Pool coping tile are a necessary part of any swimming pool. They enhance your pool's aesthetic value, protect its edge and keep the water inside clean.

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What is Pool Coping?

The Barlavento Sea Grip 14.5 Tile

Pool coping is the edging or border around a swimming pool.Made using either tiles, stone, or concrete, swimming pool coping tiles have both an aesthetic and functional purpose. 

Aesthetic: Pool coping enhances the appearance of your pool area, serving as the finishing touch that ties everything together. 

Functional: The coping protects the pool's edge and prevents water from spilling over onto the surrounding deck or patio.

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Do You Need Coping Around a Pool?

In short, yes. Whether your pool is above ground or inground, coping is necessary for the design. Not only does it provide a clean, finished look, but it also helps to protect the pool structure from water damage.

If you're planning on doing any pool renovation, be sure to factor the cost of coping into your budget.

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What's the best option for pool coping?

Pool coping tiles and pool paving are complementary; they don’t match! Finding matching porcelain tiles and bullnose/coping tiles is rare in New Zealand because they come from different batches. Pool coping in stone is more common because it usually comes from the same slab as the stone tiles. However, it is also more expensive. 

So, the best pool coping option is to choose an outdoor tile with a matching bullnose. Tile Space offers three coping tiles in stock, which can be paired with matching tiles from our outdoor collection. Here are three ideas to inspire you. 

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Pool Coping Idea #1: Pairing the Bullnose and InOut Tiles From The Tundra Collection

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Pool Coping Idea #2: Pairing Shell White Bullnose and Grip Tiles

The Shell White Grip Bullnose is a stone-look outdoor tile with a grip finish.	Match it with the Shell White Grip, which is a great value stone look porcelain tile in a white outdoor grip finish.

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Pool Coping Idea #3: Pairing Shell Grey Bullnose and Grip Tiles

The Shell Grey Grip Bullnose is another rectangle-shaped stone-look outdoor tile.	Match it with the Shell Grey Grip 60 porcelain tile.

Recently, we've had a lot of customers purchase custom-made pool coping using the same tiles they pick for their outdoor area. This option is most popular because then, you can choose any outdoor tile and not be limited to a small selection based on the pool coping tiles that are in stock. 

Get in touch with your local Tile Space store to design your own custom pool coping! 

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Can you use pavers as pool coping? 

Yes, you can use pavers as pool coping if you get them custom-made using the same tile used for the rest of your outdoor area.

What Material is Best for Pool Coping?

Quite a few options are available for pool coping materials in New Zealand. The most popular material is ceramic or porcelain, as they are both durable and easy to clean. 

Stone is another popular option - especially for those who want to create a more natural look. Concrete is another consideration, but it's important to note that it can be susceptible to cracking over time.

The 3 Different Types of Pool Coping Materials

Porcelain Tile Pool Coping

This pool uses a natural stone look porcelain tile to compliment our Bisazza Blend Paola Hotmelt. 

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Natural Stone Pool Coping

This luxurious pool area opts for a natural stone to contrast the fun pool interior tile, our Bisazza Blend Palma Hotmelt. 

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Concrete Pool Coping

This concrete pool and patio area provide a simple base for our Bisazza Blend Sydney Hotmelt tile that gives it a wow factor.

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How Thick Should Tiles for Swimming Pool Copings Be?

For thickness, choose pool coping tiles that are at least 10mm thick. This will ensure they are durable enough to withstand the everyday rigours of pool use. Swimming pool coping tiles that are thinner than 10mm are more susceptible to cracking. 

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How far should the pool coping overhang be? 

The standard overhang for swimming pool coping tiles is approximately 50mm, but we recommend talking to your tiler and pool builder, as each pool is different.

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How Much Does New Coping Around a Pool Cost in NZ?

The cost of pool coping tiles will vary depending on the material, size, and style you choose. Natural stone is a more expensive option, while porcelain/ceramic tiles are cheaper to achieve the same look. 

Our pool coping tiles start from $35 per tile and range to $95 per tile. They are 600m long and come in a range of styles from stone-look to ceramic-look, marble-look and travertine-look, to name a few.

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Installation Options

There are two primary installation options for pool coping: dry-laid and wet-laid.

• Dry-laid installations are the most popular choice; they're less expensive and time-consuming than wet-laid installations. This method simply sets the tiles into place and then grouts them.

• Wet-laid installations require filling the pool with water before installing the tiles. This method is more expensive and time-consuming, but it does provide a more seamless look.

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How to Choose Pool Coping Tiles - 5 Important Considerations

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1. Material

When weighing out your pool coping options, the first step is deciding on a material. As mentioned earlier, the most popular choices are ceramic or porcelain tile, stone, or concrete. Research or consult a tile expert to understand the pros and cons of different pool coping materials.

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2. Size

Size is another important consideration. You'll need to ensure that the tiles you choose are large enough to cover the entire pool coping area. Otherwise, you run the risk of water spilling over the edge and onto the deck or patio.

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3. Climate

Third, consider the climate in your area. For example, pool coping tiles that are highly resistant to weather, have a good grip rating and are durable are perfect for rainy areas.

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4. Cost

Fourth, think about your budget. Pool coping can be expensive, so choosing a material you can afford is crucial.

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5. Style

Finally, you'll need to decide on a style. Do you want something classic and understated? Or are you looking for something a little more modern? 

There are endless possibilities for style, so take your time browsing through different options until you find something that suits your taste. See design concepts in our pool tile inspiration hub or explore these timeless pool ideas. You can also get ideas from the latest trends for pool design in 2024. 

For example, moody industrial pool designs, like this one using our Blend Delhi Hotmelt Pool tile, are on-trend this summer.

Can You Do Pool Coping Yourself? Not Really

If you're handy and have some experience with home improvement projects, you may wonder if you can install pool coping yourself. The answer is yes, but we highly recommend leaving it to the professionals.

Pool coping installation can be quite complex, and even a small mistake can result in costly repairs. You could also damage the material if you don't have experience working with concrete or stone.

Hiring a professional to do the job is always the best option. Not only will they have the necessary experience and expertise, but they'll also have the proper tools and equipment to get the job done right.

In most cases, they'll also be able to get the job done faster than you could, saving you time and money in the long run.

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Do's and Don'ts of Pool Coping

Now that you know all the basics, here are a few do's and don'ts to keep in mind when choosing and installing pool coping:

- Do choose a material that's durable and easy to clean.

- Do opt for thicker tiles (10mm or greater).

- Do consider installation costs.

- Remember the importance of proper drainage.

- Do seek professional help if you're unsure about anything.

There are many factors to consider when it comes to pool coping. But with a little bit of research, you'll be able to find the perfect option for your pool. And if you have any questions, our team of experts at Tile Space is always happy to help.

Explore our pool tile and outdoor tile collections to discover high-quality tiles suited to your unique style and requirements. 

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