Question
I have just purchased a home with a pool and spa that have a flagstone perimeter. The spa deck overhangs about an inch to an inch and a half to the inside.  I would like to cut this off and smooth it down level with the tile edge on the inside. (easier on our necks) How would you recommend I do this?  What tools are necessary?
Thank you.

Answer

Rounded coping The part of the spa that hits the back of your neck is technically called the coping or cap stone. The spa's coping needs to be very comfortable or you will never want to use your spa. I think this is a great question. Not only does the stone need to be rounded but also smooth. However it is very difficult and time consuming to grind stone smooth. For starters, the difficulty will depend greatly on if the spa is curved or rectangular and what type of stone it is. It is very hard to cut stone with a masonry saw if the radius is small like 1 to 2 feet but I would assume though, that the spa is at least 8 feet across and therefore the radius is at least four feet. Using a masonry saw or skill saw with a masonry blade, you should cut off the overhanging lip flush with the face of the wall of the spa. In order to round over the edge you will have to use a hand held grinder and a belt sander with coarse grit. Once you have made the cut you will need to sand and grind the edges of the spa or jacuzzi very carefully. Be aware some stone, like crab orchard from the south of the US, cuts easy and will smooth easily, however, harder stones from the northern US or other places in the world may be more difficult and harder.
The job will create a major mess and lots of dust. Stones,if not well mortared in could pop loose also. Start with a coarse grinder and move to a finer grinder or belt sander. The hardest part will be getting it to be consistent. You may want to make some sort of shaped jig to check the consistency as you go. Be careful not to grind too much, as you can always take more off but cant put it back on.
When you are all done your spa will look great and your neck will be very happy.


For anyone wishing to do this I wish you all Good Luck.


Sean J Murphy, LA, ISA, LEED AP
Please see my landscape blogs and websites with feature articles on landscape related topics.
http://amenityarchitects.com
http://www.seanjmurphy.com