A clear radius measurement helps reduce delays, avoid incorrect fabrication and gives the installer a better result on site.
The good news is that this can be measured on site using a very simple method.
What is the Radius Measurement?
The radius is the distance from the intended square corner to the point where the straight edge starts to curve.
In simple terms, you are recreating the corner as if it was a sharp 90-degree angle, then measuring from that corner to the start of the curve.
For example, if the distance from the intended corner to the start of the curve is 150mm, then the pool corner has a 150mm radius.
This is the measurement we need for production.
What You Will Need on Site
To measure a pool corner radius, you will need:
- Two straight items, such as timber, battens, rigid boards or straight edges
- A tape measure
- A marker, pencil or chalk
- A clear view of where the straight pool edge changes into the curve
The straight items are used to create the intended right angle. This gives you a reliable point to measure from.
Step 1: Create the intended Right Angle
Create a right angle on the outside of the curve you are measuring.
Always measure the actual pool wall, not the existing copings.
Step2: Identity Where the Curve Starts
Once the right angle has been formed, look at the point where the straight section meets the start of the curve
Mark this point clearly.
If the transition is not obvious, take photos and note this when sending the details through. Some refurbishment projects may need a template if the corner is irregular or has been built by hand.
Step 3: Measure from the Corner to the Start of the Curve
Using a tape measure, measure from the inside of the intended right angle to the start of the curve.
This measurement is the radius.
The measurement should always be supplied in millimetres.
Step 4: Check the Measurement on Both Sides
A true radius corner should give the same measurement on both straight sides.
Measure from the intended corner along one side to the start of the curve. Then repeat this on the other side.
If both measurements match, this confirms the radius.
If the two measurements are different, recheck the position of your straight items and confirm where the curve starts. If there is still a difference, let us know before production. It may mean the pool corner is not a true radius and may need further checking or templating.
What to send for production
When sending radius details to Stoneworld, please include:
- Radius measurement in millimetres
- Coping width
- Pool type, for example skimmer or deck-level
- Required overhang, if applicable
- Thickness required
- Finish and edge profile
- Photos of the corner
- A simple sketch showing where the measurement was taken
- Confirmation of whether all corners are the same radius
If there are multiple radius corners on the same pool, each corner should be checked. Do not assume all corners are identical unless this has been confirmed on site.
Why Accurate Radius Measurements Matter
Radius pool copings need to follow the pool edge cleanly. If the measurement supplied is incorrect, the coping may not sit properly, the joints may not line up, or the overhang may look inconsistent.
This can lead to fitting issues, delays on site and possible remake costs.
Taking a few extra minutes to confirm the radius properly helps protect the project programme and gives the installer a more reliable product to work with.
When a Template May Be Needed
Some pool corners are not a true radius. This is more common on refurbishment projects, older pools or hand-built pool shells.
A template may be recommended if:
- The radius measurement differs from one side to the other
- The pool shell is uneven
- The existing coping has moved or been altered
- The corner is not a clean curve
- The pool has bespoke or irregular geometry
- The overhang needs to follow an existing finish very closely
If you are unsure, send clear photos, measurements and a sketch before placing the order into production.