete does require proper sealing to prevent water penetration and staining. Without adequate maintenance, it can be prone to cracking or chipping, especially in areas with freeze-thaw cycles. Despite this, when professionally installed and properly maintained, concrete coping can last many years and enhance the overall appearance of your pool area while providing a firm, stable edge for foot traffic around the pool deck.

What are the safety considerations when selecting pool edge materials?

Safety is a crucial factor when selecting pool edge materials. The chosen coping should provide a slip-resistant surface to prevent accidents, especially when wet. Materials like textured concrete, pavers, and certain natural stones offer better traction than smooth tiles or untreated wood surfaces. Additionally, the edge should be smooth enough to prevent cuts or scrapes when exiting the pool or sitting on the coping.

Another important safety aspect is thermal comfort—some materials can become excessively hot under direct sunlight, increasing the risk of burns to bare feet. Light-colored pavers or stone with natural cooling properties are good choices in warm climates. Pool edges should also be designed with a slight downward slope or drip edge to help water drain away from the pool, reducing puddling, slipping hazards, and potential damage to the surrounding decking or structure.

How does the choice of pool coping affect pool maintenance?

The choice of pool coping directly affects the level of maintenance your pool requires. Materials like tile and concrete may need regular cleaning and sealing, while pavers and natural stone might require periodic inspection for shifting or erosion around the edges. Some materials, such as wood, demand more frequent care to protect against moisture damage, mold, and UV exposure.

Proper installation also plays a major role in maintenance needs. Coping with a well-designed drip edge minimizes water damage to the deck and wall structure beneath, reducing long-term repair needs. Choosing a material that’s appropriate for your climate and usage patterns can significantly decrease upkeep time and costs. Low-maintenance options such as porcelain tiles or precast concrete coping can provide a beautiful edge with minimal effort over the years.

What are the different styles of pool coping available?

There are several styles of pool coping, including flat, bullnose, dupont, and step coping, each offering a distinct aesthetic and functional benefit. Flat coping provides a clean, modern look and is often used with contemporary pool designs. Bullnose coping features a rounded edge, offering a softer appearance and a comfortable surface for sitting or exiting the pool. Dupont coping has a double-rounded edge and is ideal for ornate or traditional pool styles.

Step coping is designed to extend into the pool, allowing swimmers to sit or climb in and out easily, making it both a stylish and functional choice. Some modern designs integrate built-in LED lighting or water features into the coping for a high-end, custom look. The style you choose should complement the architectural theme of your home and pool while also meeting the practical needs of users, including comfort and accessibility.

Can I mix different materials for my pool coping and decking?

Yes, you can mix different materials for your pool coping and decking to create a more dynamic or textured look. For example, natural stone coping can be paired with composite decking or stamped concrete pavers for a layered aesthetic. This design approach can help define the transition between the pool and the surrounding area while enhancing visual appeal and functionality.

However, it’s important to ensure that the materials complement each other in terms of color, texture, and scale. Mixing too many conflicting textures or tones can create a chaotic appearance. Consulting with a pool design professional can help you coordinate materials effectively, ensuring they blend well and meet local building codes and safety standards. Proper sealing and drainage are also essential to maintain the integrity of different materials over time.