How to Replace Pool Coping on an Inground Pool
Pool coping is the capstone finish which gives a pool a completed look, as well as something for swimmers to grab onto as they enter and exit the pool. Depending on your budget, coping capstones come in various materials, such as brick, concrete slabs or natural stone. Because the coping is subjected to chlorinated water and constant sun exposure, coping can crack, and the grout between the stones can disintegrate. The method of replacing coping materials is identical to removing brick, so any homeowner can easily repair the swimming pool.
Cover your eyes with protective gear, such as goggles, to prevent injury from flying debris.
Break the grout between the damaged coping with a chisel and hammer. Chisel around the coping to pry it loose from the mortar bed, and use a reciprocating saw if grout is not coming off easily. As you remove the coping, take care not to drop chunks of stone or mortar into the pool.
Remove the coping from the trim once it is loosened. Brush away any remaining debris from the bed with a stiff bristled brush, and chip away any jagged edges with a chisel.
Mix thinset in a mixing tub according to manufacturer's instructions. With a brick trowel, add a 1/2-inch layer of thinset to the surface of the bed. Set the coping stone into the thinset and press down to remove any air bubbles from underneath the stone.
- Cover your eyes with protective gear, such as goggles, to prevent injury from flying debris.
- Chisel around the coping to pry it loose from the mortar bed, and use a reciprocating saw if grout is not coming off easily.
Fill between the stones with thinset, and take care not to get any on the surface of the stone. Wipe the stones with a damp rag if some thinset gets on the surface. Allow the thinset to fully harden before you step or pull on the coping while swimming.
