How to Paint a Swimming Pool

HOW TO PICK SWIMMING POOL PAINT

If a pool is painted without care a host of problems are likely to occur. Always remember that a pool is a specialised structure and should not be treated as just another wall to be painted. This guide will show you the best swimming pool paint for any scale of pool, indoors and outdoors.

For various technical reasons, most paints do not last when submerged in water. Teamac Chlorvar Chlorinated Rubber Paint is a carefully selected blend of chlorinated rubber, pigment and solvent in its dried form it will withstand constant immersion in normal pool water providing both an attractive decorative finish and a long life protective finish.

Our Technical Services Department can provide information for particular application and ancillary items such as steel support structures over pools, internal walls and ceilings, etc. Please contact on them 0113 2455450.

SURFACE PREPARATION

Surfaces to be painted should be free from nibs, cavities and other imperfections. Mould, oil stains, if any, must be removed. Moisture content of concrete should be below 14% prior to application of any coating.

NEW UNPAINTED CONCRETE POOLS

If a swimming pool is being constructed with a view to treatment with Teamac Chlorvar Chlorinated Rubber Paint a uniform wood float finish to the concrete is preferable to a steel trowelled finish, which is more likely to produce a film of laitance or scum on the surface and may lead to poor adhesion or blistering of the coating.

To prevent back pressure the construction of the pool should have included a waterproof membrane on the soil side. Allow the structure to dry out thoroughly before painting (normally at least 28 days). The surfaces should then be treated with Coo-Var Acid Etch diluted three times with clean water.

Wet the surface with fresh clean water from a hosepipe and then apply the Coo-Var Acid Etch with a sweeping brush or turks head brush. The operator should wear rubber boots and gloves and wear suitable eye protection.

The surface will foam vigorously and bubble. When the reaction has subsided, hose down to wash away loose particles of sand and all soluble materials until the washings are totally clean then leave at least 24 hours to dry out (i.e. less than 7% moisture content). If in any doubt contact Technical Services to be sure (0113 2455450).

PREVIOUSLY PAINTED POOLS

If the pool was previously painted with a chlorinated rubber and is in good condition it should be safe to proceed after scrubbing down to remove dirt etc. and roughen the surface to help adhesion but please carry out tests to ensure suitability before proceeding. Old perished chlorinated rubber coatings must be removed by thorough scraping. All loose edges should be removed. After many years of wear and tear it may become necessary to remove all the old coatings by grit blasting (using a suitable abrasive). Finally, remove all debris and dirt. If a pool is in a hard water area, white carbonate deposits will be clinging to the old paint after cleaning down. These should be removed using Coo-Var Acid Etch diluted three times with water.

COATING APPLICATION

Application conditions for Teamac Chlorvar Chlorinated Rubber Paint must receive careful consideration, the weather being one of the chief factors. A warm, but cloudy day is ideal as it is not desirable to apply the coating in direct sunlight. Never work when the concrete is damp (as with morning dew or after rain) or if rain is likely before the Teamac Chlorvar Chlorinated Rubber Paint will have had time to sufficiently dry.

Application of first coat: On new pools, thin the first coat of Teamac Chlorvar Chlorinated Rubber Paint (approximately 10% by volume with Teamac Thinner 15) to aid penetration into the concrete. If the pool is already painted there is no need to thin the first coat. Apply either by brush or short pile roller. Do not attempt to use spray equipment.

For ease of access first paint the sides and then complete the floor. Take care not to apply too thickly, especially on the floor. (Use the coverage guide to make sure you use the correct amount of paint – see tin or technical data sheet for details) Do not apply to damp surfaces. Do not use on very hot or very windy days. Avoid excessive film builds especially on the base of the pool as this may lead to solvent entrapment due to a thick film being applied and subsequent ‘blisters’ causing failure of the coating.

Application of the second coat: After leaving the first coat to dry for a minimum of 24 hours (but preferably 48 hours) apply an un-thinned coat of Teamac Chlorvar Chlorinated Rubber Paint. Do not overwork the paint otherwise the first coat will be disturbed too much. Some “bite” into the first coat is quite normal.

Application of the third coat If required: After leaving the second coat to dry for a minimum of 24 hours (but preferably 48 hours) apply a third coat of Teamac Chlorvar Chlorinated Rubber Paint. Do not overwork the paint otherwise the second coat will be disturbed too much. Some “bite” into the second coat is quite normal.

Filling with water: Leave the pool for a minimum of 14 days before filling with water. If this is ignored, entrapped solvent will cause small blisters to form in the paint. Indoor pools should be well ventilated during this time. The solvent is heavier than air therefore it may be necessary to use forced ventilation in deep indoor pools.

Tile or mosaic pools: We do not recommend the painting of these surfaces under any circumstances.

Notes: We are unable to guarantee compatibility with other paints. In general, however, Teamac Chlorvar Chlorinated Rubber Paint will be satisfactory on another pure chlorinated rubber pool paint in good condition. We do not recommend it to be applied over existing acrylic, vinyl or cement based pool paints. All drying/curing times are based on 20°C. All coatings to be applied in accordance with relevant technical and health and safety data sheets.