Best Pool Paints – Your Swimming Pool Paint Guide
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The plan to renovate a concrete swimming pool sounds like a lot of work at first. But the process is not as complex as one might think. All you need are a few tools – and the right swimming pool paint for concrete pools.
In our pool color guide we show you how you can renovate your pool without much effort and provide you with a pool color test with.
Table of Contents
What is swimming pool paint?
Swimming pool paint is used for initial coating as well as for touching up the coating of swimming pools, especially those with a concrete base. It is based on chlorinated rubber and usually contains light and weather-resistant pigments, which – when dry – should also be non-toxic. When processing in waters rich in fish, such as ponds, the latter property is particularly important.
The swimming pool paint is also suitable for the coating of fountains, water tanks and walk-through pools.
The color should have different properties. In addition to an appropriate price/performance ratio, the following characteristics in particular are decisive for the choice:
- High resistance to environmental influences, both high UV resistance and resistance to chemicals such as chlorine and, of course, water
- The pool color should increase the attractiveness of the pool
- Good and simple processing makes life easier for the user
- The durability of the product should also play a role
Often the pool paint has to be diluted, for which special dilution media are used. These can also be used to clean equipment that has been used when repainting.
Swimming pool paint is available in a wide range of colors, so there is something for everyone. This allows you to integrate your pool into an attractive garden ambiance and enhance the color of the surroundings.
One of the few disadvantages of chlorinated rubber-based pool paint is that the paint must be repeated at least every two years, which of course means a certain amount of work. However, as a pool owner, this type of maintenance at the beginning of spring is probably simply a matter of.
Pool colors in comparison
There are many different underwater colors available and not every one of them keeps its promises. We have tested various products for you and in our Swimming Pool color Test we list the advantages and disadvantages of our two winners.
Recommendation: In The Swim Paint
- Ideal for use on Plaster, Gunite, Concrete, and Fiberglass gel-coat surfaces
- A single application can last up to 7 - 8 years
- Delivers a stain-resistant, tile like finish
- Please Note: Epoxy Primer is required for new applications
- Coverage: 125 - 150 sq ft per gallon on average
The underwater paint from In The Swim is available in different colors and product sizes. The swimming pool paint is best suited for mineral surfaces and offers the user a variety of advantages:
PROS
- The processing is very easy and is supported by the data sheet supplied and detailed instructions
- The paint is lightfast and contains non-toxic pigments, making it suitable not only for pools, but also as an underwater paint for ponds rich in fish
- The pool paint is quick-drying
- It is both UV and chemical resistant and also has a high abrasion resistance
- The viscosity is perfect for painting vertical surfaces without unsightly noses
- The price is absolutely reasonable
CONS
- The odour of the ink during processing can be perceived as annoying by sensitive users
- Although the paint is non-toxic when dry, during application it is toxic to aquatic organisms and can cause skin and eye irritation (wear protective clothing)
However, the aspect of toxicity during processing does not only apply to the pool paint of the In The Swim, but can be applied to practically all pool paints. Therefore all pool colors should be handled carefully.
As In The Swim Pool paint offers the user many advantages and is extremely good value for money, it is our pool paint recommendation.
Price performance tip: INSL-X Pool Paint
- Royal Blue Waterborne Acrylic emulsion swimming pool paint.
- Use with fresh or saltwater swimming pools.
- Quick-drying acrylic swimming pool paint.
- Lasting color and protection.
- Can be applied over most types of properly prepared existing pool paints.
- Ideal for bare concrete, marcite, gunite & other masonry.
The pool paint from INSL-X is the second tip in our pool color test. In terms of price, it is slightly below our recommendation; however, the difference is only marginally noticeable. In addition to the good price-performance ratio there are many different advantages:
PROS
- Easy application is guaranteed with this paint
- There is a high abrasion resistance as well as a high resistance to chemicals, UV and weathering
- The color brilliance is guaranteed for a long time
It offers a good viscosity to work without nasal formation - The color is very productive
CONS
- If the paint has not been properly applied, an unpleasant odour may develop for a limited period of time after filling the pool with water; in this case the pool should be rinsed several times with plenty of clean water
- Depending on the load, the ink application must be repeated every year
The INSL-X swimming pool paint cuts a very good figure overall. With all pool colors it is important that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly to achieve the best possible results.
We have a clear recommendation for the pool paint from the Hamburger INSL-X.
What you should keep in mind when using pool paint
There are a few things to consider when processing swimming pool paint for concrete pools. So this paint is not suitable for sealing pools, but only as a pure paint. During application, the pool should be completely dry; therefore, no water may penetrate into the work area through cracks or damaged areas. This can cause the paint to flake off. Steam that presses on the paint must also be avoided at all costs, as this can cause bubbles to form in the paint.
After painting, the still-wet paint should be protected from rain and moisture for 24 hours.
The swimming pool paint may only be applied very thinly. Otherwise, insufficient drying is to be expected, as the solvent cannot escape completely if the layer is too thick. It is essential to take this into account for complete drying.
Pool paint is non-toxic when dry. However, this does not apply to its liquid state: its vapours can cause allergic reactions, skin and eye irritation and damage mucous membranes. Therefore, you should always pay attention to your safety and wear a breathing mask, safety goggles and disposable gloves.
To be on the safe side, long-sleeved clothing is also recommended. If the liquid paint comes into contact with your eyes, wash them well under running water and seek medical attention immediately. It is best to show them the data sheet so that they can assess how harmful the contact between paint and eyes was..
Instructions for coating with swimming pool paint
In order to process swimming pool paint for concrete pools, it does not require a great deal of experience in the craftsman’s field. You just have to pay attention to different things. Which ones exactly, you will find out in our pool color instructions below.
Make sure you have your tools ready to hand before use. The following things are needed:
- A big brush
- A paint roller
- Swimming pool color in the desired color
- A dilution medium
- A large container for mixing
- Possibly filler and leveling or smoothing compound
- A concrete milling machine to roughen the concrete
- Safety equipment: a breathing mask, disposable gloves and safety goggles
If you do not have a concrete milling machine, you can ask at the local DIY store. Suitable tools may be available for hire there.
When everything is ready, you can start.
Safety and mixing ratio for swimming pool paint
The first step, which should be done before starting work, is to study the technical data sheet. This will ensure correct mixing of the ink with the dilution medium as well as optimum application and will allow you to take appropriate protective measures when applying the ink. Any incompatibilities must also be observed.
Pre-treatment of the substrate
The substrate to be painted should first be leveled. This means that unevenness, holes and cracks should be repaired with a leveling or smoothing compound. Once dry, the floor can be roughened well and then freed from dust, grease, algae and moisture to ensure optimum adhesion of the pool paint for concrete.
In addition, a newly poured concrete floor covering must first dry completely before the application of the pool paint can begin. Please note that in this case you must allow the substrate to dry for up to six weeks.
If there are old layers of paint on the surface to be painted, you should first remove them by milling or blasting.
Swimming Pool color Application
Once the surface is clean and completely dry, you can start applying the paint. You can find out exactly how this is done on the technical data sheet or in the enclosed instructions. The paint is either applied with a brush or rolled, usually in several thin layers.
Before application, the paint is first mixed thoroughly. To do this, it is best to pot the paint and stir well. Now you can spread the paint.
As a rule, you do not need a primer for concrete in need of renovation, but only two to three coats of the pool paint for concrete pools. When painting a new pool, you should first apply a primer. For this purpose, dilute the pool paint according to the data sheet and apply the first layer. Then apply the second and a possible third coat of pure pool paint without dilution. Between the application of each coat, the previous coat must dry well – at least 24 hours.
Swimming Pool Paint Drying
The complete drying time of the pool paint for concrete pools – usually up to fourteen days – should be observed. During this time, the paint must not come into contact with high humidity, as this can lead to unsightly streaking and chalking. The pool must therefore be completely insulated against penetrating groundwater and earth moisture. However, if streaks do form, you can apply the coating again to repair these damaged areas.
The ambient temperature should be at least 10° Celsius during the drying phase. However, it should also not be too high. Avoid direct sunlight and glaring heat, as these can dissolve the not yet completely dried paint on the surface during the drying process.
When the pool is completely dry, rinse it once thoroughly with clear water before letting the pool water in.
Swimming pool color Storage
How long the pool paint lasts depends, among other things, on the manufacturer. You can find this information in the technical data sheet. As a rule, the shelf life of unopened containers is up to 24 months at temperatures between 5 and 25° Celsius.
Opened containers can be stored in a dry and cool place, but should be used up relatively quickly, otherwise the ink properties may be adversely affected. They should always be mixed carefully before use.
Tips and Tricks
When choosing the right pool color you can set beautiful accents or create a uniform ambiance in your garden. Take your time when making your choice and do not rush anything. Don’t underestimate the influence that the right pool color has on the pool environment. colors that are too light may look a little lost in a recessed pool. If possible, avoid dark colors so that you can see the bottom of your pool. This aspect is also a question of safety. However, you should also remember that dark colors attract sunlight and thus provide free additional heating of the pool water. A compromise between light and very dark colors is usually the right choice.
If there are fatty deposits in your pool, you can dissolve and remove them using alkaline pool cleaners. Rinse the entire pool thoroughly with a large amount of water.
If you use a roller to apply the paint, the higher working speed increases the probability of air bubbles in the paint layer. You can open these by slowly brushing the roller over the still damp layer once more. Make sure that neither direct sunlight nor moisture reaches the surface in the first 24 hours after application of the paint, otherwise craters may form.
To renovate a concrete pool with pool paint is not as difficult as it seems. You only have to pay attention to a few basic things. We wish you good luck!