Elena Rossi
Gunite pools are the most durable type of inground pool, but they may need to be resurfaced or refinished to repair wear and tear or to update their appearance. Painting a gunite pool is a relatively cheap and easy way to beautify it and protect its walls and surfaces from damage. However, paint has a short lifespan and will start to degrade within a few years, so replastering is often recommended for a longer-lasting and more durable solution. Before painting a gunite pool, it is important to drain the pool, open the hydrostats, and ensure that it is completely dry. Any loose paint should be scraped away, cracks or hollow spots should be filled, and the pool should be rinsed and scrubbed with TSP (Tri-Sodium Phosphate) to remove oils. An acid wash can then be used to roughen the surface, followed by a thorough rinse to remove any acid or TSP residue. The pool should then be pumped out and allowed to dry completely before painting can begin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pros of Painting a Gunite Pool | Quick, affordable, beautifies the pool, protects walls and surfaces from damage, and allows for colour changes |
| Cons of Painting a Gunite Pool | Short lifespan, frequent maintenance, peeling issues, potential health hazards, and high long-term costs |
| Ideal Weather Conditions for Painting | No rain, a few hours of sun, temperature between 40°F and 90°F, and low humidity |
| Preparation Steps | Drain the pool, open hydrostats, scrape away loose paint, repair and fill cracks or hollow spots, rinse and scrub with TSP, acid wash the surface, rinse again, pump out remaining water, and let dry |
| Painting Steps | Add a primer for better adhesion, mix paint thoroughly, start painting from the deep end, use a telescoping pole to reach walls, use a low nap roller for smooth surfaces, and use a 5-gallon bucket |
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What You'll Learn
Ensure ideal weather conditions: no rain, sun, and temperatures between 40°F and 90°F
Preparing your gunite pool for painting involves several steps, but one of the most important factors to consider is the weather. Ensuring ideal weather conditions is crucial for the painting process and the drying time that follows. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you optimise weather conditions before you begin painting your gunite pool:
First and foremost, aim for a dry spell of at least one week with no rain. This will ensure that your pool has sufficient time to dry both before and after painting. Rain or high humidity can cause issues with the paint adhesion and prolong the drying process. Check the weather forecast and select a week with minimal chances of precipitation.
Sunshine is beneficial, so aim for a few hours of sunlight each day during your chosen week. Sunlight can help speed up the drying process, but be mindful of excessive sun exposure. Avoid painting if the temperature exceeds 90°F, as extreme heat can cause the paint to dry too quickly, leading to an uneven finish or paint cracking.
The ideal temperature range for painting your gunite pool is between 40°F and 90°F. Temperatures below 40°F can hinder the paint from drying properly, resulting in paint peeling or an inadequate bond. Similarly, high temperatures can cause the paint to dry too rapidly. Keep an eye on the daily temperatures and plan your painting project accordingly.
Additionally, be mindful of windy conditions. High winds can blow debris, such as leaves and twigs, into your pool, creating an unwanted mess. Windy conditions can also make it challenging to control the paint application, leading to an uneven finish. Aim for calm, mild weather during your chosen week.
By carefully considering the weather conditions and choosing an optimal week, you can ensure that your gunite pool painting project has the best chance of success. Remember to allow sufficient drying time and always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific paint you choose.
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Drain the pool and open hydrostats
To prepare a gunite pool for painting, the first step is to drain the pool. Before doing so, it is important to consider the height of the water table. Draining a pool when the water table is high can cause the pool to "float". This occurs when the upward forces on the pool exceed the forces keeping it in the ground, causing it to float out of the ground. To avoid this, open the hydrostatic relief caps in the floor of the pool. These are small white plastic circles that can be twisted out with pliers. By opening these caps, you can relieve the hydrostatic pressure and prevent the pool from floating.
Once the pool is drained, it is important to open the hydrostats to ensure proper ventilation and pressure relief during the painting process. This will help maintain the structural integrity of the pool and prevent any potential damage caused by pressure buildup.
After draining the pool and opening the hydrostats, it is crucial to inspect the pool for any loose paint, cracks, or hollow spots. Scrape away any loose paint and use appropriate materials to repair and fill in any cracks or hollow areas. This step ensures a smooth and even surface for the new paint to adhere to.
Additionally, it is recommended to rinse and scrub the pool surface with Tri-Sodium Phosphate (TSP) to remove any oils or contaminants that may interfere with the paint adhesion. This step will help ensure a clean and prepared surface for the new coat of paint. Overall, by following these steps, you can effectively prepare a gunite pool for painting, ensuring a smooth and successful process.
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Clean the pool: scrape, repair, rinse with TSP, and acid wash
To prepare a gunite pool for painting, it is important to ensure that the pool is thoroughly cleaned and any necessary repairs are made. Here is a detailed guide on how to clean a gunite pool:
Scrape and Repair:
Start by draining the pool and removing any large debris or dirt using a leaf rake or scoop. Scrape away any loose plaster, paint, or scale build-up on the pool surfaces. Inspect the pool for any cracks or damage, and if found, make the necessary repairs.
Rinse with TSP (trisodium phosphate solution):
Before acid washing, it is important to wash the pool with TSP to remove any oil residues. Follow the manufacturer's directions for dilution and application. Work in small areas, starting from the shallow end. Use a sprinkling can, low-pressure acid-resistant sprayer, or a mop for application. Be cautious to avoid splashing.
Acid Wash:
Acid washing is an effective way to clean and brighten the pool, but it should be limited to once per season, as excessive acid washing can weaken the pool walls. You can use a product like ACID Magic, diluting it with water in a 1:2 ratio (1 gallon of ACID Magic to 2 gallons of water). Always add the acid to the water to avoid any unwanted reactions. Apply the solution liberally to the pool surface, working in small areas, and lightly scrub with a soft-bristle brush if needed. Allow the solution to dwell for 2-4 minutes or until clean.
After acid washing, it is important to neutralize the pool surface and wastewater. Dissolve 2-3 oz of TSP or soda ash into 1 gallon of water, and scrub and rinse the pool surfaces again. Finally, rinse and drain the pool thoroughly with clean water before filling it.
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Tape up lights, tiles, and fittings
Preparing a gunite pool for painting is a complex process. One of the final steps before painting is to tape up lights, tiles, and fittings. This is an important step to protect these areas from the acid wash and paint.
First, you will need to drain the pool and open the hydrostatic relief caps. This is important to prevent the pool from "'floating", which can happen if the water table is high. The hydrostatic relief caps will allow water to escape and relieve pressure.
Next, you will need to clean and prepare the pool surface. This includes scraping away any loose paint, repairing and filling any cracks or hollow spots, and rinsing and scrubbing with a trisodium phosphate (TSP) solution to remove oils and other contaminants. After this, you must acid wash the pool surfaces to roughen them and improve paint adhesion. Be very careful when handling acid wash, as it is hazardous. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and take the necessary safety precautions. Rinse the pool thoroughly to remove any acid or TSP residue.
Once the pool is clean and dry, you can begin taping off the areas you want to protect. Use painter's tape, which is designed to come off easily without leaving residue or damaging surfaces. Carefully apply the tape to cover all lights, tiles, and fittings. Make sure the tape is securely adhered to the surface to prevent paint from seeping underneath.
After taping, you can proceed with painting your pool, following the manufacturer's instructions for your chosen paint product. Remember to work safely and follow all recommended procedures for handling pool paints and chemicals.
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Apply primer for better paint adhesion
Although painting a gunite pool is a relatively cheap and easy way to beautify it and protect its walls and surfaces from damage, it is not the best long-term solution. Paint has a short lifespan and will start to degrade within a few years, leading to costly repairs.
If you do decide to paint your gunite pool, applying a primer will improve paint adhesion and extend the life of your paint job. Firstly, ensure your pool is completely dry. If your pool has never been painted before, or if the surface is very rough, you should plan on adding a primer. Primers improve the bond between the paint and the pool surface.
There are many primers available, including epoxy and gunite. If you are using epoxy primer, you do not need to wait for a dry day, as epoxy primer can be applied even if there has been rain or high humidity. However, if you are using another type of primer or paint, it is important to avoid painting if there has been recent rain, high humidity, or if the temperature is below 40°F or above 90°F.
Before applying the primer, ensure that you have scraped away any loose paint and repaired and filled any cracks or hollow spots. You should also rinse and scrub the pool with TSP (Tri-Sodium Phosphate) to remove any oils and then acid wash the pool surfaces to roughen them. Rinse the pool again to remove any acid or TSP residue, pump out any remaining water, and let it dry completely (this can take 3-5 days). Tape up any lights, tiles, and fittings with painter's tape before applying the primer.
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Frequently asked questions
Painting a gunite pool is a quick, easy, and affordable way to beautify it and protect its walls and surfaces from damage.
Paint has a short lifespan and will start to degrade within a few years. It may begin to peel, crack, bubble, or flake off, leading to an unsightly appearance and costly pool repairs.
Instead of painting, you can replaster your pool using materials such as plaster, Diamond Brite (a type of quartz aggregate blend), Pebble Tec (a pebble aggregate), or Marcite. These finishes are more durable and long-lasting than paint.
Here are the general steps to prepare a gunite pool for painting:
- Drain the pool and open the hydrostats.
- Scrape away loose paint and repair any cracks or hollow spots.
- Rinse and scrub with TSP (Tri-Sodium Phosphate) to remove oils.
- Acid wash the pool surfaces to roughen them.
- Rinse the pool to remove any acid or TSP residue.
- Pump out any remaining water and let the pool dry completely (usually 3-5 days).
- Tape up any lights, tiles, and fittings with painter's tape.
- Choose the appropriate primer and paint for your pool surface type.
- Mix your paint thoroughly using a power drill with a mixing paddle.
