Pool edges that extend perfectly into the decking

Ceramic and natural stone solutions abound

To that end, ArtStone not only has a wide range of ceramic and natural stone patio tiles and clinkers, but also offers various solutions for perfectly finished pool surrounds.

Text Elise Noyez    |    Image ArtStone

Regardless of whether a pool or swimming pond is built entirely on site, or a prefabricated tub is used, a pool surround is a necessary finishing touch. After all, it ensures that the rough edges of the structure are finished off nicely and that the swimming enthusiast can comfortably crawl in and out of his water feature.The right material

For many individuals, it will come down to choosing a pool surround that blends seamlessly with the patio, or ideally extends completely into it. Only a few will be looking for a special finish to give the pool extra prominence.

A terrace in Belgian blue stone combined with a beautifully finished pool surround creates a classy pool or ditto swimming pond.

In any case, ArtStone offers ample options for both types of end customers. For example, the paving specialist can make pool borders in almost any type of ceramic tile, for a perfect combination with the already extensive range of ceramic terrace tiles. In natural stone, options include standard borders in Belgian and Vietnamese bluestone, or in granite and basalt. Customization is also possible, and is easiest to apply in Belgian bluestone.

A nose for details

Besides the connection between pool coping and terrace, the connection between the coping and the pool itself also requires some attention. There are basically two options for this: either the coping stone is finished over its entire thickness with a 90° or 180° rounding and thus laid on top of the edge of the pool or swimming pond - we are talking about a bullnose finish here; or we work with a so-called parrot nose, whereby the coping stone is laid partially over the pool edge.

The Palladio light pool surround with round parrot nose contrasts with the surrounding clay tiles.

The latter solution is particularly popular. Although it is slightly less fine than a bullnose - in fact, on the face side, the border usually has a thickness of about 5 cm, instead of 2 to 3 cm with the bullnose - it is, in fact, better able to hide small inaccuracies at the seams of the water feature due to the overlap. A parrot nose is therefore very popular for swimming pools, while a bullnose is more likely to be applied to swimming ponds.

Basically, with both natural stone and ceramics, there is a choice between the two finishes, although with natural stone the options are a little more extensive. For example, not only can a straight parrot nose be carved from natural stone, but equally a rounded version. With ceramic pool surrounds, where the nose is created by gluing the extra edge to the tile in mitre, only straight parrot noses are possible in addition to the bullnose finish.

Bullnose rounded ceramic pool surrounds are also available from ArtStone, here in 90° versions.

Advantages for individuals and professionals

To offer individuals all over Flanders the opportunity to make the right choice, ArtStone has show parks and halls in Zedelgem, Lede, Puurs and Heusden-Zolder. The outdoor areas are accessible 24/7, and during regular opening hours ArtStone employees are on standby for clear advice. In Puurs recently even
on Sunday!

What is completely unique is that ArtStone controls the entire production of Belgian blue stone itself. To do so, it invested in an adapted machine park, with the result that it can offer this popular natural stone at an exceptionally competitive price. On top of that, of course, as a green professional, you also enjoy a professional discount.