A pool area is hard on masonry. Coping and decks get soaked with splash water all summer, absorb pool chemicals, bake in direct sun, and then sit through a New Jersey winter full of freezing and thawing. Pool masonry that is not built for those conditions loosens, cracks and becomes a trip hazard within a few seasons.
We build and repair the masonry around in-ground pools: coping, pool decks, steps, and the walls and planters that frame the space.
Pool masonry services we provide
Pool coping installation and repair
Coping is the cap that finishes the edge of the pool wall. We set new coping and repair existing coping in:
- Bluestone and natural stone for a classic, substantial edge
- Brick for a traditional look that ties into a brick house or patio
- Precast concrete and paver coping with bullnose edges that are comfortable to sit on
Coping is bedded in mortar on a sound, clean pool wall, with joints sized for expansion. The joint between coping and deck is sealed with a flexible sealant rather than hard mortar, so the two can move independently.
Pool decks
We build pool decks in stamped concrete, plain broom-finished concrete, pavers and natural stone. Each surface has its strengths, which we cover below. For paver pool decks, our paver construction team brings the same base preparation we use on driveways and patios.
Walls, steps and planters around the pool
Seat walls, raised planters, privacy walls, steps up to the deck and stone retaining walls on sloped yards. We build them with block cores and finish them in stone veneer, natural stone or brick, with caps that overhang to shed water. See our stone masonry and brickwork page for the facing options we offer.
Signs your pool masonry needs repair
- Loose, rocking or cracked coping stones
- Missing or failed sealant in the joint between coping and deck
- Cracks in the deck that are widening or have uneven edges
- Sections of deck that have sunk or tilt toward the pool
- Water pooling on the deck after rain
- Spalling or flaking concrete or stone surfaces, often from salt or chemicals
Loose coping is a priority. Besides being a fall risk, it allows water behind the pool wall and under the deck, where it washes out the base and leads to settling.
Choosing a pool deck surface
Each option has trade-offs worth discussing before you decide:
- Stamped concrete gives the look of stone or slate in a continuous surface. It needs a textured finish for grip and periodic resealing to keep its color and protect it from chemicals.
- Pavers handle freeze-thaw well because the joints allow movement, and individual units can be lifted and replaced if something settles.
- Natural stone such as bluestone looks timeless but can get hot in direct sun, so lighter colors or thermal finishes may be preferred around the water.
- Broom-finished concrete is the simplest and most economical choice, with good traction.
We bring samples to your estimate so you can see and feel each surface.
How we build pool masonry
Preparation. Old coping or decking is removed carefully to avoid damaging the pool wall or liner. We protect the pool and its equipment during the work.
Base and drainage. Decks are built on a compacted base and pitched away from the pool. We plan where the water goes, whether to a deck drain, lawn or a dry well where appropriate.
Expansion and control joints. Concrete decks get control joints to manage cracking, and there is always a flexible joint between deck and coping.
Finish and cure. Surfaces are finished for slip resistance and allowed to cure properly before chemicals or heavy use return.
What affects the cost of pool masonry
Pool masonry pricing depends on the length of the coping, the size and shape of the deck, the material chosen, how much old masonry must be removed, access for equipment into the backyard, and any repairs to the pool wall or base. Free-form pools take more cutting and fitting than rectangular ones. We spell out the scope in your written estimate.
Picking a contractor for your pool area
Ask how the contractor will handle the coping to deck joint, how the deck will drain, and how they will protect the pool during work. If they cannot answer clearly, the job is likely to fail early. We are a family-owned masonry contractor based in Garfield with 25+ years of experience building decks, steps and walls for New Jersey homeowners.
Schedule your free pool masonry estimate and we will help you plan a pool area that lasts.
