It's just the way things go. Your pool has looked great for some time, but you've watched a few problem spots show up over the years—and now those trouble spots are not the exception, but the rule. Yikes. Everyone has different breaking points. Maybe you have a bit of extra time this week, and you're in the mood to cross a big task off your list. Maybe it got to the point that you realized you're actually a little embarrassed to have friends over. Either way, you know it's time to give your pool a serious update with a new paint job.
Repainting your pool isn't the easiest task, but it is one that you can do yourself—and if you're properly prepared, it's all the more likely to end with the final result of your dreams. Plus, it's the most affordable option available—at least in the short term. I'll explain why you might need to repaint your pool, give you all the information you need to decide between repainting or replastering, help you choose the right paint for your pool, get the prep work done, and finally, repaint your pool—the right way.
Yeah, You Might Need to Repaint Your Pool
You’re not the first one to consider repainting your pool—by far. Decades ago, all pools were painted as part of the pool opening day checklist. When plaster began to be used, pool owners appreciated how long lasting it felt that smooth, white look, as well as how durable the plaster surface was as opposed to paint. But that doesn’t mean paint isn’t still super common today. This is especially true for concrete pools, which require specific coatings and preparation steps for the best results.
So why is this task even on your list? You’re a great candidate for a pool repainting if your plaster (or previous paint job, if your pool has had one) is starting to look… off. Your plaster might have delamination spots, stains, cracks, or just looks generally dull. If your pool has had a paint job before, that paint might be peeling and flaking, and lost its usually shininess. It’s important to remove any old paint before applying a new coat to ensure a smooth and lasting finish on your pool surface.
Just keep in mind that if you do have structural damage, such as cracks, you’ll need to fix those up before painting. This includes addressing hairline cracks, which are common and should be filled and smoothed over for the best results. When considering repainting, think about the different pool interiors—choosing the right paint for your specific pool interior, whether it’s plaster, fiberglass, or a concrete pool, is essential for durability and appearance.
Another necessity to keep your pool as beautiful as possible? You’ll need a reliable, powerful, and energy-saving pump like the 2 HP Energy Star Variable Speed In Ground Blue Torrent Cyclone Pump to make sure all your water is treated. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty, is eligible for rebates, and pays itself off in under a year. According to customer Dave Schmidt, “my pool has never looked cleaner!”
The Painting vs. Plaster Debate
I’m not usually one to hold back my opinion, but the truth of the matter in this case is that both options, painting your pool and plastering your pool, are pretty evenly matched. For homeowners seeking an easy and quick application, acrylic paint is a good choice, as it offers a simpler process and faster drying time compared to epoxy. When it comes to the finished look, a well-painted pool often features a glossy finish, which many find visually appealing. I’ll let you decide—after all, nobody knows your preferences (and your pool) better than you. I will, however, present the winner of a few different considerations.
Considering Cost: It's a Tie
You might be here because your pool guy brought up the idea of replastering—and then told you the cost. Yikes! The cost of pool plastering just starts at $4,000, and goes up depending on the look you have in mind. Who wants to spend thousands of dollars on pool maintenance?
Pool paint, on the other hand, is a much cheaper alternative—at first. For a gallon of this paint, you’ll be spending just under $100, and you can expect to drop $1,000 on materials in total. However, if you hire a professional, labor costs can significantly increase the total project expense, often exceeding $500 and bringing the total to around $1,500 or more. Sounds like the best deal, right?
Now so fast. Another secret factor here is time. Plaster can last 3-4 times longer than paint, so the cost ends up in a tie. Sorry about that!
Considering Longevity: Plaster Wins
Like I mentioned, plaster lasts much longer than a pool paint job. If it's done right and properly maintained, plaster will last 15-20 years, while you can expect a good paint job to last 2-7.
Considering Durability: Plaster Wins
Pool paint might be designed for underwater use, and is super durable against unbalanced pool chemicals, extreme temperatures, and rough friction from pool equipment. Rubberized paint, in particular, offers excellent flexibility and resistance to cracking, making it less likely to flake or peel compared to other paint types. But it’s just no match against the 1/2 inch of thickness most plaster can offer.
Considering Prep Work: Paint Wins
Since the prep work for a paint job can be done the DIY way—we’ll get to the specifics in a few—it wins against the plaster prep process, which requires a professional crew.
Before painting, an acid wash is often used to clean and prepare the pool's surface, removing old paint and residue to ensure proper adhesion of the new paint. Be sure to scrape off any flaking or peeling old paint as part of the prep process. Sanding is necessary to create a textured surface, especially on glossy or previously painted areas, for better paint adhesion and longer-lasting results. An angle grinder can be used to smooth out cracks and prepare areas for repair, ensuring a clean and even surface before you start painting.
Considering Application: Paint Wins
Just like we saw about prep work, the actual application of a paint job can be done by anyone. For best results, applying two coats of pool paint is generally recommended to ensure proper coverage and durability. Plastering should only be done by a crew of experts—they even have a giant truck designed just for plastering. It’s just not recommended you ever try to plaster your pool by yourself. That’s just a mess in the making.
Considering the Finished Look: It's a Tie
Not all paint and plaster jobs are perfect, and you’ll want to make sure your paint is fresh, bonding well to your walls, and the job is done on a dry day. But when paint and plaster jobs go well, they’re pretty similarly beautiful. Pool paint is shiny, and plaster has a more matte luster. For added protection and to enhance the durability of your painted pool surface, consider applying a clear concrete sealer over the paint. This extra layer helps protect the finish from pool chemicals and environmental factors.
Looking to get all those tight corners—without hurting yourself in the process? Try the patented 360-Degree Bristles Blue Torrent Pool Brush, developed by long-term pool professionals. As customer Scott Hinds notes, “Definitely the best pool brush I have ever owned. Far superior to other brushes.”
First, Choose the Right Type of Paint
So you’re on team paint, huh? Well, you’re going to have to get the right kind. Unfortunately on the surface, not all paints work for all pools—but that’s actually a good thing. It’s important to consider your pool's surface material when choosing a paint type, as this ensures the paint adheres properly and provides a durable finish. Proper surface preparation, like cleaning, acid washing, sanding, and priming the pool's surface, also helps the paint bond effectively.
The three types of paint are: epoxy, rubber-based, and water-based acrylic. And how much pool paint do you need? That depends on your pool’s size, surface area, and the type of paint you choose—usually, one gallon covers about 200 square feet. Be sure to calculate your pool’s surface area and have more than enough paint on hand. You’re not going to want to redo the job because you were one gallon short and couldn’t evenly apply paint to the pool all at once.
Based on Pool Type
When choosing a pool paint type, you should always consider the material of your pool. Is it made of fairly new concrete, bare plaster, fiberglass, or older concrete?
Epoxy is the most common pool paint type on the market—this is because it works for all pool types, though it’s also especially recommended for old concrete pools.
For fiberglass pools, keep in mind that they are typically finished with a durable gelcoat surface, and painting is generally not recommended except in specific circumstances. Rubber-based paint and water-based acrylic won’t work there. If painting is necessary, you’re better off with an epoxy.
Based on Previous Paint Job
If your pool has been previously painted, stick with the type of paint that was used or a water-based acrylic paint. To help identify the existing paint, you can rub a rag dampened with acetone on the pool surface—if the paint comes off, it's likely a Chlorinated Rubber coating; if not, it's probably Epoxy. This is super important, because otherwise your new coat of paint won’t properly bond to the old. Since you’re investing about a thousand dollars to get this project done, it’s the kind of task you’re not going to want to immediately repeat. No, thanks.
Don't Forget the Primer!
In order to get the best bond, you'll need a primer for any unpainted pool surfaces (so you can probably skip this if your pool has been painted before). For acrylic or rubber-based paints, a diluted or full strength first coat will serve as a primer just great.
For an epoxy paint job, you'll want an epoxy primer that was made specifically for this task. For especially rough surfaces, like bare concrete or gunite, you can get a more specific epoxy primer marked especially for gunite or similar surfaces.
Drain Your Pool—The Right Way
Alright, this is where we start to get really serious. If you’ve never drained your pool before, or haven’t learned about how to drain your pool properly, it’s time to do some extra homework. Proper draining techniques are crucial to prevent flooding, foundation damage, and structural issues with your pool. If you drain your pool improperly, you could potentially face what is called the inground pool pop-up, which means that the ground under the pool rises, causing the pool itself to crack in about a million places (I’m exaggerating those cracks, but not by much). Make sure you read and reread up on how to properly drain your pool—and avoid the inground pop-up. Seriously, you don’t want this to happen to you.
When you do drain your pool, make sure that you’re able to drain it all the way—for the last of the water to dry, it’ll probably take a few days. A ShopVac might be handy for this part. Your pool has got to be fairly dry for this next step, where we’ll clean its surfaces, rinse it off, and let it dry again—but completely this time.
Now that your pool is getting drained, are you noticing that it’s a lot filthier than you thought? It’s time to give your automatic cleaner a much-needed upgrade by switching to the Blue Torrent MyBot Inground Robotic Cleaner, which works powerfully on its own to keep your walls and floor sparkling clean. As customer David Lain says, “Very pleased. My wife loves it.”
Safety First: Pool Painting Precautions
Before you dive into your pool painting project, it’s crucial to put safety at the top of your checklist. Whether you’re working with epoxy pool paint, rubberized pool paint, or any other type of coating, taking the right precautions will help you avoid accidents and ensure your swimming pool looks its best for many years to come.
Start by making sure your pool is completely drained and the pool surface is free of debris. A clean, smooth surface not only helps the paint adhere properly, but also reduces the risk of slips or falls while you’re working. When handling chemicals like muriatic acid for acid washing, always wear protective gear—think gloves, goggles, and a mask—to protect your skin, eyes, and lungs from irritation.
Epoxy paints and other pool painting chemicals can release strong fumes, so be sure to work in a well-ventilated area. If your pool is indoors or in a space with limited airflow, consider using fans or taking frequent breaks outside. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing and applying epoxy pool paint or rubberized pool paint, and never rush the process—your safety and the quality of your paint job depend on it.
It’s also important to keep the pool area off-limits to children and pets while you’re painting and while the paint is curing. Use drop cloths or tarps to protect the surrounding deck and landscaping from accidental spills or splatters, and clean up any paint or chemical spills right away to prevent stains or damage.
By taking these simple but essential safety steps, you’ll protect yourself, your pool, and your home throughout the whole process. With the right preparation and a focus on safety, you’ll be able to enjoy your freshly painted swimming pool with peace of mind—knowing you did the job the right way.
Preparing for Paint—In Three Steps
You’ve got the paint on hand, and your pool is drained and pretty dry. Now we’re really in the weeds here, but good things are happening. You’re going to love how your pool is looking this time next week. Let’s prep to set your pool up for a successful paint job.
Before you start, make sure to thoroughly remove all dirt from the pool surface to ensure optimal adhesion and a smooth finish. Also, check and clean your pool filters as part of the preparation process to maintain clear water and proper filtration.
Keep in mind that if you have loose paint, hollow spots, or any cracks, you’ll want to fix them up before even starting on these steps. That loose paint can be scraped away, and the rest can be filled in—using an epoxy-based pool paint is especially helpful for filling hairline cracks and smoothing uneven surfaces. That way, you have a nice even surface to work with. With pool paint, that’s essential.
1. Scrub It Out
That paint’s not going to bond well at all if there’s stuff like oils, grease, and other contaminants on the surface of your walls—and yes, these could be totally invisible. Use a watering can and scrub brush and wash the surface with a tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) solution. Then, rinse well.
2. Etch that Surface
To get that paint really sticking, you’ll want to make the surface a little rough. For most pool types, you can use diluted muriatic acid for this step. After cleaning with TSP or acid, be sure to rinse the surface thoroughly with fresh water to remove any residues. If you have a fiberglass pool, you’ll need to sand the entire thing with sandpaper instead, and then clean with that TSP solution mentioned above. For glossy surfaces, lightly sand them to improve paint adhesion. Might want to pay some of the teenagers in your neighborhood to come by, because that’s a huge job in a big pool.
3. Check the Forecast!
No wind or rain coming, right? And no extreme temperatures on the way—like below 40 degrees or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit? And it’s not crazy humid in your area? Before you start, always check the weather forecast to make sure you’ll have dry, stable weather for both painting and curing, as rain or inclement weather can ruin the paint job and affect its longevity. You can expect at least three to five days to prep your pool for a paint (that’s how long it’ll take to dry after the drain) and one day to do the actual paint job. You’re not going to want your pool painted—or left empty—if any of these environmental conditions are about to strike.
How to Paint Your Pool—In Five Steps
Once your pool is dry and you’ve minimized the amount of debris that could possibly land in your freshly-painted pool—I recommend using a leaf blower around your pool deck—you’re ready to start painting. It’s a fairly tedious job, but it’ll all be worth it. And you’re saving a ton by doing it yourself. Don’t forget to have fun—and if you’ve ever wanted a stencil on the bottom of your pool, now is the time.
After painting, make sure to allow enough time for the paint to fully cure before refilling your pool. Proper curing ensures the coating reaches its full durability and performance.
1. Tape Up Tile (and More)
All lights, tiles, and fittings can be covered up with painter's tape—unless you like a Jackson Pollack look (kidding). Once they're all protected, you can go ahead with getting the paint mixed up and ready to go.
2. Mix Your Paint—Seriously, Mix Your Paint
With primer and your actual paint, it's important to mix it properly. And I don't just mean swirling a long wooden stick a few times and calling it good. A power drill with a mixing paddle is necessary to get the paint really, really mixed.
Keep in mind that the popular epoxy paint usually has an additive that begins a reaction when you mix it into the paint, so each batch should be used fast—within a few hours. Better get in the zone.
3. Get Your Roller Ready
You'll want the right gear for this task. Use a low nap roller, 3/8” nap or less, especially if you're dealing with smooth surfaces. A five-gallon bucket with a grid will work a lot better than a typical flat paint pan. And you'll want to buy a wooden extension pole for your roller frame, so that it's easier to roll the paint on.
4. Add the Primer, then Paint
Now let's get into method. Start at the deep end of your pool, and then make your way to the shallow—you're not going to want to need to climb up steep, newly-painted walls just to get out of the pool when the job is done.
Using an even pressure, overlap your paint strokes just slightly. When you reach tougher, narrower spots, such as around your pool's steps, use a small cut-in brush. You'll need a few coats, so be sure to read your pool paint's manufacturer's instructions.
5. Let it Dry
Whew, you did it. Now, let the paint dry, and keep an eye on any debris that might fall in. Once it's dry—and really dry—you can fill your pool right back up. If you have a water source with a high level of metals, make sure you have a water filter on your hose. And the second your pool is full again? It's time to rebalance your chemicals and get your pump fired up.
Swim in your newly gorgeous pool even longer than the typical swim season with the perfect, powerful heat pump, like the Energy-Saving ComforTemp Pool Heat Pump 95,000 BTU to heat 18,000 Gallons. According to customer Steve, “Simple install and simple set up. Heated my pool from 66 to 82 degrees in about 2 complete days.”
That's One Chip Off Your Shoulder!
This is one of those jobs that, once it’s done, looks as good as it feels. Congratulations, you now know how to repaint your pool. And in a few years when it’s time to do it all again, you’ll know exactly what to do. For best results, always seek professional advice or consult manufacturer instructions before starting your project. Great job. Now, go soak up that gorgeous pool of yours. Enjoy.
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