Flagstone Pool Coping: Care and Maintenance Tips

In this 5-minute read, you’ll get everything you need to know in order to care for and maintain the flagstone around your pool.

Let’s get started!

Flagstone pool coping is a smart choice for around the edge of your swimming pool. It’s durable, slip-resistant, and not to mention… looks great!

However, it does require some regular care and maintenance to keep it looking nice.

Care and Maintenance Tips

Here are the top 5 maintenance tips for flagstone coping.

Tip #1 – Clean It Regularly

Regularly spray it down with water and scrub it with a non-metallic brush or broom. This will help prevent dirt and grime buildup that could cause more stubborn stains to develop.

NOTE! This is especially important for pools that get a lot of heavy use or are surrounded by a lot of trees and bushes.

Tip #2 – Deep Clean It from Time to Time

Once or twice a year, get out the power washer and give the flagstone around the pool a good deep clean. This will get all the dirt and grime out of the little cracks and make it look like new again. And right after you powerwash it is a good time to apply a sealant.

BE CAREFUL! Powerwashing can actually damage concrete and natural stone materials. Make sure you use the correct nozzle and don’t hold it too close to the deck surface.

Tip #3 – Promptly Fix Any Problems

As you clean your pool and surrounding areas, check for early signs of problems with the coping like:

cracked pavers
loose or missing mortar
stains
uneven stones
missing caulk in the expansion joint

If you start to notice problem areas, it’s best to get professional help early before the problem gets any worse. You can also check out our Guide to Common Pool Coping Issues.

Tip #4 – Seal the Surface to Keep it Looking Nice

An important step in caring for the flagstone coping around your pool is sealing it. A sealer will help protect the stone from things like moisture, salt water, chemicals, and staining.

And fortunately, sealing is a relatively easy DIY project to tackle. Just purchase the appropriate stone sealer and follow the directions on the container.

PRO TIP! Kill two birds with one stone by power washing and sealing your outdoor flagstone areas all on the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is flagstone good for pool coping?

Yes. Just like travertine, limestone, and other natural stones, flagstone is a durable material that’s perfect for pool decking since most kinds are somewhat slip-resistant.

Does flagstone coping need to be sealed?

It isn’t 100% necessary but it’s a good idea to do it. The sealer will help protect the flagstone from the sun, water, chemicals, and stains.

What is the best material to put between flagstones?

Sand and stone dust have been used for a long time. Polymeric sand is also a popular choice. With its added binders, polymeric sand will solidify and prevent ants or weeds from messing with the sand between patio pavers. For flagstone that’s placed over a stable concrete bed, traditional joint mortar can be used.

How do you make flagstone less slippery?

The easiest way is to add an anti-skid additive to the product you use to seal it. Keeping it clean will also help it to stay less slippery when wet.

Is flagstone cheaper than pavers?

Usually no. Factory-made pavers are normally cheaper to purchase and install thanks to their regular shape. Flagstone, on the other hand, needs to be cut and shaped in order to fit together nicely.

Need Help With Your Flagstone Pool Coping Project?

Give us a call at A&X Masonry if you’re in the Garland, Dallas, Texas area. We’d love to come out, discuss your project, and give you a FREE quote!