Aluminum Coping vs Cantilever Concrete

[briansturgeon]

Our IG vinyl pool will be started in a couple weeks. We are trying to decide between using the standard aluminum coping or having the concrete deck poured with a cantilever around the pool.

I know the difference in terms of aestetics but my question is in terms of longevity. Which will last longer and be less likely to cause us problems in the future?

I think I'm just nervous about the cantilever because you see so many problems come up relating to these decks while it seems like you don't see that many issues when you just stick with the aluminum coping.

This is the coping the builder is planning on using http://coping.cinderellainc.com/capstone_cp5.asp

I think it looks better than the bullnose personally.

 

[bk406]

I think I'm just nervous about the cantilever because you see so many problems come up relating to these decks while it seems like you don't see that many issues when you just stick with the aluminum coping.
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I'm not really sure thats true. Cantilever coping is no more problematic, imo.

 

[briansturgeon]

I guess it just seems like you read a lot of things about cracking in the concrete or flaking off. Also it seems as if there are a lot of complaints on how it is finished once the forms are removed.

 

[JasonLion]

The appearance with concrete varies and isn't always what people expect, but concrete is generally quite reliable in terms of function.

 

[Melt In The Sun]

On the other hand, we see posts every year asking how to freshen up the look of old, loose, flaky, etc. aluminum coping. If it were me, I'd get the concrete.

 

[briansturgeon]

Just seems like the complaint seen most on aluminum is about needing to paint it which is an easy fix vs when there are concrete issues you are looking at tearout sometimes. We are considering a stamped or at least colored cantilever border around the pool and doing the rest in brushed concrete. If we do cantilever it will be stamped border probably.

 

[dmanb2b]

You could opt for PVC coping as well...no painting needed. IMO FWIW I like the cantilevered look... though I'd take either