Tile & Coping Installation Process

Professional Pool Company — How We Install the Finishes That Define the Look of Your Pool

Tile and coping installation is the first finishing stage after your gunite shell has been completed and cured. This phase adds the visual detail and aesthetic character to your pool while also sealing and protecting the top edge of the structure.

Below is a complete breakdown of how tile and coping are installed and what you can expect during the process.

⭐ 1. Pre-Installation Preparation

Before tile and coping can begin, the following steps must be completed:

✔ Gunite shell cured

Typically 7–10 days after gunite application.

✔ Bond beam cleaned and leveled

We ensure a smooth, stable surface for both tile and coping.

✔ Tile & coping selections confirmed

Your material choices are ordered ahead of time to avoid delays.

✔ Deck layout reviewed

This ensures coping lines align cleanly with future deck installation.

⭐ 2. Setting Up the Work Area

Our tile and masonry crew prepares the site by:

• Cleaning all debris around the pool
• Inspecting the bond beam for high or low spots
• Marking reference lines for tile height
• Setting up saws, mortar, and layout tools
• Confirming expansion joint placement

This ensures accuracy and consistent installation.

⭐ 3. Waterline Tile Installation

Waterline tile is installed where the water meets the pool surface. This tile resists chemicals and sun exposure better than a standard interior finish.

The waterline tile installation includes:

✔ Cleaning and prepping the bond beam

✔ Applying mortar or thinset adhesive

✔ Setting tile level around the perimeter

✔ Cutting tiles for corners, curves, steps, and spas

✔ Creating a clean, continuous line

✔ Grouting the tile

✔ Cleaning and sealing (if applicable)

This is one of the most visually important finishing steps.

⭐ 4. Spa Tile (if applicable)

Raised spas often include:

• Waterline tile
• Spillway tile
• Raised beam tile
• Tiled spa interior (optional upgrade)

This requires additional precision because curves and spillways must flow smoothly.

⭐ 5. Installing Coping

Coping is the stone, paver, or concrete border that caps the pool edge.

It creates the transition between the pool shell and the deck.

Coping installation includes:

✔ Dry-laying pieces to check alignment

✔ Cutting stone for corners, radius curves, and steps

✔ Mortaring coping onto the bond beam

✔ Ensuring a consistent overhang (typically 1–1.5 inches)

✔ Leveling all pieces for a smooth walking surface

✔ Setting pieces with proper slope (for drainage)

✔ Cleaning mortar joints

Coping is both a structural and aesthetic feature — it must be installed perfectly.

⭐ 6. Expansion Joint Placement

Between the coping and future deck installation, we leave an expansion joint, which:

• Prevents structural cracks
• Allows the deck and pool shell to move independently
• Protects coping from stress and uplift

This joint is later filled with a flexible material during deck installation.

⭐ 7. Detailing & Cleanup

Once installation is complete, the crew:

• Removes mortar residue
• Cleans tile surfaces
• Vacuums the pool interior
• Hoses down the surrounding area
• Prepares the site for deck installation

A clean surface ensures seamless transitions between installation phases.

⭐ 8. What Homeowners Should Expect During Tile & Coping

⏳ Timeframe:

Most pools take 2–4 days depending on complexity, spa features, and material type.

📢 Noise & dust:

Tile saws and stone grinders create cutting noise and fine dust.

🚫 Touch-free area:

Avoid walking on coping until fully set (usually 24–48 hours).

🔄 Weather impact:

Heavy rain can delay installation since mortar must dry properly.

⭐ 9. Common Upgrade Options

Many homeowners choose to upgrade during this phase:

• Glass tile
• Mosaic tile bands
• Premium stone or travertine coping
• Bullnose coping edges
• Tiled spillways or raised walls
• 6" x 6" tile with accent designs
• Ledger stone on raised beams

These upgrades add dramatic visual impact.

⭐ 10. Quality Standards We Follow

Every Professional Pool Company installation meets:

✔ Flat, level coping throughout

✔ Even spacing and grout lines

✔ Clean waterline alignment

✔ No mortar bleed through

✔ Proper drainage slope

✔ Strict adhesion standards

✔ Correct overhang on all coping pieces

✔ Straight lines and symmetrical curves

We treat tile and coping as precision craftsmanship — not just finishing work.

⭐ Summary: Tile & Coping Create the First Visual Transformation

During this phase, your pool begins to look like a finished structure.

You’ll see:

✔ Your tile color and style come to life

✔ Coping forming the clean, finished pool edge

✔ Raised features shaped and completed

✔ The pool perimeter fully defined

This stage sets the foundation for deck installation and interior finishing.

⭐ Have Questions About Tile & Coping Installation?

We’re always here to review materials, explain the process, or help you choose the right styles.

👉 Ask us anytime during your build.

Updated on: 29/11/2025