Painting your Pool
Yes, there’s a specialized product called pool paint! If you’re like many pool owners, you may not be aware of this quick-fix option to hide stains or make a dramatic color change. However, pool paint is not the best solution for all pools.
Pool Paint Benefits
When used in the right situation pool paint has many benefits, including:
- It’s a short-term coating solution when your plaster is in excellent shape.
- There are a variety of pool paint colors.
- The effect is dramatic, especially when you use bright or dark colors.
- Application is fairly easy and a homeowner can do it themselves.
When To Avoid Paint
Pool paint is not an option when your swimming pool has holes, cracks or divots in the pool plaster. Similar to painting a wall in your house, paint won’t fill in any blemishes on the surface. In fact, it can make things look worse and accentuate your problem areas. If your plaster has significant cracks or holes, your best option is to replaster or refinish.
How Long Does Pool Paint Last?
If you’re looking for a long-term solution, pool paint is not the right product. The average life of the product is just a couple of years. It tends to fade and peel quickly — due to chemicals and sun exposure.
The most important step when using pool paint is preparation based upon the type of paint you use (epoxy or acrylic). Both types require meticulous cleaning (perhaps scraping off old paint) off the plaster, careful application and then curing before refilling the pool.
Over time the paint will also break down, giving your pool a cloudy or hazy appearance. Sometimes the paint can degrade and a chalky residue rubs off on skin and bathing suits. Unless you’re willing to paint your pool every couple of years or so, we don’t recommend painting. It’s simply not a good investment of your time or money.
