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How to best paint a concrete pool

Hi DIY community,

It is time to repaint my concrete swimming pool. I did it 10 yrs ago but it needs redoing. I don't recall exactly the paint or other products I used last time but essentially followed these steps::

1. Empty water (nearly done - see photos!).

2. pressure clean surfaces.

3. Acid cleaned surfaces (??- would TSP solution (or Bunnings tricleanium) do similar job?)

4. Paint (??-any suggestions on best paint to use?)

Any tips/advice on best way to proceed would be welcome.

Thanks,

Paul.

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Comments

StevieB

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community Paul @pfg100. It's great to have you join us, and thanks for jumping straight in and sharing your project.

Our resident D.I.Y. expert @MitchellMc will be more than happy to help when he's back on the site on Friday. Thanks for your patience in the meantime. @Peggers may also have some advice to share.

Look forward to seeing your updates along the way as your post may help other members tackling pool maintenance in the cooler months.

Stevie

pfg100

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/13258#Comment_13258

Thanks Stevie, I look forward to hearing Mitchel's advice. P.

Jason

Hi Paul (@pfg100)

Let me also add a very warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, and tag @2Belindas and @JRRed to see if they might like to share their thoughts on how to proceed with your pool renovation. Check out what they achieved with their pools at this discussion - Pool before and after

Thanks,

Jason

MitchellMc

Hi Paul (@pfg100),

It's great to have you join us, and many thanks for your question.

I understand that due to compatibility issues, the same type of paint that is already on there needs to be used again. Generally, that is either an epoxy two-part system that is mixed up or latex paint that isn't. Do you remember if you mixed two cans, one of them being the hardener?

The surface needs to be etched with acid, and Tricleanium wouldn't be suitable for this purpose. It would clean the surface quite well but won't leave it keyed to accept the new layer of paint.

Epoxy paints are expected to last longer than latex alternatives, and a good quality epoxy-based paint would be the preferred option. These are available through specialised pool paint suppliers.

I'll be interested in following your project as my pool coating is in a similar condition to yours. Since the property owner does not wish to recoat the pool, I've been looking at a solution within my budget that I could apply myself.

Please let me know if you have questions.

Mitchell

nickpick

i also have a concrete pool and like you need to have it re-painted.

when you drained it did you do anything to prevent it from popping out?

I know this is common in fibreglass pools

thanks

nick

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/30569#Comment_30569

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @nickpick. It's brilliant to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about re-painting a fibreglass pool.

Let me mention @pfg100 so they are alerted to your question,

When draining a concrete pool for repainting, the risk of it popping out of the ground, as seen in fibreglass pools, is generally lower due to its heavier and more stable structure. However, it's essential to exercise caution. Gradual drainage, monitoring groundwater levels, and inspecting the pool shell for cracks or damage are crucial steps. Ensuring proper backfill and seeking professional assistance can also mitigate potential issues. While the risk is relatively low for concrete pools, it's always better to err on the side of caution to protect your investment and avoid any unexpected problems during the renovation process.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

MikaB27

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/13274#Comment_13274

Hi Mitchell; can I please ask for advices on how or what products to use to hydroinsulate the concrete pool. We are building DIY pool - concrete slab and besser blocks walls .

What pain/ hydroinsulation we should use and do you have advice for suppliers.

Also do we need to use rendering on besser block or just straight on besser block wall apply hydroinsulation?

Thank you

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/88237#Comment_88237

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @MikaB27. It's terrific to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about building a pool.

As Bunnings and our suppliers don’t stock these specialised products used for waterproofing or painting concrete pools, I’m unfamiliar with the application process or which specific systems would best suit your build. From what I understand, concrete pools often require a specialised waterproofing membrane—sometimes a two-part epoxy or cement-based product—followed by a compatible pool-grade paint or surface coating. These are quite different from typical exterior waterproofing products.

In terms of surface prep, I believe many systems recommend rendering besser block walls first to create a smooth, uniform surface for waterproofing, but it may depend on the specific product you use. I’d recommend speaking with a pool builder or a supplier that specialises in pool construction materials to get the right advice for your setup.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

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