Pool restoration: Painting tips and tricks: Selecting and applying coating products

Opening the pool

Some pool professionals may be eager to refill the pool once they have finished painting the surface so it can be opened quickly for use. However, allowing adequate drying time (specified on the product label) is the last step to a successful pool paint application. To be certain, it is a good idea to repeat the dryness test mentioned earlier. After confirming the new coating is completely dry, the pool can be refilled using a constant, steady stream of water.

The pool’s water chemistry should be routinely monitored to keep the paint looking new and vibrant. Should levels go out of balance, the water may appear cloudy and/or the paint may wear too quickly.

It is very important to keep water chemistry in balance to avoid problems such as ‘chalking.’ Making sure the water chemistry is balanced is key in pools and spas that are painted.

Conclusion

Painting pools is one of the most economical ways to keep them looking good and performing well. Repainting the pool also offers the opportunity to discuss renovating the pool’s surrounding decks.

Acrylic water-based deck paints can upgrade and renovate many different types of surfaces. Proper planning, surface preparation, and using best practices from the field will help ensure amazing results. Before embarking on the next pool painting project, take the time to get a paint chip analysis of the paint currently on the pool surface and choose a paint that is formulated with quality raw materials and best manufacturing processes to achieve the best results and complete the job successfully.

Kevin Harrington is the division manager of the Ramuc Pool Paint Company, located in Rockaway, NJ. A graduate of Rutgers University, Harrington has been in the coatings industry for more than 41 years. As an industry veteran, he has vast product knowledge and extensive industry experience making him the go-to person for those seeking expertise in aquatic coatings. Harrington can be reached via e-mail at kharrington@ramucpoolpaint.com.