The Beauty and Durability of Granite Coping for Your Swimming Pool

The Benefits of Using Granite Coping for Your Swimming Pool

Installing a beautiful and functional coping on your swimming pool makes a huge difference in its overall look and durability. Granite coping is a top choice for many homeowners and pools these days. The natural beauty and longevity of granite coping sets it apart from other pool edging options.

What is Granite Coping?

Granite coping refers to granite slabs that are cut and installed around the perimeter of a swimming pool. The coping forms a cap on the pool wall to provide a smooth and attractive finish. Granite is one of the most popular materials for pool coping due to its aesthetic appeal, strength, and durability.

Granite coping is installed over the bond beam of the pool wall. It overhangs the pool edge by a couple inches to provide a safe and comfortbale area for swimmers to rest their arms. The granite blocks are cut to size and anchored in place with mortar or adhesive.

Benefits of Choosing Granite Coping

There are many advantages that make granite coping a top choice for swimming pools:

• Aesthetic Appeal - Granite coping provides a beautiful, upscale finish for any pool. The natural patterns and colors of granite add warmth and style to the pool environment.
• Durability - Granite is an incredibly hard, dense stone that can withstand heavy use and outdoor elements like sun, rain, and freeze/thaw cycles. It does not chip or crack easily.
• Low Maintenance - Once installed, granite coping requires very little maintenance. It does not need to be sealed or re-finished over time like other materials.
• Long Lifespan - Granite coping can potentially last the lifetime of the swimming pool. Its longevity sets it apart from coping options like brick or tile.
• Non-Porous - The non-porous nature of granite makes it resistant to staining from pool chemicals, oils, or other contaminants.
• Safe Surface - Granite coping provides a skid-resistant surface, even when wet. The textured surface helps prevent slips or falls.
• Consistent Temperature - Granite does not get overly hot in the sun like concrete or tile coping. Its more comfortable surface temperature creates a better poolside experience.

Choices for Granite Pool Coping

Granite coping offers a wide range of possibilities when it comes to color, texture, and finishing style. Here are some of the options to consider when selecting granite coping:

• Color - Granite comes in tan, brown, red, gray, blue, black, and other colors. Lighter neutral colors are popular choices for coping but you can make a bold statement with a darker dramatic granite.
• Finish - Polished and honed finishes are common for granite coping. The smooth polish reflects light and enhances the granite patterns. Honed offers a matte look.
• Thickness - Standard thickness is about 2 cm but thicker 3cm granite can provide a more substantial look.
• Bullnose Edge - A bullnose rounded edge softens the pool outline and creates comfortable arm rests.
• Coping Dimensions - Typical sizes range from 12-16 inches wide and 24-48 inches long.
• Coping Styles - Granite can be cut into unique curved or geometric coping shapes beyond basic rectangles.
• Accent Materials - Blend granite coping with glass tile inserts or other materials to add interest.

Installing Granite Pool Coping

Proper installation is key to ensuring granite pool coping lasts and performs well in the long run. Here is an overview of the installation process:

1. The concrete pool shell must cure fully before coping is installed. Wait at least 28 days.
2. Measure the perimeter and order granite blocks cut to fit each section.
3. Set the granite blocks in place dry and mark where cuts are needed.
4. Make any necessary cuts to achieve tight seams between blocks.
5. Clean the back of the granite blocks so they adhere properly.
6. Run a mortar or adhesive bead along the edge where blocks will be set.
7. Lower and press blocks into place, shimming spacer chips to align seams.
8. Tool mortar between sections and clean off excess.
9. Allow full curing time before filling pool with water.

A professional pool contractor will have the skills to handle granite coping installation properly. The process takes precision and care to prevent leaks, cracks, or shifting. The investment is well worth it for enduring beauty and quality.

Maintenance Tips for Granite Coping

Once the granite coping is installed, minimal maintenance is required thanks to the natural durability of granite. Here are some tips for keeping your granite pool coping looking like new:

• Check coping for cracks or damage during seasonal openings and closings.
• Wash dirt away with water and a mild pH neutral cleaner.
• Inspect mortar joints and re-point if any are failing.
• Apply a granite sealer every few years for added protection.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on the surface.
• Have a professional inspect the coping every 3-5 years.
• Watch for pool water leaks near coping and repair as needed.

Enhance Your Pool with Granite Coping

Installing granite coping on your swimming pool provides beauty, safety, and longevity all in one durable material. With proper installation, you'll enjoy the benefits of granite coping for many years. Granite offers a timeless, natural look that makes a backyard pool feel like a relaxing oasis. Consider upgrading to this top quality coping material for a pool that will impress.

FAQs

How is granite coping installed on a pool?

Granite coping is installed with mortar or adhesive over the bond beam of the finished pool wall. Granite blocks are cut to size, set in place, and mortar is tooled between the joints. Proper installation requires precision and is best done by a professional pool contractor.

What kind of maintenance does granite coping require?

Granite is highly durable and requires very little maintenance. Basic tasks include washing dirt off the coping, checking for cracks, re-pointing failing mortar joints, and applying sealer every few years. Harsh chemicals and cleaners should be avoided.

What are the benefits of using granite coping?

Granite coping offers benefits such as natural beauty, durability, longevity, low maintenance, resistance to staining, safe grip, and consistent temperature. It enhances the look of any pool and adds value to the property.

How much does granite coping cost compared to other materials?

Granite coping costs more upfront than materials like tile or brick. However, it far outlasts other materials, saving costs over time. When you consider the longevity and low maintenance, granite is frequently seen as a worthwhile investment.

What color options are available with granite coping?

Granite coping comes in a wide range of natural colors like tans, browns, grays, reds, blues, and blacks. Lighter neutrals are popular, but you can also choose a dramatic dark granite color for contrast.