PoolEdge vs Z-Formwork vs Timber vs Cement Board

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Pool Edge System

What’s the best way to edge your pool, without cracks, joints, or regrets?

When you’re building or renovating a pool, the edge is more than a finishing touch — it’s what defines the whole look, feel, and performance of your pool area. Yet, with so many products on the market, choosing the right pool formwork system can be overwhelming.

Do you go with old-school timber? Metal Z-formwork? Cement board? Or opt for something newer like PoolEdge’s seamless formwork system?

This article gives you the clear, side-by-side pool formwork comparison you’ve been searching for. We’ll walk you through the four main systems used in Australia today, explaining how each one performs in real-life conditions — from installation to long-term appearance, durability, and even sustainability.

Whether you’re a homeowner, DIY renovator or pool builder, you’ll leave with the insight needed to choose the system that best suits your budget, build, and future vision for your pool.

Key Takeaways

• PoolEdge offers a seamless, durable edge that suits all pool types (fibreglass, concrete, vinyl), with a smooth underside finish and recyclable materials.
• Z-formwork provides a clean look but is harder to install, more expensive, and leaves a visible receiver track under the coping.
• Timber formwork is budget-friendly but results can vary, especially on curved pools or uneven shells.
• Cement board sheeting is fast and cheap, but leaves rough edges, visible joints, and requires oversized silicone seals — prone to swelling and mould.
• PoolEdge stands out as the only option offering customisation, sustainability, and seamless integration, all in one system.

Why Your Pool Edge Formwork Choice Matters

The edge of your pool does more than meet the eye.

It affects:

• The visual continuity between your pool and paving
• How well your pool resists movement, cracking and moisture
• Ongoing maintenance requirements
• The resale value of your home

Choosing the wrong formwork system can result in costly repairs, unsightly finishes, and ongoing frustration. A clean, sealed, and seamless edge — like what PoolEdge delivers — provides both visual appeal and peace of mind.

What Are the Main Pool Edge Formwork Types?

Let’s break down the four main systems used to form pool edges in Australia.

PoolEdge System (Foam Formwork)

PoolEdge is an advanced, DIY-friendly system made from durable foam formwork. It suits all pool types — fibreglass, concrete, or vinyl — and creates a seamless transition between your pool shell and paving. It can also be used in some cases for retain walls and other applications.

• Sealed, smooth underside finish
• No visible joins or silicone lines
• Can correct uneven or out-of-alignment pool shells
• Fast installation for trades or DIY
• Fully recyclable after use
• Compatible with curves, heights, and different profile types

Z-Formwork (Metal with Receiver Track)

Z-formwork systems involve a metal form with a visible receiver track. These require professional installation and are best suited to commercial or high-end concrete projects.

• High-end finish, but expensive and time-consuming
• Underside finish is visibly open — prone to dirt and debris build-up
• Difficult to customise on-site
• Not suitable for DIY installs

Timber Formwork

Timber remains a traditional go-to for basic formwork. Typically used back in the day, when more innovative products didn’t exist.

• Being an outdated product it can become quite expensive when compared to alternative products
• Requires cutting, fitting and sealing
• Varied quality of finish depending on installer skill
• Harder to use on curves or detailed shapes
• Sometimes reusable, not recyclable

Cement Board Sheeting (Screw-On Panels)

Cement sheeting is a shortcut option used to cover pool shell edges. It’s fast but often results in a rough, unsightly finish — especially when edges are snapped and scored.

• Requires a thick silicone joint to hide joins, which will overtime stain and become mouldy
• Over time, the remaining and cut edge of the board can swell and grow mould
• Rough cut edges are visible when pool is viewed from inside
• Not recyclable

Head-to-Head Comparison: Pool Formwork Systems

Here’s a detailed pool formwork comparison across the most important decision-making factors.

The Hidden Details That Matter

PoolEdge’s Sealed Underside Finish

Most systems stop at surface level. PoolEdge goes further — it forms a clean, sealed underside that hugs the pool shell without exposed gaps. This not only looks better from inside the pool but also prevents weed growth, insect nests, or debris build-up.

In contrast, Z-formwork leaves a receiver track void under the edge — a trap for dirt, spiders, and debris.

No Silicone Joints, No Long-Term Mould

Cement board systems are often screwed into place and snapped off — resulting in jagged ends hidden behind a thick silicone joint. But silicone swells with moisture, traps mould, and discolours over time.

PoolEdge? No silicone required. The pour-in-place formwork ensures a smooth edge from day one, with no need for cover-up joints.

Compatibility with All Pool Types

One of PoolEdge’s standout features is its universality.

• Fibreglass Pools: Adapts to shell curves and levels
• Concrete Pools: Built to work with slip joins and dampcourse products
• Vinyl Pools: Customisable to edge height and thickness
• Curved or Uneven Shells: Formwork can be altered on-site to create straight lines

This makes PoolEdge an ideal system for new builds, renovations, or correcting flawed pool installations — a common pain point for builders and homeowners alike.

Long-Term Value vs Short-Term Savings

Yes, you can save a few dollars upfront with timber or cement board. But what happens in two or three years?

• Silicone joints swell
• Tiles shift or lift
• Edges crack or crumble
• The underside grows mould and becomes an eyesore

PoolEdge protects against all of that — while also delivering a high-end aesthetic, low maintenance, and improved resale value.

Sustainability: What Happens After Installation?

When it comes to sustainability, PoolEdge leads the way.

After your project is complete, the poly formwork can be recycled. Just remove the double-sided tape, clean the form, and take it to your nearest foam recycling centre.

None of the other systems offer this. Cement board, metal, and timber formwork all end up in landfill — and in some cases, can’t be safely reused.

Which Pool Edge System Is Right for You?

For Homeowners

If you want a clean, low-maintenance finish that adds value to your pool and home, PoolEdge is the standout choice. It’s sleek, safe, and doesn’t need silicone touch-ups over time.

For DIY Projects

PoolEdge is the only system in this comparison that’s genuinely DIY-friendly, with pre-formed profiles, fast setup, and simple instructions.

For Builders or Renovators

Working on a variety of pool types? PoolEdge handles curves, level differences, and even poor shell installations — making your job easier, faster, and with fewer call-backs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I install PoolEdge formwork myself?

Yes. PoolEdge is designed to be DIY-friendly. Most installations can be done without specialist tools, and support is available to guide you through the process.

2. How long does it take to install PoolEdge formwork?

Typically, installation is quicker than other systems, especially for standard pool shapes. Its precision-moulded profiles reduce setup time significantly.

3. Is PoolEdge suitable for curved pools or uneven shells?

Yes. The system can be customised or adjusted on-site to suit curves, some height variances, and alignment issues — something other systems can struggle with.

4. What happens to the formwork after installation?

After use, the PoolEdge formwork can be recycled. Simply remove any tape and clean the material before taking it to your local foam recycling centre.

Final Thoughts: Invest in Seamless Quality

When it comes to your pool edge, cutting corners now can lead to cracked tiles, mouldy joints, and uneven finishes later.

A seamless pool edging system like PoolEdge eliminates those risks — giving you a clean, modern look that lasts. It’s DIY-friendly, environmentally responsible, and suitable for any pool type or shape.

Don’t settle for outdated systems that compromise on finish and function. Choose PoolEdge — the smarter way to edge your pool for the long haul.