A couple of things here.

Because this is a freeform shape pool and the radii are tight turns, large pieces of any stone should be fabricated from large pieces to make the long sweeping turn. Otherwise, small slivers/pieces would have to be cut in order to follow the radius smoothly.

The result however is multiple joints making it look too busy. In this case, it looks chopped up.

Another issue is trying match the original concrete patio in both height and the back radius. The concrete patio probably has moved and settled over time and is not consistently level. So when the coping stone is set level, the back with never match up and a toe stubber can be created. The back joint won't be consistent either. The contractor should have known this would be the case and told you.

We tell clients interested in replacing coping and leaving their patio, that this result will occur. Generally we are tearing up the patio and establishing new heights.

Thank you! Ours wasn't a height challenge. The two other pool companies we rec'd quotes from (but didn't end up selecting for the project) have both said the cuts in the tile should have been smaller, creating the fan look after reviewing the pics. Just like you suggested.

I just want to learn about anything which could fix it short of draining the pool and doing that section over again. Maybe to cover the lines. Wonder if planters could be placed on top to cover or if that would cause damage to the tile underneath? I have thought about a mat at the entrance too. The rest of the pool is beautiful but this is, sadly, the step entrance and first place you see.