Pool coping is the cap or edging that surrounds the top perimeter of an in-ground swimming pool. It is the material, usually natural stone or various forms of concrete, mounted over the top of the pool shells "bond beam" (the upper portion of the wall). Coping is installed in a 12-inch swath around the pool perimeter, as well as the spa. It separates the swimming pool shell from the surrounding surface area and helps to protect the pool structure. Coping also provides a decorative accent for the pool.

Practically speaking, coping is mounted on the bond beam, covering its concrete edges and concealing the steel projecting from the pools walls. It prevents water from getting behind the pool shell and integrates the finish and tile of the swimming pool. Coping should be tilted slightly away from the pool so that any water that is splashed out of the pool should flow away from the pool and down into deck drains.

There are different types of pool coping, including:

• Bullnose: This type of coping is typically made from bullnose pavers placed on the pools edge. The coping will have more of a rounded edge on one side, making it easier to grab for climbing in and out of a pool.

• Exposed aggregate: The top outer layer of cement paste is removed to expose layers of natural crushed stone, gravel, and pebbles. The aggregate mix can be custom-colored using specific stones.

• Cantilevered: This type of coping is made by pouring concrete over the bond beam and then capping it with a decorative finish.

• Rough-cut: This type of coping is made from natural stone that is cut to size and then installed around the pool.

Coping provides a comfortable place at the edge of the pool, where someone that is either standing, sitting, or hanging on to the edge of a pool is touching the coping. It also creates extra convenience on those pools built near or all the way up to a fence or wall, providing a footing to walk along the waters edge.