We do not recommend painting pool plaster for the following reasons:

1. The pool paint after some time starts chipping off the plaster and will not only cloud up the pool water, but will clog up pool equipment - pumps and filters.

2. Due to the amount of paint debris, the filter will need to be cleaned more regularly (every month or every other month as opposed to twice a year).

3. Some paint creates a slippery surface which can be dangerous for a pool bottom.

Many people paint their pool as a quick solution to older plaster. The problem with this is that painting will need to be redone every year or so to maintain. This creates not only huge maintenance expenses, but is also a waste of water since the pool needs to be drained every time.

The correct solution to the problem is a complete replaster of the pool. This is when the current plaster on the pool is chipped out down to the gunite and new plaster is put in. The life of plaster is generally around 10 years versus paint, which is around 1 year.

How does a pool re-plaster compare to painting my pool?

Durability/Wear: Poor. Most paints require annual repainting. Chemicals and water conditions adversely affect longevity.
Ease in Cleaning: Poor unless the paint is very new.
Aesthetics: Good when new, deteriorates to poor as paint/coating ages.
Non-slip Surface: Poor unless non-slip granules are added to the paint
Overall Advantages: Quick inexpensive method of improving pool's appearance. Painting should be limited to pools that have limited options i.e. metal, fiberglass or concrete. Some newer coatings are environmentally friendly and more resistant to pool chemicals. Overall Disadvantages: Swimming pools commonly need painting every year. High maintenance cost over the life of the pool.

Labels: Pool Paint, replaster