Fiberglass Pool Coping: Paver vs Cantilevered Concrete- Quick Comparison

One of the most under-utilized options for fiberglass pools (in my opinion) is the coping material.  Many people assume that cantilevered concrete coping is the only alternative…..simply not so. 

The purpose of this article is to outline the two most popular types of coping on fiberglass pools (at least in our area).  These are paver coping, or what could be considered brick coping, and cantilevered concrete coping.  We’ll look at the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Cantilevered Concrete Coping

PROS:

Affordable- Comes standard with most pool packages.

Durable- One continuous piece of coping, so less likely to move or shift over time

CONS:

Finish issues- Because it’s a poured-in-place product, there can be inconsistencies in the finish depending on the concrete finisher and the quality of the concrete. 

Roughness- Some customers com plain that it’s just too rough

Cracks- when the pool deck develops a crack, it continues down the face of the coping.  

Paver Coping

PROS:

Consistent Finish- Because the product is laid rather than poured on site, there is more opportunity for quality control.  Therefore, paver coping tends to give a more predictable look and finish.

Color Matching- If pouring cantilevered concrete coping with colored concrete, any patching or parging of the coping  after the forms have been removed must be mixed on site to match the rest of the deck.  This is obviously not an issue with paver coping.   .

CONS:

Cost- In most cases, paver coping is an upgrade and costs can range from $2,500-$4,000.

Which Is Right for You?

Based on our experience, there are typically two reasons fiberglass pool customers decide not to use concrete cantilevered coping:

1.  Because they want a smoother surface than concrete coping typically allows (functionality) or

2.  Because they want to create a border effect around the pool to achieve a certain look (aesthetics).

Well, there’s a quick breakdown of two of the most popular types of coping on fiberglass pools.  Some other types of coping commonly used on fiberglass pools are coping stones, and natural stone, such as travertine or blue stone.  It’s safe to say that they differ in the same ways from cantilevered concrete as paver coping outlined above.

Tile Choice on a Fiberglass Pool: A Very Important Decision

If you have decided to purchase a fiberglass pool and you are debating the question of tile, here are some things to consider. 

1.     Tile is more than an aesthetic addition. Body oils, dirt and mineral deposits will accumulate at the water line on your pool. The surface of your pool can be damaged by constant scrubbing or exposure to caustic substances. Hard bisque tile and silicone rubber grout can withstand this treatment.

2.     Tile should not be installed at the factory where your pool is manufactured. Factory tile will be level with the lip of the pool. No installer can guarantee that your pool will be 100% level. The best installers in the country will be at least ½ in. out of level. This means that your tile will be ½ in. out of level. Your tile should be installed after the pool is in the ground and at least ¾ full of water.

3.     You are probably dealing with an ethical contractor if he or she tries to talk you out of tile. They don’t want to sell a job function they don’t feel comfortable with.  Do your research if your contractor tells you they can tile your pool. More than half of the fiberglass pool installers that say they can tile, do not know how to tile a fiberglass pool properly.

Never pick a contractor because they say they can install tile on your pool. Choose the contractor that you have researched and feel comfortable with. You have other options when it comes to tiling the pool. 

Tile Choice

The tile choice is your next decision. The color and the pattern are not the most important factors. The configuration of the tile will determine the final appearance. Will it fit properly on your pool? One of the beautiful features of a fiberglass pool is the variety of shapes available. We have 154 different pool models listed in our files. This is a general statement that will apply to most of these models. No pattern piece should exceed 2 inches in width. Some of the models can accept 3 inches in width and a very small number can accept 6 inches in width. I recommend that you stay with the 2 inch rule to be safe.  

You’ve decided that you want tile, but the price is too high or the contractor doesn’t want to do it. You can do it yourself.  Some of the best installations I’ve ever seen were done by homeowners. The right materials and the proper instructions can make this task easy.  It usually takes homeowners 2 days.

Enhancing Your Backyard Swimming Pool Oasis

Although there are certainly many ways to dress up an in-ground swimming pool, I wanted to write a brief list showing 11 things you may consider to dress up the overall appearance of your backyard ‘poolscape’. Keep in mind that as you read the following ideas they are just that—ideas, and by no means a prerequisite to having a beautiful pool in your backyard.

1. Colored Pool Finish:  Colors make swimming pools look more natural, inviting, and often times create that ‘Carribean’ feel so many are looking for.

2. Separate Coping Color: Installing a separate border around an in-ground pool not only delineates the pool, but it adds a ‘pop’ to the shape itself. Borders can be done in a variety of ways, with an 18” stamped concrete border, pavers, and cool decking are a few examples.

3. Decorative Patio: Stamped Concrete and Pavers are two of the most common ways homeowners dress up their pool patio, but there are also many more, like bluestone, CoolDeck/Spray Deck, , brick, flagstone, etc.

4. Gravel Between Pool and Fence:  One way to transition between the pool and pation is to separate the areas with gravel, crushed granite or pavers.  All are rather low maintenance in terms of yardwork.

5. Dress Up  the Fence: Black aluminum fencing combined with brick pillars gives visual interest to the pool area. It’s also very expensive, but if you have the additional funds, the elegant feel it brings to the backyard is significant.

6. Arched Gate: This one goes hand-in-hand with brick pillars, but an arched gate has an impressive feel adds a nice flare to the fence itself.

7. Flowers/Greenery/Shrubs.  When done the right way and with the right selection, plantings can completely change the look and feel of a backyard into a relaxing oasis.

8. Water Features: The element of a water feature has a powerful effect on the backyard/swimming pool experience. Even simple waterfalls are popular these days because of their relaxing and tranquil impact on the pool area.

9. Multiple Seating Elevations: Try composite decking on  multiple levels, overlooking the pool to extra seating. This can also be achieved by using landscape blocks to create steps and benches.

10. Contour Your Patio: An arch in the concrete on the opposite side of the arch in the Moroccan (fiberglass pool by Leisure), accentuates the shape of the pool and adds further to the ‘classy’ feel to any backyard.

11. Landscape Lighting: The landscape lighting has an awesome effect on the overall ambiance of you backyard in the evening.  The soft glow from the pool and uplights aroung trees provides a peaceful setting.

I hope this list helps you with further ideas to enhance the look of your backyard swimming pool experience. If you have any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to leave them below.