Tile and coping frame your whole pool. When the waterline tile is cracked, faded or covered in scale, and the coping is loose or chipped, even a clean pool looks old. Replacing them is one of the fastest ways to make a pool feel new again. It also seals up the edge of the pool where wear tends to start.
Signs it is time for new pool tile or coping
- Cracked, chipped or missing waterline tile
- Grout washing out between tiles
- Heavy white scale that will not come off the tile line
- Coping that is loose, cracked or rocks when you step on it
- Gaps between the coping and the deck
- A tile color or pattern that just looks dated
If the interior finish is worn too, a full pool resurfacing at the same time makes sense.
Waterline tile options
Waterline tile runs around the top of the pool. It hides the waterline and sets the style. We use tile from NPT, Aquabella and Bedrosians, and we bring samples to your yard so you can see them in real Tucson light.
| Tile type | Look | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Porcelain | Solid colors, patterns, stone and wood looks | Wide range of styles and budgets |
| Glass mosaic | Shiny, bright, shifts color with the light | Easy to wipe clean; pairs well with lit pools at night |
| Stone-look mosaic | Natural, earthy desert look | Great on raised walls and around water features |
| Patterned and accent tile | Bold, decorative designs | Works well as a feature band or on a spa |
Tile does not have to stop at the waterline. We also tile raised walls, spa walls and sheer descent walls. If you want ideas, our custom pool design guide and water features guide show how tile ties into the rest of the pool.
Desert pool tile renovation ideas
If your tile went in decades ago, a tile renovation is a chance to update the whole style of the pool. A few looks we see work well in Tucson:
- Blue glass with travertine. Bright, clean and great when the pool lights come on at night.
- Stone-look mosaic on a raised wall. Earthy tones that sit well with desert plants and stacked stone.
- Dark tile with a dark finish. A modern look that gives the water a deep blue color.
- A patterned accent band. One bold pattern at the waterline or on a spa, with simpler tile elsewhere.
We also think about upkeep. Our hard water leaves scale at the tile line, so we help you pick a tile and color that still look good between cleanings. Your tile, coping, finish and deck should be chosen together, and we show them side by side before anything is ordered.
Pool coping replacement
Coping is the cap along the top of the pool wall. You sit on it, step on it and grab it to get out, so it takes a beating. We install:
- Travertine coping. Natural stone that stays more comfortable on bare feet in the sun. Edges can be rounded for a softer feel or squared for a modern look.
- Paver coping. Clean, uniform and a good match for a paver deck.
New coping looks best when it works with the deck around it. If your deck is cracked or hot, see our travertine and paver pool decks page. Many people replace the coping and deck together.
Our tile and coping replacement process
- Site visit. We measure the tile line and coping and check the finish and deck around them.
- Pick materials. You choose tile and coping from samples, and we can show the new look in a 3D design.
- Line-item quote. A written quote that lists tile, coping and any extra work separately.
- Lower the water and remove the old material. We take out the old tile and coping and clean the bond beam underneath.
- Set new tile and coping. Our in-house tile and masonry crew sets and grouts everything.
- Finish and refill. If you are resurfacing too, the new finish goes on next. Then we fill the pool.
How much does pool tile replacement cost in Tucson?
Every pool is different, so we quote each one. The main cost drivers are:
- Length of the tile line. Bigger pools and spas have more linear feet.
- Tile choice. Glass and specialty mosaics usually cost more than basic porcelain.
- Coping material and edge style.
- Extra areas. Raised walls, spa walls and water features add tile.
- Bundled work. Adding a resurface or new deck adds cost, but it avoids doing the work twice.
Our pool cost guide explains how material choices affect price. Financing is available through Lyon Financial and Credit Union West on our financing page.
Why homeowners choose Meraki for tile and coping
- Our own tile and masonry crew. We do not hand your pool edge to a stranger.
- Family-owned and hands-on. The owners are on the job.
- Licensed. AZ ROC #342505 and #352797.
- Quality brands. Tile from NPT, Aquabella and Bedrosians.
- We build pools. We set tile and coping on every new pool we build, so we know how it should go.
For bigger changes, like a tanning ledge or a spa, see our pool remodeling page.
Where we work
We replace pool tile and coping across Tucson and the Catalina Foothills, plus Marana, Oro Valley, Vail, Sahuarita and Green Valley.
Get a tile and coping quote
If your tile line is cracked or your coping is loose, we can help. We will measure, bring samples and give you a written quote. Contact us or call (520) 342-8335.
