Orlando pool resurfacing

Pool Coping Replacement in Orlando

Coping caps the bond beam at the top of the pool wall, seals it from water and forms the joint with the deck. When stones rock, mortar joints open or a crack runs along the deck edge, the old coping comes off, the beam is checked, and new travertine, pavers or concrete is set with a flexible joint to the deck.

What coping does

Coping is the cap along the top edge of the pool wall. It sits on the bond beam, the thickened concrete ring at the top of the shell, and it does three jobs: it seals the top of the wall so water does not get into the beam, it gives swimmers a firm edge to hold, and it forms the joint between the pool and the deck. Because it is the meeting point of two structures that move differently in heat and rain, it is often the first thing around a pool to crack, loosen or separate.

Common coping in Florida pools

  • Poured or cantilevered concrete. The deck concrete is formed to overhang the pool edge in one piece. Common on older Florida pools. It cannot be lifted and reset piece by piece; damaged sections are cut out and re-formed.
  • Brick or concrete pavers. Bullnose pavers set on mortar over the bond beam. Individual pieces can be replaced, and pavers are a popular upgrade when the deck is also being redone in pavers.
  • Travertine and other natural stone. A common choice in Florida renovations, cut with a rounded pool-side edge and often matched to a travertine deck. Natural stone is sealed after it is set.
  • Precast concrete. Factory-made units in standard sizes, set like pavers.

Signs it needs replacing

Look for coping stones that rock when you step on them, mortar joints that have opened or washed out, a crack running along the joint between the coping and the deck, and chips on the pool side of the edge. A gap between coping and deck lets rain run down behind the tile and into the soil beside the wall, which is why that joint is filled with a flexible sealant rather than rigid mortar. Loose coping is also a warning sign for the tile directly beneath it; if tiles have popped below a loose stone, plan on new waterline tile as part of the same work.

How the job is sequenced

Old coping and its mortar bed are removed down to the bond beam, which is checked for cracks and spalling before anything new is set. New stones or pavers are laid to a consistent overhang and a slight fall away from the water, so rain runs toward the deck, not into the pool. The expansion joint to the deck is sealed last. If the whole interior is also being replaced, coping and tile go first and the new pool finish goes on after, so the plaster line finishes cleanly against the new tile. If you want the deck to match the new edge, resurfacing the deck comes last.

What sets the schedule? The length of the pool edge, the coping material and how it is sourced, whether cantilevered concrete has to be cut out and re-formed, repairs the bond beam needs, and whether tile below is being replaced too.

Frequently asked questions

Can I replace poured concrete coping with pavers or travertine?
Usually, yes. The cantilevered concrete edge is cut back, the bond beam is checked, and pavers or stone are set on a mortar bed. The deck height and the joint between deck and coping have to be planned at the same time.
Why is the joint between the coping and the deck sealed instead of mortared?
The pool shell and the deck move independently with heat and moisture. A rigid mortar joint there tends to crack and let water down behind the tile, so it is filled with a flexible sealant.

Often done in the same drain

These usually come up in the same drain, and can be quoted from the same visit:

Free estimate

Tell us about the pool

Tell us where the pool is and what you’re seeing. We’ll call back to book a look at the pool and bring finish samples.

  • Shell, tile and coping inspected before anything is quoted
  • Each item priced separately, so you choose what gets done
  • Water table and drain relief checked before the pool is emptied
  • Brushing and water balancing through the new finish’s cure

Free resurfacing estimate

Tell us about the pool — we’ll call back to book a look.

Or call (689) 305-2500

Got it, thank you.

We’ll call to set up a time to see the pool. To talk sooner, call (689) 305-2500