Choosing Pool Coping: Colours, Non-Slip Finishes and Materials That Last

Choosing the right pool coping is one of those decisions you can easily forget about. That is until you’re standing poolside, on a scorching summer’s day in Melbourne and you’re wishing you’d chosen a cooler colour as your feet slowly start to sizzle. Coping does more than finish off the edge of your pool. It protects your feet from hot ground, it can be anti-slip for safety, and it can drain excess water away from the edge of the pool.

With so many different colours, finishes and materials to choose from, it helps to know what works for your pool, not just what looks good in a brochure or in the showroom. In this guide the team from The Paver Shop will step you through how to choose pool coping that is safe and durable, and perfect for Victoria’s changeable climate. And we’ll look at why concrete pool coping is fast becoming a smart and affordable choice for Melbourne homeowners.

What Is Pool Coping and Why Does It Matter?

Pool coping is the protective cap that sits atop the wall of an inground pool. It seals the edge where the pool shell meets the pool deck. Coping is important as it stops water from seeping behind the pool wall or under the pool deck and causing damage over time. It also provides a non-slip surface for people walking around the outside of the pool, and for those trying to get out of the pool. It also provides a comfortable place for people to sit while they dangle their feet in the pool.

Coping is generally sloped a little bit away from the pool, to channel splashed water away from the edge of the pool and into drainage.

Common coping materials include:

• > Concrete pavers can be made to look like different surfaces and materials. They are a budget-friendly option for pool owners and The Paver Shop is your #1 concrete pavers supplier in Melbourne.
• > Natural stone such as travertine and bluestone. These stay cool to the touch on hot days and look very sophisticated.
• > Pavers and porcelain coping come in a wide array of colours and styles and are resistant to salt and pool chemicals.

Popular coping styles include:

• > Bullnose: A rounded edge which is smooth to the touch and nice to hold on to.
• > Square edge: A regular, flat look with a 90 degree angle. It is very budget friendly and is considered a rather modern look.
• > Drop face: This extends out over the pool and then drops down over the pool wall. It creates an illusion of a solid, thick pool wall.

Choosing the Right Colour for Your Pool Coping

Choosing the right colour for your pool coping is a little bit about matching the colour of your pool or home exterior decor, and a lot more about heat retention and what is safe. Light toned pool coping reflects heat and can stay comfortable underfoot for longer. Dark tones absorb the heat, which can help heat the pool and be good if you use your pool all-year-round.

If you’re looking at the aesthetic of your pool to match the style for your backyard, you could consider the coping as a framing device. How will the coping look against the colour of the water, both during the day and at night with pool lights? How will the coping look when sat next to your deck and patio?

A monochromatic look to blend the pool interior with the deck can create a calm space. Coping that contrasts against the dark pool interior, or a darker shade of decking, can dramatically frame the pool. Or a natural stone look can help your pool blend in with the landscape in a more natural and eco-friendly way.

How you frame your pool can have an impact on pool safety. Coping is the border between the pool deck and the water itself. If it is slightly contrasting, those swimming in the pool would be able to see the edge much more clearly. It also can help people walking beside the pool know where the edge is.

You can also engineer the look of your pool depending on the colour of your coping. Lighter coping can make your pool appear a lighter, brighter blue colour. Dark borders can create a mirror-like appearance that can be very dramatic.

Why Non-Slip Finishes Are Essential Around Pools

No matter how stylish a look you have chosen for your pool coping, having a non-slip finish is crucial. You don’t want any nasty accidents happening in or around your pools.

Non-slip finishes ensure safe entry and exit to the pool. It allows a good grip when people are pushing off while in the pool, and can prevent accidental entry if someone is just sitting on the edge, or standing on the edge of the pool.

Three common materials which are non-slip include textured porcelain, natural stone and brushed concrete.

Comparing Pool Coping Materials: What Lasts in Melbourne's Climate

In Melbourne, coping must endure harsh UV rays, summer heat into the high thirties and then frosty mornings in the winter. The best materials for coping help balance comfort and safety for bare feet, and the ability to resist such weather extremes. Standard installation of coping must be at least 30mm thick and must undergo regular sealing.

• > Travertine is a common coping material. It is a natural limestone with a pitted texture for a natural non-slip surface. This stone reflects solar heat and can stay up to 10 degrees cooler underfoot during summer. It has a Mediterranean look and is highly resistant to salt. It does need regular sealing else it could develop stains from water and spills.
• > Granite is a popular coping material due to its uniform and contemporary look. It absorbs very little water and won't stain but, in cold climates it can become brittle. It is extremely low-maintenance, so good for the set-and-forget kind of people.
• > Bluestone is a classic look. It is a dark, sleek colour which is good for cooler climates, but can get hot during hot summers. High cost to install but low maintenance once in, it is a dense material and virtually indestructible.

Why Concrete Is Having a Moment in Pool Coping

Concrete pool coping is currently exploding in popularity thanks to a modern, seamless look that can be achieved. You can have classy designs and it is a wonderfully budget friendly option when compared to the natural stone options available.

The great thing about concrete is people just think of it being dull and grey, which could not be further from the truth. Our range of concrete pavers can come in charcoal colours, light cream, a timberstone look, and many more.

The cost benefits are also good for the hip pocket. Travertine and bluestone are expensive to buy and install. Concrete pavers are a locally made, cost-effective material that's quick and easy to install.

Concrete pavers are easy to clean and maintain. They are treated to be slip-resistant and can be easily sealed to stop moisture damage.

Get Your Pool Coping From The Paver Shop

Whether you’re drawn to the classic look of bluestone, the cool comfort of travertine, or the affordable, versatile appeal of concrete pavers, choosing the right pool coping comes down to balancing style, safety and durability for Victoria's climate. As one of Melbourne's trusted concrete pavers suppliers, The Paver Shop offers a wide range of concrete pavers for sale, suited to pool surrounds that need to look good and perform well for years to come.

Our team can help you find the right colour, finish and non-slip surface for your project, and connect you with reliable pavers installation Melbourne homeowners can count on. Get in touch with The Paver Shop today to start planning your pool coping.