Swimming Pool Paint

First you must decide what type of swimming pool paint you are going to use. There is epoxy paint, which you should use on newly constructed, fiberglass pools and pools that have previously been painted with epoxy paint. Epoxy paint is long lasting – about seven to 10 years – and stands up well to UV rays, automatic pool cleaners and chemicals. Chlorinated rubber swimming pool paint is probably the most commonly used in residential settings. Rubber paint is not as expensive or durable as epoxy, only lasting about three to five years. Water based acrylic pool paint is mostly used in commercial settings, and has to be re-applied every two to three years. If your pool is already painted, remember that you must re-paint with the same type of paint that is already there.

Next you must properly prepare your pool. This is an extremely important step as the paint will not adhere to the surface if it is not properly prepared and later problems with swimming pool paint usually stem from faulty preparation. First, drain all water from the pool and remove all debris. Then scrape all old, loose paint from the surface. A high pressure washer will greatly aid in this process. If there are any cracks in the pool shell, cut them out with a diamond blade saw or grinder; chip out the divots and loose cement. Caulk the cracks and patch the holes with hydraulic cement. Acid clean the entire pool with a solution of 50% water and 50% muriatic acid. Scrub the walls and the floor, and be sure to follow the proper safety procedures here. Rinse the entire pool completely.

You’re not done yet with the swimming pool preparation. There are no shortcuts here. You must re-clean the entire pool with trisodium phosphate (TSP). You can purchase TSP (which is a detergent) at most paint and hardware stores. It is used to neutralize the acid from the previous cleaning and it will remove the glaze from the existing paint as well as any grease, oil or dirt that the acid wash left behind. After giving the pool a TSP bath, rinse it thoroughly – twice. Pump out all the water (you may have to sponge out any low spots), remove any debris and let the pool dry for three to five days.

Now it is time to paint – maybe. It is very important to apply swimming pool paint under the right climactic conditions. If there is a chance for rain or high winds over the course of a week or so, wait. It is not time to paint your pool. If the weather looks clear and the temperatures are between about 40 and 90 degrees and it is mid-morning, go ahead. That really is the time to paint! Go, while the window of opportunity is open!

Open your can of swimming pool paint and mix it well with an electric drill and a paddle mixer. You will need to mix it for about five to seven minutes. Apply the paint with a 3/8” nap roller, starting in the deep end of the pool and working your way towards the shallow end. Apply a second coat after about two to four hours.

The last step is the easiest: you just wait. The swimming pool paint must dry and cure for at least five to seven days. If it rains during that time, remove any standing water after the rain has stopped and use a leaf blower to dry the pool. If the rain lasts for more than hour or two, add another day to the dry time. Do not cover the pool with a tarp to avoid rain. It will not dry or cure properly.

Once your swimming pool paint has dried and cured, go ahead and fill up your pool. You can use and maintain the pool as normal, just watch the alkalinity closely to preserve the swimming pool paint.