Pool & Deck Articles
By. Pete Harrett

Has the old finish on your swimming pool or pond faded, broken down or does it seep? If you answer yes, then it’s time to paint. Concrete pool paint come in a broad range of prices but basically, you get what you pay for, both in quality and longevity of the finish, so this is not the time to be cheap!  Here are some things to think about and the steps to take to make sure you get the results you expect from Top Secret Coatings.

STEP 1: Determine what has already been applied.

It would be good to determine what kind of paint or coating has previously been used in your pool. Most likely, it is either an epoxy paint (which has a life span of five to seven years) or a chlorinated rubber paint (which has a life span of two to three years). The best way to know for sure is to send a chip of it to Top secret Coatings (9317 State Ave, Suite A, Marysville WA. 98270)so it can be chemically tested for you. Top Secret Coatings will do this for you at no charge. Once you know what has been applied to your pool in the past, it would be best to continue with that product for compatibility reasons. Once you know what has been used previously you will probably want to order the appropriate product.

STEP 2: Establish how many existing coats there are.

Establish how many coats of paint have been applied in the past. One way to do this is to remove a chunk of the old coating with a knife blade. Once removed count the layers of old paint. If there are more than two to three layers it would be best to remove the old coating because too many layers of old paint can inhibit proper adhesion of the new pool coating. If there are four or more layers of old paint you will definitely want to consider sandblasting to the bare sub-straight (concrete, steel etc.) if you're dealing with multiple layers of old paint. Make sure all paint and sand is removed from the pool before painting.

STEP 3: Preparation is everything.

It would be good to begin with a strong detergent to remove oils from porous surfaces. Many people recommend TSP (Tri Sodium Phosphate), so do we in this application, however, it is good to remember that while detergents are useful they can inhibit adhesion when not completely removed from the surface to be painted so be sure to rinse thoroughly, preferably with a power washer before moving on. Additionally, you will want to repeat this step if you see any sign of stubborn oil stains left behind.

STEP 4: Preparation is everything II.

Once you have thoroughly cleaned with a detergent such as TSP you are ready to etch the surface. We recommend TS 695 Etching Cleaner. Muratic acid is acceptable and may also be used, however, it is far more difficult to use because of its toxicity and dangerous fumes. TS 695 Etching Cleaner is much easier to use and is inexpensive to use. Apply a cleansing coat of TS 695 Etching Cleaner or muratic acid allowing it to soak according to the manufacturer's directions. Vigorously brush in the etching cleaner for 10 – 15 minutes then rinse thoroughly. If any oil or grease stains are apparent at this stage you will want to repeat steps three and four. Remember, preparation really is everything!

STEP 5: Dry thoroughly.

All surfaces to be painted or repaired must be allowed to dry thoroughly before doing any repairs or applying paint! This is critically important part of applying solvent based products. A simple Do-It-Yourself moisture test is to take a rubber floor mat out of your car and toss it into the pool. Leave it there for a few hours. When you pull it u if there is discoloration or moisture on the mat then you are too wet. You will need to pass this test before moving on to the next step. If you have access to a moisture meter (and know how to use it properly) your maximum moisture content is 19%. Do not apply repair material or paint to substrates that contain over 19% moisture content.

STEP 6: Make your repairs.

Once dry you will want to repair any cracks and gouges before painting. Now is the time to make your repairs. While selecting your patching materials you will want to read all labels carefully being sure to select ones that are paintable. Allow your repairs to dry thoroughly before moving to the next step.

STEP 7: Select the right products.

Top secret Coatings produces two types of pool paints, TS 720 Pool Coat, which is a chlorinated alkyd and TS 730 Pool Epoxy, which is a two component epoxy. Both of these products are available in 200 colors, however it is good to remember that dark colors should be top coated with a clear coat. The clear protects the color from fading due to UV, pool chemicals and salt. TS 720 Pool Coat and TS 730 Pool Epoxy are available in clear versions.

While TS 720 Pool Coat may be applied directly to concrete TS 730 Pool Epoxy must be used with an epoxy primer. The recommended primer for use with TS 730 Pool Epoxy is      TS 6390 Ever-Last Epoxy Primer. This is a two component solvent based epoxy primer. 

STEP 8: It’s time to paint!

Chlorinated rubber paints may be applied directly to the surface because they are self-priming, however, epoxy paints typically require a primer, especially on bare concrete surfaces. While many concrete pool paint and coatings are sprayable most people simply roll them on because film build is better with a roller application. You can brush the edges and drain areas and roll the remainder evenly and quickly always keeping a wet edge. Two coats of paint is always best so allow 12 to 24 hours for the first coat to dry then repeat this process with a second application.

NOTES: Read the Label!

Be sure to follow all manufacturer's directions to the letter! Do not expect the coating you have applied to perform to its full ability until it has been allowed to cure fully. Remember that a dry coating may not be a cured coating since drying and curing are two completely different functions. Typically, solvent based paint and coatings should be allowed 7 to 10 days to cure at a minimum before they are put into full service. Temperature is critical to epoxy paints to ensure proper curing and coating. Low temperatures can cause discoloring and poor adhesion. Never paint in intense sunlight as this can cause the coating to dry too quickly. 

Always put safety first. Use respirators, gloves and safety glasses during all steps of application.