[Amarr]

We're currently having a pool constructed and I have some questions about putting pavers around the pool. The pool company will install the coping (ep henry 6 inch bullnose) and then we can have pavers installed butting up to the coping. My concern is that I know several people who have had problems with the coping and inner pool tiles cracking and shifting. I think this might be due to the lack of an expansion joint between coping and pavers. Also, the pool company wants to install the pavers in a cement bed, which concerns me because I think if the pavers can't expand and contract, they will push against the pool shell, causing the problem I mentioned above.

Question: What is the best way to insall pavers around ep henry 6 inch bullnose pool coping that minimizes the potential for pressure and cracking on the pool shell?

Any feedback appreciated, we live in an area comprised mostly of marl with pretty poor drainage. Have spent so much on the pool, don't want to compromise its structural integrity by putting in the wrong decking.

[zullo-design]

the way we usually do it is motar the coping to the beam of the pool (our pools have concrete walls) then install the paver over a 4" concrete slab with a 1/2" of sand. when cutting the pavers against the coping we'll leave an 1/8"-1/4" gap so that there will be space for the stabilizer sand between the coping and the pavers. I would see if they mean setting the pavers into wet cement or the way I described.

[jshilan]

The problem is that if the pool or patio shifts or settles, friction will be generated, potentially causing the coping to come off and taking some tile and even plaster with it. There is an expansion joint system made specifically for this purpose. It is placed along the coping after it is set and prior to the pavers being installed up to the coping. After everything is cut and tamped into place the top 1/4 or 1/2" of the expansion joint is peeled off (it is designed this way) and a bead of caulk is installed in its place. There are different colors of caulk so make sure you have one that matches the pavers and definately don't use white. Also make sure that someone includes it in their proposal.

As far as the patio goes, pavers were designed specifically not to be installed on or in concrete. This keeps the cost of the installation down and allows the patio to expand and contract and not crack or heave.

Please keep in mind that this information is being provided without knowing the specifics of the project and the site conditions, or the contractors involved.

Also, if you do a search on this site there is another thread that discusses pool coping installations.