How to Choose the Right Pool Coping

Choosing the right pool coping for an inground pool will depend on the build of your deck and your pool cover. We'll break down what you need to know when buying pool coping from Pool Supplies Canada.

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Why You Need Pool Coping

Pool coping is a seal that goes around the perimeter of the pool. Pool coping holds the liner in place and helps protect the pool's top edge.

We'll explore pool coping for vinyl liner inground swimming pools.

Pool Coping Tracks

Pool coping has tracks which look like ridges.

These tracks are what the vinyl liner slips into and how it stays in place. Pool Supplies Canada primarily offers two track styles, dual track and single track. Both kinds perform the same function of holding up the vinyl liner so that you can choose the best fit for you.

Single Track

Single track pool coping has only one track for hanging the vinyl liner. It is a common type of coping on older pools, and if you bought a house that already has a pool, you're likely to run into it.

If your Winter cover isn't compatible with dual track pool coping, you can comfortably stick to single track and use the Winter cover you already have.

Dual Track

Dual track coping is an excellent choice for Canadian pool owners. The lower track is for the vinyl liner, and it works the same way as the single track pool coping. Hang the vinyl liner as usual.

The upper secondary track provides you with an option for hanging lock in Winter covers. Lock in covers will fit your pool perfectly and be the most reliable option for keeping debris out during the off-season.

Top Mount Vs. Side Mount

Along with the track you use, it's also essential to consider the mount style. Pool Supplies Canada primarily offers top mount and side mount pool coping. We'll explain the difference between these two types. The mounting style is chosen when the pool itself or deck is constructed, so you can't change mount style without a pool and deck renovation.

Top Mount Pool Coping

Top mount is the most common style of pool coping for modern inground pools.

Your concrete deck will get poured up against the coping for a more seamless design with a gently rounded edge. Top mount coping can be trickier to replace if the coping fails or the structural integrity is jeopardized. It should be inspected each season so you can spot potential problems before they happen.

Side Mount Pool Coping

There are styles of pool coping that are side mounted. This is affixed to the side of the pool and can be more easily removed. These are also sometimes referred to as side-mount pool liner tracks.

If your coping is separate from the structure of your deck, it will be a side mount. You'll typically find this style with older inground pools and with above ground pools.

Bartop Pool Coping

Bartop pool coping, also called top rail coping, is the style commonly used with above ground and semi-inground pools. This rounded vinyl pool coping goes entirely over the top of the pool's edge and somewhat down the sides of the interior and exterior walls (usually a few inches). It is shaped like the letter C.

Pools that use bartop coping can't be switched to other styles easily since the top rail provides essential coverage of sharp edges.

Cantilever Pool Coping

Cantilever coping is an inground pool coping style that has a solid base (usually poured concrete) that goes right up to the edge of the coping. This style of coping has a rounded bullnose edge that sticks out slightly. It’s softer than other types of inground coping, and tends to be found on slightly older pools.

The rounded vinyl is easy to grab onto, so swimmers may add additional damage if they cling to the wall for support.

Always Inspect Your Pool Coping

It's crucial to check your coping for problems every year when you open your pool. If your coping is hanging down in multiple spots or looks warped, it may be time for a change in parts.

You should always drain your pool to the return line and try not to keep it empty for long. The water plays a crucial role in helping the liner stay in place properly, and the coping will be damaged if the pool stays empty for an extended amount of time.

Pool Supplies Canada proudly offers one of the largest pool coping selections available for order online - click here to visit our coping section to explore all of our offerings!