The pool coping is just as important aesthetically and functionally as the wall and floor covering. After all, it is visible to everyone and you have to step on it to take a refreshing dip. On the basis that you may have doubts about which one to choose, in ParaTuReforma we have prepared an article in which we offer you some very interesting ideas. Do not miss them.
Pool crowning: what is it?
The coping of a pool is the element that separates the pool, which is where the water accumulates, from the surrounding surface. The crown can be made of stone, artificial grass or any other material.
Simply put, the crown is the edge of the pool. If you think about it, it makes sense, since it surrounds the swimming area. It also serves a number of very important functions:
- It prevents water overflowing from the pool from seeping in, for example, when you jump in and do not use the ladder.
- It is in charge of leading that overflowing water to the nearest drains or, failing that, to the overflowing channels. This depends on whether it is an infinity pool or not.
- It provides a safe surface from which to enter the pool. This is mainly because it is made of non-slip materials that minimize the risk of slipping, whether you are wearing shoes or not.
As is obvious, to fulfill all these functions, it is indispensable that the pool coping has a number of characteristics. First of all, it must be made of materials that repel moisture and offer a good grip. Natural stone, cement and porcelain stoneware are good examples.
But, in addition, this material must be a poor conductor of heat. It would certainly not be pleasant to take off your flip-flops and find that the edge is so hot that it burns your feet. On the other hand, it must also offer a high resistance to ultraviolet radiation from the sun, since it will be exposed to it permanently.
Pool coping ideas
These are key aspects when renovating or building a swimming pool. However, they are not the only ones. The material you choose should not only meet your expectations in terms of functionality, but also in terms of aesthetics. In this sense, there are two trends you should know.
Classics
Classic style pool coping edging has the virtue of never going out of style. They are usually characterized by having interior tile liners and light-colored stone copings. It is also common for them to have stairs with safety handrails.
Likewise, natural wood is another material that has traditionally been used in the crown of classic pools. However, it has been gradually replaced by imitation tiles, which have no disadvantages in terms of durability, cost and maintenance.
Modern
The edges of modern swimming pools are almost always made of porcelain stoneware. But why? Here are its advantages:
- They are extremely resistant to the action of water and ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
- They have anti-slip treatments that guarantee adherence to the surface.
- They do not require any type of maintenance.
- Quick and easy to clean.
However, they also offer great aesthetic benefits. The first is that they can be found in a wide variety of formats, whether large, small or medium-sized. In addition, they are capable of imitating the appearance of any other material.
This is very important, since the most modern trends in pool coping revolve around cement, stone and wood. In addition, porcelain stoneware is very moldable, so it facilitates infinite and rounded edges, which are the most demanded nowadays.
Imitation wood
The contrast between the color of the pool water and the wood of the crown is spectacular. No wonder this is one of the main trends in modern minimalist or Nordic style pools.
In ParaTuReforma we have a wide catalog of coping edges for pools that mimic natural wood. This will allow you to follow the canons of these styles without suffering the typical drawbacks of this material. There are those that mimic oak or walnut, for example.
Imitation stone
Natural stone is a very interesting material when it comes to building the crown of a swimming pool. However, like wood, it has a number of disadvantages that you should be aware of.
For example, its price is quite expensive, as extraction sources are limited. In addition, it conducts heat well and requires polishing from time to time.
Fortunately, porcelain tiles for pool surrounds that mimic the aesthetics of natural stone also solve these problems. So, if you dream of seeing your pool surrounded by marble or granite, you have a great opportunity.
Imitation cement
Cement has become a star material in many different decorative styles. The best example of this is the role it plays in industrial aesthetics. Therefore, it is not surprising that it is also a fantastic choice in this case.
The problem is that it is not cheap either and that, in addition, its installation is quite cumbersome. Two disadvantages that porcelain stoneware pool copings also solve.
In short, choosing the right pool coping for your garden is easier than it seems thanks to the many options offered by porcelain tiles. In fact, having the material clear, the only thing you will have to focus on is deciding its style. Contact ParaTuReforma if you would like us to advise you in more depth or if you would like to get a no-obligation quote, don’t wait any longer!
