How to Paint a Pool

Always avoid painting swimming pools during the hottest hours of the day. Also, confirm there will be no rain in the upcoming 48 hours. Paint the pool when the outdoor temperature is between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Make sure to drain your pool well in advance. It might take a few days to clean, seal and dry the pool. Follow the specific instructions of your pool manual to drain the pool safely.

Use a pool brush and scrub the surface clean. The old paint might be peeling or flaking. Scrape it off using a scraper. Remove any algae, dirt, leaves or debris from the pool’s surface.

Look for any cracks or small holes that may have formed. Use cement for any small patches. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to repair the pool surface. Again, remove any debris and clean the pool surface.

It is necessary to remove the old paint and prime the pool’s surface. This ensures that the new paint adheres properly to the pool wall and bottom. If the previous pool paint has a glossy finish, lightly sand the surface with a sander.

Use​ muriatic acid to remove paint from the concrete pool surface. Take 1 gallon of water in a bucket and mix 1 cup of muriatic acid with it. Dip a bristled brush in this solution and rub the paint off. This is also helpful in removing mold from the pool’s surface.

Rinse the surface with water after cleaning it with muriatic acid. Clean the surface with tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) to neutralize the acid. Refer to the user manual to determine the quantity of TSP to be used as per your pool size. Again, rinse with fresh water. After it has dried, apply a pool-specific primer on the whole surface.

Allow the pool to dry.  Depending on the type and size of your pool, this may take a few days.

Open the pool paint can and dip a roller in it. You can also use a wide paintbrush instead of a roller. Apply even coats on the pool walls. Next, start painting the swimming pool bottom. Paint the deeper end first and work your way towards the shallow end. Use a smaller paintbrush to paint the areas around lights, drains and valves.

Leave the pool undisturbed for a few days. Allow the paint to dry off completely.

You will have to seal the pool surface if you are using acrylic or epoxy pool paint. Apply two coats of clear concrete sealer on the whole surface. Again, let the sealant dry off completely. This may take up to five days.

Confirm if the pool surface is dry. Once confirmed, refill your pool with water.