This is a pretty traditional option for pool coping, and you could easily update it without doing anything to the coping itself. Are you wanting to give it a more modern vibe or just update it? If you are wanting a more modern look, it could be as simple as adding modern planters with plants that are symmetrical like the black planters in the image below. Stick with neutral colors and straight lines if modern is the vibe you are going for. If you are just looking to update the look and feel, depending on what already surrounds the pool you could build out the deck around the pool, add new patio furniture and a few plants, and it will feel like a whole new space. One ofour projects had a similar coping to yours, we built out the deck using different size pavers and added the modern black planter (behind the umbrellas and pool chairs).

To install the stone coping I like to apply thinset to the top of the pool beam and buttered on the back of the stone with dry-pack in between to level. If you are only building up 1/2- 5/8" from the existing deck I would install in the same way. I'd be concerned about drainage otherwise.

There are a ton of free form pools online that have travertine coping, so it seems like it is an option. In my area, integrated concrete coping is popular. It is what I have, and I hate it.

Hello! I am trying to figure out what the best colors would be for the deck and coping? We have Dellwood Sands BM1019 on walls and deck now - but would a white like dove white (which is on door) or simply white would be better on deck - and not sure then what for coping paint around pool?? Please help!