Pool deck coping and mastic joint-poly. sand vs sealant questions.

[SLUBOPOOL]

Hi,

I'm having a pool remodel in SoCal. For my bullnose paver coping, I am curious if gaps between the bullnose paver coping could cause issues later (water, sand, etc. in any cracks anywhere is your number one enemy with a pool)? I plan to have my coping pavers sealed, but I don't think the sealant will fill those gaps. (see first two attached photos)

Also, I requested in my contract that my PB do a mastic joint with deck-o-seal b/n my paver deck and paver coping. He says pavers naturally expand and don't need a mastic joint (only polymeric sand) and has never done a mastic joint for pavers. Curious of any opinions regarding mastic- joint/deck-o-seal vs filling with polymeric sand(again, live in Socal)? Also, the gap for the potential mastic joint inconsistent in width, so the pavers will need to be recut to make room for the mastic joint. (see photos 3-5) Thanks a million for suggestions.

 

[ajw22]

Curious of any opinions regarding mastic- joint/deck-o-seal vs filling with polymeric sand(again, live in Socal)?

@AQUA~HOLICS what is the Socal way of handling this?

I like doing an expansion joint with pavers although it is not 100% necessary. It is a bit redundant but inexpensive to prevent bond beam cracks. I have seen paver gaps close up and shift and crack pools.

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

The Mastic joint is not necessary due to the type of decking material, that being said I like the cleaner look of the mastic joint especially when the coping is going’s to be cut.

 

[SLUBOPOOL]

The Mastic joint is not necessary due to the type of decking material, that being said I like the cleaner look of the mastic joint especially when the coping is going’s to be cut.

Thanks for your replies @ajw22 and @AQUA~HOLICS
My question is in order to future proof my already older pool with added protection should I consider a mastic joint (SoCal gets micro tremors) or is it really just aesthetic as suggested? The pool as mentioned before is a remodel and (see pics) there's not much of a bond beam and the charcoal coping pavers were installed using a mortar bed. Also, some of the charcoal coping pavers are touching the surrounding deck deck pavers (will have to be adjusted of get mastic joint). Just curious your quick thoughts? Thanks again.

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

I don’t like when the coping is in direct contact with the decking, no matter what products are used.
A mastic joint has two important purposes, first to absorb the contraction and expansion of the two materials it’s in contact with. Second is to keep water from entering between the deck and the soil it’s placed on to help prevent heaving of the soil and erosion.
If either of these conditions may occur without a mastic joint, it’s best to have one installed.

 

[FlappyLipps]

Who ever ran the saw should have it taken away from them.

 

[gteeitup]

Feel like we’re having the same issues. Three year old build, no mastic between coping and deck and now cracking. Now what?

 

[SLUBOPOOL]

Feel like we’re having the same issues. Three year old build, no mastic between coping and deck and now cracking. Now what?

Oh man, sorry. After more than any human should have to endure of back and forth with our PB, we finally got our PB honor the original contract to install a complete mastic between our coping and pavers.