How to Paint a Pool

Co-authored by Christopher M. Osborne, PhD

Last Updated: April 29, 2020 Approved

Paint is one of the most common pool surfaces. It comes in a variety of colors and is an inexpensive alternative to the more elaborate surface options. When attempting to paint a pool, one must first select the proper paint, prepare the pool properly, and follow all manufacturer's application guidelines. With the right materials, and some time and effort, you can have a brand new swimming pool without breaking the bank.

Steps

1
Purchase the same type of paint previously used on your pool surface: epoxy, chlorinated rubber or acrylic.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Remove a chip and have it tested by your local paint dealer to determine the type of paint that was used.
2
Drain all of the water from the pool and remove any leaves, dirt or debris.^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Caulk or patch any existing cracks and holes with hydraulic cement. Follow the cement manufacturer's instructions.
4
Clean the concrete surface.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Remove any old paint by using a power washer or a scraper and wire brush. Ensure that all loose paint has been removed, then sweep the area clean.
- Use an acid wash mixture of 50% water and 50% muriatic acid to clean the pool surface. Thoroughly scrub the walls and floor with a scrub brush, then rinse the entire surface with clean water.
- Clean the surface again with tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) to neutralize the acid and remove dense areas of oil or grease. Rinse it completely with fresh water.
5
Re-rinse the entire pool, including drains, lights, stairs, etc. Pump out any standing water and allow 3-to-5 days for the pool surface to dry. Only acrylic paint can be applied to damp surfaces.^{[4]
X
Research source}
6
Apply the paint with an extension roller. Start in the deep end and work your way into the low end of the pool. Use a brush to cut in on the tight areas around pool fixtures such as lights, drains and valves.
7
Allow the paint to dry per the manufacturer's instructions, particularly when using an epoxy paint as timing is crucial to proper adhesion. Typically, you must wait 3-to-5 days for the paint to dry before refilling the pool with water.^{[5]
X
Research source}
8
Refill the newly painted pool with water and adjust the filter and chemical settings to ensure proper maintenance.

Community Q&A
Did you know you can get answers researched by wikiHow Staff? Unlock staff-researched answers by supporting wikiHow

Question

Can I paint the pool over the old paint?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this staff-researched answer.

You can use acrylic pool paint over any type of pool paint that isn't flaking off. You can only use epoxy pool paint over old epoxy paint, and rubber pool paint over old rubber paint. Send a chip of the paint to a pool paint manufacturer if you're not sure what kind it is.
Question

What kind of paint do I need for a concrete pool?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this staff-researched answer.

You can use acrylic, rubber, or epoxy pool paint. Acrylic paint may not last as long as the other options, but it's the easiest to apply for the average DIYer.
Question

Can I paint my pool with acrylic water based paint?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this staff-researched answer.

Make sure it is an acrylic pool paint. Acrylic pool paint can be used (with acrylic primer) over bare material, or over any previous type of pool paint that's not flaking off.

Warnings

Take the necessary safety precautions when using the acid wash solution, as it may be harmful to your eyes, lungs and skin.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 22 Not Helpful 3