Slate Pool Coping: 10 Amazing Advantages You Did Not Know!

Is Slate Good for Pool Coping?

Actually slate pool coping is an excellent choice. It is hard and durable. The unique texture and porosity makes it slip resistant even when wet. Slate does not get too hot under the sun and has a soft & comfortable feel under bare feet.

The right choice of the material used can make a huge difference, not only in the visual appeal but also in the comfort and safety of the pool coping. The options available are many including concrete, composites, brick and natural stones. But what about slate? Is slate good for pool coping?

The rustic natural looks of slate pool coping will add richness and sophistication to your pool, deck and home.

Slate has high abrasion resistance and can withstand the wear & tear that comes with regular use by swimmers. It has a good chemical resistance too, so it can withstand exposure to pool water. 

Slate will not fade over time or under harsh sunlight. Slate acquires a deeper tone when wet, but returns to its original color once dry.

Slate does not expand, contract, crack with changes in temperature, making it long lasting and almost maintenance free.

Slate has a natural texture that provides grip underfoot and reduces the risk of slips and falls.The fact that slate is slip-resistant and does not get too hot under the sun, makes slate a safe and comfortable choice as pool coping.

Please check out Oakville Stone for your pool coping needs.

What Is Slate Pool Coping?

Pool coping is usually an integral part of an inground pool and deck. The pool coping serves a range of functions such as:

• Protecting the pool wall and foundation from water ingress
• Keeping the deck dirt & debris from getting into the pool
• Providing a ledge for swimmers to hold onto and pull themselves out
• Adds to the aesthetic appeal of the pool and deck

There are a range of different materials that can be used for pool coping. Natural stones such as limestone, travertine, granite are quite popular as pool coping. 

Even though slate is not as popular as travertine when it comes to pool coping, it is certainly worth considering. Slate is associated with a range of gray tones, but there are other hues such as tranquil blues, earthy greens, autumn golds and rusty reds too.

Slate is a metamorphic rock of sedimentary origin that is formed when layers of volcanic ash and lava are compressed under the earth’s crust for millions of years. Quartz is a key mineral component of slate.

Slate is known for its hardness, abrasion resistance and durability. High density, porosity and unique texture makes slate slip resistant and a good choice for floors that may get wet. Slate tiles are a popular choice in kitchens, patios and around pools.

Advantages of Slate Pool Coping

Considering the amazing advantages of slate pool coping it should be the choice of many more pool owners. Here is a list of many of the benefits of using slate as pool coping.

1. Slip Resistance: 

Slip resistance is a really big deal for pool coping material. Pool coping is almost always wet and people, including kids, are running on it, jumping off it or trying to pull themselves out of the pool onto it. The last thing you want is a slippery pool coping.

Slate has a naturally textured surface that provides excellent grip to bare feet, even when wet. In addition to this unique texture, slate is also porous. The water on the slate pool coping either drains away or is absorbed. This makes slste a safe choice for pool areas, where slipping and falling can be a significant hazard.

2. Heat Resistance: 

Slate is a natural insulator and has a high specific heat. As a result slate pool coping is less likely to retain heat and become uncomfortably hot to the touch as compared to most other natural stones.

Slate pool coping is comfortable to walk, sit or lie on even on a relatively warm day. Extremely helpful for those summer pool parties or for some quiet relaxed sunbathing.

3. Abrasion Resistance:

Slate is hard and has very high resistance to abrasion. It can withstand even rough footwear or pointed heels. Of course as a pool coping all it has to withstand is soft bare feet. 

Nonetheless you need not worry about scratches on your slate pool coping, even if you were to drag some heavy furniture or equipment over it.

4. Weather Resistant: 

Slate is resistant to extreme weather conditions, including freezing temperatures, heavy rain, and direct sunlight. Slate is not likely to crack, fade or deteriorate over time. It’s a reliable choice for pool owners who live in zones that have extreme climates and harsh weather conditions.

5. Chemical Resistance:

Unlike calcite rich natural stones such as limestone or marble, slate is very resistant to mild acids. This is fantastic as the pH of pool water often dips in the acidic range, especially after shocking the pool. 

6. Durability: 

With all these amazing properties it is only logical to expect slate to have high durability and resistance to wear & tear. 

7. Aesthetic Appeal: 

Though we typically think of slate as dark gray in color, in fact, it comes in a range of colors, textures, and patterns. The choice ranges from slate pool coping in classic textured deep grays to highly polished autumn gold.

Slate can also be cut into a variety of shapes and sizes, giving you the flexibility to create a custom look according to your unique design preference.

8. Good Investment: 

Slate pool coping is a good investment as it increases the value of your home and property in the eyes of potential buyers. Slate adds a touch of elegance and luxury to your pool area and enhances the overall aesthetic look of your backyard. 

9. Low Maintenance: 

Slate pool coping requires minimal maintenance. This is a great help if you are a busy person with little free time for taking care of your pool and deck.

Unlike wood or concrete, slate does not need to be sealed or stained regularly to maintain its appearance. Simply cleaning it with a mild detergent and water is enough to keep it looking as good as new.

Slate is also less likely to develop mold and mildew.

10. Eco Friendly: 

Slate is a natural stone that is quarried from the earth, making it an eco-friendly and sustainable choice. Unlike synthetic materials, slate does not emit harmful chemicals or contribute to environmental degradation during its production or disposal.

What Are the Disadvantages of Slate Pool Coping?

While slate pool coping has many advantages, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider before making a decision.

Cost: 

Slate pool coping is usually more expensive than other popular types of pool coping, such as travertine, limestone or precast concrete. According to renovatethat.com, slate could cost 25% – 65% more than travertine. 

Weight: 

Slate is a dense and heavy material. This adds to the cost of handling transportation and installation.

Installation: 

It is quite difficult to consider slate pool coping as a DIY project, partly because of the weight. Slate pool coping requires professional installation to ensure proper fit and functionality. 

Improper installation can lead to cracking or other damage over time, which can be costly to repair.

Bottom Line

The bottom line is that slate pool coping is a viable alternative to many other popular coping materials such as travertine or granite.

Thank you very much for reading the post. I do hope you found it informative and helpful.