The Complete Guide to Painting Your Pool
How to select the right pool paint, prep your surface properly, and apply it for years of worry-free pool time
Choosing the Right Pool Paint
Painting your pool is not difficult as long as you're willing to follow certain guidelines and put in the required elbow grease. This guide will help you select the right pool paint for your specific project and how to apply it properly.
First and foremost: your pool must be clean and dry — as with coating any surface with any type of coating. Second, you must use the right coating. It should be top quality to start with, but it must also be the right type for your specific surface.
Three Types of Pool Paint:
- Two-Part Epoxy Paint — the best pool paint you can use. Strongest adhesion, thickest, most durable. Use on bare concrete, Gunite, or fiberglass. It's the only pool epoxy paint we will sell.
- One-Part Acrylic Paint — a less toxic, longer-lasting alternative to chlorinated rubber. Good
- Chlorinated Rubber Paint — older technology, works but less durable than epoxy or acrylic options.
Two-part epoxy based paints are the best pool paint you can use because of their versatility and the fact they're thicker and more durable.
Paint Compatibility — Critical Rules
If your pool was previously coated, you need to know what type of coating was used. Certain paints are not compatible with other paints. Getting this wrong means premature failure and starting over.
DO NOT apply a two-part epoxy pool paint over a chlorinated rubber paint. You must use another chlorinated rubber paint. See the Pool Painting Guide to learn what to use, how to calculate quantity needed, and how to apply it properly.
DO NOT apply an acrylic-based paint over a two-part epoxy paint. They are not compatible.
How to Test for Chlorinated Rubber: Soak a rag in acetone and rub it on a spot in your pool for 30–40 seconds. If it becomes sticky or tacky, it's a chlorinated rubber coating.
Not sure if it's one-part or two-part? If it's not chlorinated rubber and you're unsure, use a two-part epoxy paint — it's the safest and most durable choice.
Surface Preparation — The Key to Success
You must prep your pool surface properly no matter which type or brand of paint you're using. This is where most DIY pool paint jobs succeed or fail.
- Power Wash — Remove all surface contaminants thoroughly
- Sand the Surface — Quick rough sanding with a block & pole sander (like the sheetrock guys use) with 80-grit paper gives the existing painted surface a nice profile for the new coating to stick to
- Muriatic Acid Wash — Use a 1:1 ratio of water to acid. A hand pump sprayer and watering can come in handy. Scrub the acid in with a wide stiff-bristle pool brush or shop broom. Let the acid work for 3–4 minutes
- Neutralize with TSP — Rinse with TSP to neutralize the acid and bring the surface back to proper pH level. Do sections at a time — don't let the acid dry on the surface
- Dry Completely — The pool must be 100% dry after acid washing before any paint is applied
β οΈ Safety First: Wear eye protection and rubber-soled shoes or boots when working with acids. Work in sections — never try to wash the whole pool at once.
Unpainted Concrete: Doesn't need to be sanded, but should be acid washed twice to ensure removal of all curing residues.
Tools & Supplies You'll Need
Once dry, tape off any areas you won't be painting. Having the right tools makes a big difference in your final result.
- Good quality brush for cut-in areas — don't cheap out; a good 2-part epoxy will pull the hairs right out of low-quality brushes
- Lint-free epoxy-rated rollers — preferably 18" size, plus some 9" rollers for tight areas
- Clear calibrated measuring containers — for accurately measuring Part A & Part B components
- Small can of Xylene — for cleanup
- Skid Tex anti-slip additive — recommended for stairs and walk-in areas
Applying Your Pool Paint
Two coats are required and you must follow the coverage rates as precisely as possible. Too thick a coating can result in blistering, and too thin will result in sub-optimal performance.
- Mix accurately — Two-part epoxy requires mixing Part A & Part B together. Use calibrated containers for precise measurements
- Cut in first — Use a quality brush for edges, corners, and tight areas
- Roll the first coat — Apply evenly with lint-free epoxy-rated rollers at the specified coverage rate
- Add Skid Tex to stairs — Disperse the anti-slip additive into the first coat on stairs and walk-in areas. Let dry, clean up any loose additive
- Apply second coat — Follow the same coverage rate for a uniform, durable finish
β οΈ Weather Conditions: Try not to apply in direct blazing sun, which can affect the curing process. Do not apply when temperature is under 50°F or over 95°F.
Plan Your Project in Advance
Try to plan your project well in advance and have your product on hand. Don't wait to order until the last minute! Wait for a 4–5 day stretch of good weather and get started — which you can only do if your pool paint is already on hand.
Order Early — Here's Why: Most pool paint products have a one-year shelf life, so don't worry about storing it until you're ready (just don't let it freeze). Order in early spring so your pool is ready to enjoy come summer. During peak season, pool paints are in high demand and there can be significant delays getting the product.
Shop Armor Garage Two Part High Build Epoxy Pool Paint
Contact us via phone or email and we'll help you select the right product and walk you through the process.
866-532-3979 — [sales@armorgarage.com]
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