How to install pool coping - Guide from the pros

Let’s take a look at a step-by-step guide to installing pool coping stones from the experts at A&X Masonry. This 5-minute read will help you if you plan to tackle the project yourself or to know what to look for when hiring a professional.

Updated: July 26, 2024

Planning to install a new swimming pool or remodel your existing one? Knowing how to install pool coping is an important part of this process.

Pool coping enhances your pool’s overall appearance while protecting your pool and patio structure. That’s why it’s important to know to lay pool coping correctly. 

5 Steps on How To Install Pool Coping

Here are the basic steps for how to install coping around a pool with coping stones like concrete pavers or natural stone coping tiles like travertine.

IMPORTANT! In order to tackle a project like this, you should already have a decent knowledge of basic masonry techniques like working with concrete and cutting tile.

You should also have at least the following tools:
  • Angle grinder with a diamond blade
  • Common hand tools — tape measure, square, level, trowel, mallet, caulking gun, spatula, etc.
  • Concrete mixer
  • Wheelbarrow, buckets, shovel
  • PPE — eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, dust mask

If you’re confident in your masonry skills and have the necessary tools, head to the first step. Or if you’d prefer to hire a professional for the installation, head down to the last section of the article.

Step 1: Lay the pool coping foundation

Even if the patio deck pavers will be laid on a bed of sand and gravel, the coping stones need a concrete base. The size of the concrete beam will depend on how large the coping stones are.

Make sure the ground under the beam is properly compacted. Then, spread a layer of gravel as a base for the concrete beam. Build forms according to the size of the beam. Then pour and finish the concrete.

Step 2: Prepare the beam

Once the concrete has cured, remove the forms and grind out any large imperfections on the surface. If you take a little extra time to prepare the surface of the concrete, the pool coping installation will go a lot easier.

Step 3: Layout the coping stones

The next step in pool coping installation is to start laying out the pool coping stones. If you’ve ever done floor tile before, you’ll be familiar with this process. How you lay out the pool coping stones will depend a lot on their size and the shape of your swimming pool.

Take the total measurement of each stone (including the width of the joints between them) and plan where the joints will fall. Figure out how big the coping pieces will be at the ends or corners of the pool. Larger pieces are more aesthetically pleasing so if you find that there will be a small piece anywhere, try to adjust the coping stones to avoid that.

IMPORTANT! The layout step can be a little complicated if you’ve never done anything like this before. If you feel a little bit unsure about how to do it, then it’s probably best to hire a professional masonry contractor. 

Click the button to get a FREE pool coping replacement or installation quote and a discount on your first project with us. 

Step 4: Coping stone installation

Now it’s time to actually lay the coping stones around the pool edge. If you’ve properly prepared the surface of the beam, you won’t need to use a lot of mortar or adhesive in order to get the tiles level with each other.

The type of adhesive or mortar for pool coping depends some on if the pool has a fiberglass or masonry shell. If the fiberglass liner extends far enough underneath the pool coping tile, then it’s important to use a flexible adhesive. If the pool has masonry walls, then a mortar-based adhesive can be used if necessary.

Step 5: Grouting pool coping

Fill the joints between the coping stones with the appropriate mortar or grout.

Step 5: The expansion joint

Never put mortar between the pool coping and the rest of the patio pavers. That joint needs to be able to expand and contract to allow for the differences in movement between the pool and the patio pavers.

To do this, place a foam backer rod into the joint. Apply self-leveling caulk to fill the joint. Then sprinkle some fill material like sand over top. That last step will help the expansion joint blend in with the rest of the grout joints.

Pro Tips When Installing Pool Coping

  • Use dustless tools to keep the area clean and protect yourself.
  • If you’re using a polyurethane adhesive, be sure to spray or sponge the concrete and the back of the coping stones with water. This will help the adhesive stick better.
  • Sand the surface of the fiberglass liner under the coping to improve adhesion.

Letting a Professional Do the Job

There are a lot of easy DIY projects — installing or replacing pool coping isn’t one of them. There are even a lot of professional construction companies that don’t know how to install pool coping pavers correctly and as a result, end up getting it wrong and causing homeowners tons of problems down the road.

That’s why most homeowners decide to shop around until they’ve found a trusted masonry or pool company with a proven track record of success.

Remember, pools are a big investment. So if you’re looking to save some money, there are other simpler parts of the project that you could DIY other than pool coping installation. Or you could choose a more budget-friendly type of pool coping like Concrete Cantilever Pool Coping.

If you’re in the Dallas, Texas area, we would love to help install or replace your pool coping. Click the button to request a FREE estimate from the masonry pros at A&X Masonry

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to install pool coping?

Including materials and installation, you will likely pay about $25-$50 per linear foot.

Can you add coping to a pool?

Yes, you can. Even if your pool is already installed, adding pool coping is a great way to add a high-end look to an existing swimming pool.

How do I fix pool coping?

A lot depends on what type of pool coping it is and how it was installed. Check out our guide to Pool Coping Repair to learn more. Or give us a call today at A&X Masonry if you’re in the Dallas, Texas area. 

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