Recommended Brick Length for Pool Coping

Pool Coping

• A brick coping outlines the shape of the pool. The coping must be a material that doesn't get slippery when wet. While the surface of the coping is important, the pool edging also helps to protect the pool itself. Coping covers the bond beam at the top of the pool. By sealing this area, water cannot get between the outside edge of the pool and the ground, where it can cause damage through a pressure build-up over time. Waterproof material and tight sealing between each of the coping parts, and between the coping and decking, will ensure that your pool lasts for many years.

Bricks

• The size of the bricks used for coping are a matter of personal preference. Using standard bricks as your base, measure the perimeter around your pool. Divide this figure by the narrow width of a brick to calculate the number of bricks needed to encircle your pool for the coping. Placing the brick perpendicular to the pool's edge ensures that the bond beam for the pool is completely covered and sealed.

Brick Shape

• Other than the edge facing the pool, standard coping bricks don't have to change their basic shape. Bricks used for coping are laid at a 90-degree angle to the side of the pool with one of the narrow edges hanging over the water. This exposed brick face must have its corners rounded to create a smooth, grippable finish. By shaping the ends of the bricks to an upward curving end or a straight bullnose, people getting out of the pool will not get cut on a sharp edge.

Decking Option

• Instead of installing separate decking and coping around a pool, some pool owners extend the decking material to the pool's edge. This can be done with brick decking. The decking bricks overhanging the pool should be rounded on the exposed edge, just as coping must be rounded. As long as the decking fulfills the coping's purpose of covering the bond beam, a separate line of coping will not be needed.