{"id":20969,"date":"2019-02-25T22:48:38","date_gmt":"2019-02-25T22:48:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/visionaryclients.com\/armstone\/?p=20969"},"modified":"2024-05-22T17:56:49","modified_gmt":"2024-05-22T07:56:49","slug":"pool-coping-options-for-a-fibreglass-pools","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/visionaryclients.com\/armstone\/blog\/pool-coping-options-for-a-fibreglass-pool\/","title":{"rendered":"Pool Coping Options For A Fibreglass Pool – Which One Is Best?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Over the past 10 years in the pool paving industry, we\u2019ve heard many customer horror stories.<\/p>\n

Specifically when purchasing the wrong pool coping pavers for a fibreglass pool.<\/strong><\/p>\n

So that you don\u2019t make the same mistake.<\/p>\n

And subsequently throw thousands of dollars down the drain, we want to help you.<\/p>\n

Firstly, if you are inexperienced in pooling, it may seem the process is the same for fibreglass<\/a> pools as for any other pool.<\/p>\n

However, it is not.<\/p>\n

While fibreglass pools can bring a world of benefits like quick and easy installation, feeling smooth on the feet, less susceptible to algae growth and relatively low maintenance, dressing it with the best pool coping tiles<\/a> will make a world of difference.<\/p>\n

Why?<\/p>\n

It\u2019s got everything to do with the structure of the pool.<\/p>\n

A fibreglass pool is essentially a fibreglass shell that is carved and crafted into a shape and size suitable for a pool.<\/p>\n

As you may know, there are a few different types of pool coping ideas<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In this article, we will focus on the best options for a fibreglass pool.<\/p>\n

Pool Coping Options :\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Suitable for a Fibreglass Pool:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
    \n
  1. Full Piece Natural Stone Drop Edge Coping \u2013 a minimum thickness of 30mm<\/li>\n
  2. Pencil Edge Natural Stone coping\u2013 a minimum thickness of 30mm<\/li>\n
  3. Pencil Round Structural Porcelain Coping \u2013 not less than 20mm thick<\/li>\n
  4. Bullnose pool coping tiles \u2013 a minimum thickness of 30mm<\/li>\n
  5. Bullnose Porcelain Coping \u2013 not less than 20mm thick<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \"Travertine<\/p>\n

    Not Suitable for a Fibreglass Pool:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
      \n
    1. Any Mitred Stone Drop Edge Coping<\/li>\n
    2. Any Mitred Porcelain Drop Edge Coping<\/li>\n
    3. Natural Stones less than 30mm thick<\/li>\n
    4. Structural Porcelain Pavers less than 20mm thick<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      \"mitred<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      What is Mitred drop edge?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      A Mitred drop edge <\/em>is when two pieces of stone are cut in 2 opposite 45 angles. These are joined together with a colour match epoxy glue<\/a>. Once adhered, the joints get pencil rounded and the bottom of the vertical piece gets pencil rounded as well. <\/em><\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      You can choose any of the pool coping pavers from the above list for your fibreglass pool.<\/p>\n

      And not worry about wear and tear, breakages or delaminations.<\/p>\n

      These are the safest options because they do not have mitred edges.<\/p>\n

      A mitred edge will be affected by vibration or expansion of your fibreglass shell.<\/p>\n

      As such, it’s not suitable for your fibreglass pool.<\/p>\n

      Over the years, we\u2019ve found the best option for a fibreglass pool is the full piece drop edge option.<\/a><\/p>\n

      This has a 30mm thickness and a 60-80mm drop.<\/p>\n

      Not only does it make the entire pool look like it’s hovering on a solid piece of natural stone.<\/p>\n

      But it also helps hide the round lip of the fibreglass pool.<\/p>\n

      Basically, it makes it look much neater.<\/p>\n

      When using the drop edge coping, it becomes harder to identify if the pool is made from concrete or fibreglass.<\/p>\n

      So your guests will never know (without asking, of course) what kind of pool you have.<\/p>\n

      On the other hand, the pencil edge and bullnose options (points 2-5 in the list above) do not hide this but simply overlay it slightly.<\/p>\n

      \"\"<\/p>\n

      **This picture showcases a Calabria Limestone Drop Edge<\/a> with the following dimensions: 600x400x30\/80mm.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

      Now that we\u2019ve covered the suitable pavers for fibreglass pools, let\u2019s talk about the four options that are not suitable.<\/p>\n

      And why they aren’t.<\/p>\n

      Basically any\u00a0mitred (two pieces joined together) natural stone<\/a> pavers or\u00a0porcelain pavers<\/a>\u00a0with an epoxy grout within the joint line, are not<\/em> <\/strong>suitable for fibreglass pools.<\/p>\n

      This is because the vibrations caused during swimming will cause significant pressure on the mitred stone and\/or porcelain pieces.<\/p>\n

      This pressure can cause the glued pieces to start cracking.<\/p>\n

      You want to avoid this at all costs.<\/p>\n

      Over time, the constant use of the pool area will also cause the shell to vibrate.<\/p>\n

      When the shell vibrates for an extended period of time, it increases the likelihood of any mitred coping pieces opening at the joint.<\/p>\n

      Again, this causes damage and you want to avoid this.<\/p>\n

      And since the fibreglass shell has a somewhat uneven edge all the way around.<\/p>\n

      It doesn\u2019t allow the mitred edges to sit flush against the edge of the pool.<\/p>\n

      When something doesn\u2019t sit flush, it causes issues later on.<\/p>\n

      Another problem with the mitred edge coping is caused by the internal water creating pressure on the fibreglass shell.<\/p>\n

      This pressure can cause slight deformation of the shell and lip.<\/p>\n

      Thus pushing out the pool coping drop edge.<\/p>\n

      Over time this de-bonds the mitred edge and ultimately breaks the coping.<\/p>\n

      Destroying the pool.<\/p>\n

      If you think this issue discriminates depending on the type of epoxy used, it doesn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

      Regardless of what some say (or believe) the coping can still break.<\/p>\n

      As such, installing the wrong pool coping on your fibreglass pool can become a very expensive (and frustrating) exercise.<\/p>\n

      Unfortunately, there are still stone suppliers and pool companies who don\u2019t fully understand or believe that this is the case.<\/p>\n

      Hopefully the above now clarifies it for you.<\/p>\n

      Now let\u2019s talk …<\/p>\n

      \"Silver<\/p>\n

      Corners:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      As fibreglass pool shells have rounded edges.<\/p>\n

      It is recommended to cut several pieces of the pool coping (either made of stone or porcelain as highlighted above) to create a seamless curve around the edge of your pool.<\/p>\n

      An experienced and professional installer will know this.<\/p>\n

      They will also know how many pieces to cut depending on the radius of your pool.<\/p>\n

      Once the corners are cut, your fibreglass pool will have a smooth and elegant finish.<\/p>\n

      It also looks better, wouldn\u2019t you agree?<\/p>\n

      Lastly\u2026<\/p>\n

      \"Fibreglass
      **Fibreglass coping corners and spa corner with Grampian<\/a> Limestone Drop edge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

       <\/p>\n

      \"\"<\/h2>\n

       <\/p>\n

      Which installation product to use?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      Ideally, you should use:<\/p>\n