Swimming pool paint failure

Cause

Age, lack of maintenance

Repair

  • in terms of product selection and application, repainting swimming pools is more complicated than painting something like timber weatherboards. It is crucial to obtain and read technical data sheets for the coating – many are available online
  • ensure the paint product you use is recommended for the type of pool you have. For example, some paints can be used on concrete pools but are not recommended for polyethylene or acrylic swimming pools. You will also need to determine the type of existing coating on the pool, because different types of coating such as epoxy and chlorinated rubber are not compatible. If you plan to use an epoxy coating on an existing single pack chlorinated rubber or acrylic coating, the old coating must be completely removed. Unless you applied the previous coating yourself, you may need to seek expert advice to identify what type it is
  • as with all painting, good preparation is crucial. The surface to be coated must be clean and free of body fats, grease and growths such as algae. Use detergent or alkali wash as recommended by the paint manufacturer. Some manufacturers recommend high pressure water blasting or other mechanical treatments to prepare the surface. All cracks, indentations and hollows must be filled with a filler designed for immersion in water. The surface should be stable – pool paints cannot bridge moving cracks or joints. If a pool has control joints, check that these are properly filled with the appropriate sealant – seek expert advice if required. Paint should generally not be applied over sealants
  • check the recommended paint application conditions. For example, it is not uncommon for manufacturers to recommend use of their products only where the ground temperature is above 13oC and the air temperature above 15oC. The product itself should typically be kept above 15oC before application to make spreading easier. The work should not be carried out in winter. Do not use if rain is forecast
  • where two-pack products are used, mix and apply strictly following the manufacturer’s instructions
  • apply the recommended number of coats
  • protect the painted surface from dew and rain for the first day
  • only refill the pool after the recommended time set by the coating manufacturer, which may be as much as 7 or 14 days
  • start a regular pool cleaning and maintenance programme, paying particular attention to the waterline. Repaint before the existing coat deteriorates

Cause

Paint unsuitable for use

Repair

  • if the paint was applied by a company or by tradespeople in recent years, call them back
  • repaint as described in the first repair above

Cause

Coating poorly applied 

Repair

  • if the paint was applied by a company or by tradespeople in recent years, call them back
  • repaint as described in the first repair above

Cause

Water getting behind the paint finish of inadequately applied coating

Repair

  • repaint as described in the first repair above

Cause

Incorrect chemical treatment of water and pH level 

Repair

  • repaint as described in the first repair above
  • maintain correct water treatment process and pH level