Pool tile and coping in New Smyrna Beach

Why the edge wears first

The waterline and the pool's top edge take more punishment than any other part of the pool. Tile at the waterline goes wet and dry all day, collects calcium scale, and expands and contracts with the heat. Coping is walked on, sat on, and baked by the sun. Near the beach, salt in the air speeds all of it up.

Waterline tile

Replace tile when it's cracked, loose or missing, when grout has washed out, or when scale won't come off with professional cleaning. If the tile is solid and you like it, ask about bead blasting, which removes calcium without replacing anything.

Popular choices include:

• Porcelain: durable, easy to clean, available in countless colors.
• Glass: beautiful in sunlight, but needs an experienced installer.
• Decorative and hand-painted tile: for a Spanish, Mediterranean or Old Florida look.

Coping

Coping options common around New Smyrna Beach include travertine, which stays relatively cool underfoot; brick and concrete pavers that match a paver deck; poured concrete edges; and cast stone. Loose or cracked coping can let water into the joint between the pool and the deck, which can lead to more damage, so it's worth fixing promptly.

Reset or replace?

If the coping stones are sound but the mortar has failed, they can sometimes be lifted and reset. If they're cracked, worn, or can't be matched, replacement is usually the better choice. Either way, the contractor should inspect the bond beam underneath.

Do it with your resurfacing

Tile and coping work is easiest when the pool is already drained for a new plaster, quartz or pebble finish. It's typically done first, so heavy work happens before the new interior goes in. It's also the moment to choose tile that suits your new finish color.

Call (386) 220-9512 to describe your tile and coping and arrange a free estimate.