What comes to mind when you hear the term “pool”?
Do you consider it a getaway from the heat, a fitness facility or a place to play, relax and have fun?
We all know Australians enjoy swimming, whether at a public pool or home. In truth, public pools have existed throughout Australia’s history. They functioned as community playgrounds in the early years, where Australians gathered to enjoy the warmer weather, spend vacations with family and friends or just learn how to swim.
Many people overlook the power of a well-designed and integrated pool, the life-changing benefits it can provide and the true value it can contribute to a property. But along with aesthetics, safety protocols also need to be kept in mind. This is where choosing the right pool coping tiles comes into the picture. And Australians are setting the standard in design, sustainability and integration. That’s only the start.
So, let’s get the whole story!
Introduction to Pool Coping Tiles in Australia
What Is Pool Coping?
In architecture, “coping” refers to the capping or covering of the top of a wall to avoid water damage and improve its appearance. Similarly, pool coping is the ornamental border that surrounds an inground pool and covers the pool’s subterranean wall. When a person sits at the edge of a pool and dangles their feet in the water, they are on the coping.
Coping protects the upper edge of the pool wall and serves other essential functions as well. It is required for pool safety and operation and contributes to the pool’s appearance and feel as an enticing place for swimmers.
Benefits of Pool Coping for Australian Pools
- Protects the pool’s shell and walls. Coping keeps water from leaking beneath the pool shell, causing damage over time.
- Directs water flow. The coping directs water away from the pool and towards your deck drains. The edge of a pool may gather splashes and drips, but the coping keeps water away from the pool.
- Improves safety. Coping makes the pool’s edge less slippery, making it safer to enter and exit the pool.
- Reduces debris. Coping lowers the likelihood that leaves, grass, and other debris may enter the pool.
- Allows access to pool maintenance components. Pool coping tiles can conceal a pool’s less appealing mechanical components at the water’s edge while yet giving convenient access for maintenance.
Types of Pool Coping Tiles
- Bullnose Pool Coping Tiles: This type of pool coping has rounded edges. They are known to be popular for residential and commercial projects, especially for homes that have kids or pets. It delivers a silver platter on the safety quotient.
- Drop-Down Pool Coping Tiles: It is one of the other popular types of coping tiles available in the market. It offers an L-shaped edge that drops into your swimming pool.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Pool Coping Tiles
When selecting pool coping tiles, numerous aspects must be considered to guarantee you get the finest option for your pool. Here’s an overview of the main factors.
- Material Durability: When it comes to choosing the coping tiles for your pool, durability plays a very important role. We bring you natural stones. They are a popular pick due to their timeless appeal along with their longevity. There are many options in the market such as Travertine, Limestone, Marble and more. Being durable means they are able to resist wear and tear, fading and staining, which makes them an excellent choice for poolside applications.
- Tile Thickness: The second in line is the thickness. We recommend going for a tile which is 20mm thick. It helps guarantee that the tiles will withstand the weight of the footfall and movement. Thicker tiles are also more resistant to breaking, particularly in regions with heavy use or varying temperatures.
- Climate Resistance: Australia’s environment varies greatly based on area, therefore it’s critical to select coping tiles that can survive inclement weather. Salt resistance is vital in coastal areas, but tiles in hotter places should withstand prolonged sun exposure without fading or breaking. Look for tiles that are very thermally resistant and can withstand both heat and cold.
- Cost Considerations: We understand that some materials can be costlier than others. An example of the same is natural stone. Made by Mother Nature they take millions of years to make, which makes them very expensive. However, that shouldn’t be the reason to back out from using this material. Even though the initial investment is more, when compared with alternatives like concrete or ceramic they have more pros. When you balance the long-term benefits and costs, you’ll understand that it is a wise investment.
What Maintenance Do Pool Coping Tiles Need?
Like any other building material, these tiles also need some upkeep. Here are a few points on how you can maintain the beauty and functionality of your coping tiles:
- We must frequently evaluate our pool coping for signs of wear and tear. This involves inspecting cracks, chips and discolouration. These warning indicators may indicate that pool coping needs to be repaired promptly.
- Cleaning is essential for proper upkeep. To clean the coping, combine a light detergent and water. A soft brush might be useful for reaching hard-to-reach areas. We should avoid employing strong chemicals, which might degrade the material over time.
- Checking the grout between coping pieces is also necessary. If the grout is missing or broken, it may be time to replenish it. This helps to keep moisture from leaking in and inflicting more harm.
- Water intrusion may be a significant issue for pool maintenance. The first action we can take is to ensure good drainage around the pool area. This helps to keep water from accumulating and going underneath the coping.
- We should also inspect any sealant applied to the coping on a regular basis. Sealants need to be reapplied every few years. If water is leaking behind the coping, it should be repaired as quickly as possible.
- Inspect the expansion joints, which allow for natural movement. If they’re too tight or too loose, water can easily get inside. Proper setup and maintenance are essential for minimising long-term water damage.
To Wrap Up
Now, we know all about the nitty-gritty of why pool coping tiles are an essential component of its design. From giving your pool a polished aspect to ensuring that dirt does not enter it, there are many ways in which it benefits you, be it you’re using the same for a residential or commercial project. However, meeting Australian Standards is critical to ensure that your pool is compliant, long-lasting and safe. Check out our wide range of pool coping tiles and choose the one that fits well with your design!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What Is The Lifespan Of Pool Coping?
A. It depends on what type of material you have chosen as coping tiles. If you’ve picked natural stones as your material, then with proper care and sealing they have a lifespan of a century.
Q. How Do You Clean Pool Coping Tiles?
It is very easy to clean them. You’ll just need to sweep them regularly. Occasionally you can use a pH-neutral detergent to gently scrub tiles. These will help keep the tiles looking beautiful as new.
Q. What Material Is Best For Pool Coping?
Natural stones are the best ones to be used as coping material. There are many options in the market such as Travertine, Limestone, Marble, Bluestone and Granite among others. Durable and slip resistant, when used near pools they last for a very long time.
