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How to Select the Proper Paint for Your Pool

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Painting a swimming pool is a big project you'll want to do right the first time. Choosing the correct paint is the first step. Our guide below covers three common pool paint types and their advantages and limitations as well as compatibility with different pool surfaces.

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Step 1

If your pool is already painted, you will need to know the existing paint type before applying any new paint as not all paints are compatible. This can be determined by sending a sample to Ramuc (or other paint manufacturer) if the paint type is unknown. There are also a few tests you can try. Take a 1 inch paint chip, immerse it in denatured alcohol. If the chip dissolves, it is a water-based acrylic. If it doesn't dissolve, immerse a new chip in 75% mineral spirits and 25% Xylol, wait 30 seconds and rub the chip between your thumb and forefinger. If it dissolves, the paint is a synthetic rubber-base coating. If not, try immersing one last chip in 100% Xylol. If it dissolves, the paint type is chlorinated rubber; if it does not, it is an epoxy.

Step 2

There are three main types of pool paint currently used - epoxy, premium acrylic, and water-based acrylic. Chlorinated rubber paints were once very popular but have been largely phased out due to environmental concerns. We'll go over the pros and cons of each of three pool paints most commonly used today.

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Step 3

Epoxy pool paint, which is solvent-based, is the longest lasting and most resistant to chemicals, stains and abrasion. It has a life expectancy of up to 8 years and dries to a durable satin finish. Epoxy can be used on previously unpainted concrete, plaster, fiberglass, and gunite pools. It can also be used on pools previously coated with epoxy paint. Because it builds up to 8 mils dry per coat, epoxy can help smooth rough surfaces.

Step 4

Application of epoxy paint is the most complicated of the three pool paint types. In addition to cleaning and acid-washing, bare fiberglass or previously painted epoxy surfaces must be sanded to a #80 grit profile. For all surfaces, a condensation test must be performed and paint cannot be applied until no condensation is present. Epoxy paint comes in a two gallon kit; each gallon must be individually mixed and then intermixed. The drying time for epoxy is the longest of the paint types, 5 - 7 dry days for outdoor pools and 10 - 14 days for indoor pools with proper ventilation. Epoxy will "chalk" over time; this is a breakdown of the top surface due to exposure to UV light and pool chemicals.

Step 5

Premium acrylic pool paint is designed to comply with environmental regulations regarding VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and replace chlorinated and synthetic rubber-based paints. Acrylic can be used on unpainted concrete and plaster pools. It will also work on pools previously painted with acrylic, chlorinated rubber or synthetic rubber. It can be applied to a damp surface and dries to a high gloss finish. The drying (or cure) time for acrylic pool paint is 5 dry days for outdoor pools and 7 days for indoor pools with proper ventilation.

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Step 6

Acrylic paint should not be used on fiberglass or wood surfaces, or on hot tubs and spas. It is less chemical resistant than epoxy paint and can also chalk over time. Premium acrylic has a life expectancy of up to 4 years.

Step 7

Water-based acrylic pool paint, also referred to as "Type DS" by the manufacturer Ramuc, offers the quickest drying time of the three paint types. Drying times for water-based acrylic are 3 dry days for outdoor pools and 6 days for indoor. This makes it the preferred choice when a pool needs to be refilled as soon as possible. However it has the shortest lifespan, rated at one season for commercial pools and up to 2 years for residential.

Step 8

Water-based acrylic can be used on unpainted concrete and plaster pools, and pools that were previously painted with synthetic rubber, epoxy or acrylic. It should not be used on gunite or fiberglass surfaces or on hot tubs and spas. It dries to an eggshell finish. Type DS paint has the weakest chemical and stain resistance of the three paint types.

Step 9

To summarize paint and surface compatibility, if you have an unpainted concrete or plaster pool, epoxy or premium acrylic are the best paint choices. For an unpainted fiberglass or gunite pool, epoxy is recommended. For pools previously painted with synthetic rubber or acrylic paint, your best options are premium acrylic or water-based acrylic. If the surface was painted with chlorinated rubber, premium acrylic would be recommended. Epoxy should be used if the pool was previously painted with epoxy.

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(1 to 40 of 99)

 Posted: 4/5/2022 

I want to paint a galvanized metal stock tank that will be a pool with chlorinated water.. None of this information tells me what to use on galvanized steel (not sure if steel!). Thanks!
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/14/2022 

I'd find out what the tank was made out of first. Of course, you'll have to figure that out anyway, so there is no need to spend time on research before knowing that.
 Reply

 Posted: 3/18/2022 

Hello, is there a difference in 2 part epoxy paint vs. 2 part epoxy pool paint?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 3/21/2022 

Most epoxy paint I've seen is waterproof and chemical resistant, so it should hold up underwater. But I would check with the manufacturer of the non-pool specific paint to be sure it how well it holds up to chlorine.
 Reply

 Posted: 12/20/2021 

What’s the difference between a gel coat pool paint and a epoxy pool paint for fibreglass pools
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 1/11/2022 

Epoxy is a more durable option than Gelcoat; epoxy is also easier to apply, making it ideal for DIY-ers. Gelcoat is the more aesthetically pleasing option, but I've mainly seen it on brand new pools due to its more complicated install.
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 11/11/2021 

Can I paint over metal stains, not caused by rebar but by metal object in the pool over the winter. If possible, which is the best paint?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 11/15/2021 

What type of paint is currently covering your pool? 
 Reply

 Posted: 11/15/2021 

No paint, plaster.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 11/16/2021 

First, I'd try to get rid of the stain. I suggest using something like Natural Chemistry Stain Free Extra Strong 1.75lb. If that doesn't work, then I'd use epoxy paint.
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 6/29/2020 

Do I have to prime a fiberglass pool before using an epoxy paint
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 9/23/2020 

You should follow the directions listed on your particular paint, but epoxy paints work better with a primer.
 Reply

 Posted: 6/26/2020 

how can I tell if my pool is fiberglass or vinyl. it is a hardshell with formed steps.. but has a smooth white vinyl feel.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 10/19/2020 

Around the edge of your pool, Is there a bead receiver? For an example of what a bead receiver looks like, refer to the following guide: How To Put a Pool Liner Back In the Track
 Reply

 Posted: 5/31/2020 

My friend found out that the previous owner painter the pool with house paint - what can they do?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 10/23/2020 

If the paint starts to deteriorate, you will need to repaint with the proper type of paint. There is not much else you can do in this case.
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 7/13/2019 

What kinda of paint can I use on a in ground pool with metal on the sides and gunite bowl and bottem
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 7/15/2019 

Epoxy paint can be used on gunite and steel. But defer to the your specific epoxy paint's label instructions to confirm
 Reply

 Posted: 5/11/2019 

Where is the best place to purchase this product and what's the cost
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/13/2019 

Great question Randy. Take a look at Inyo's pool paint section for pricing.
 Reply

 Posted: 3/28/2019 

Hi, we have a marbalyte pool which is stained and needs paining, the top 6 inches under the coping stones has been painted with rubber based paint. I would like to use epoxy but will that work over the rubber?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 3/28/2019 

Unfortunately, epoxy paint will not adhere correctly when painting over a rubber paint.
 Reply

 Posted: 2/9/2019 

When is the best time to paint the pool and to let the paint dry with out it being empty and popping out of the ground.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 2/12/2019 

Hello Andrea - You'd want to paint the pool during a time a year when there has been little to no rain. People run into issues when there has been a lot of rain and the water table is higher.
 Reply

 Posted: 9/12/2018 

Hello Moe - According to our paint manufacturer, Ramuc, epoxy paint is recommended for heated spas.
 Reply

 Posted: 9/6/2018 

I have a combine pool/spa with 3000G of water(small compare to others) I painted three years ago and I don't remember what kind paint I used and paint has started to come off and I need to repaint it again but I don't know which paint is good for heated spa up to 100 F? your advise kindly appreciated. Moe
 Reply

 Posted: 4/26/2018 

The stains could be from fertilizer, well water, or a copper heat exchanger within a heater. I would try and treat the stains before you consider painting the pool. A lot of pool owners have good luck using a product called Stain Free Extra Strength. It's an industrial strength ascorbic acid. Make sure you follow the directions on the bottle.
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 4/25/2018 

We have a gunite pool that is showing metallic stains (not rust). What could this be a sign of? Can we paint these spots?
 Reply

 Posted: 4/5/2018 

If you need to determine which paint was previously used on your pool, follow Step 1 in the guide above.
 Reply

 Posted: 4/5/2018 

how match water proofing paint?
 Reply

 Posted: 2/23/2018 

Janet - You don't have many options when painting an unpainted gunite pool. See this compatibility chart. I'd recommend using epoxy paint. It is not the cheapest but will last longer. Also, if you are looking for something to smooth out your pool's uneven spots, be aware that these paints are not fillers. They will give you a smoother surface but it will still be uneven.
 Reply

 Posted: 2/19/2018 

We have an unpainted gunnite pool what is the easiest cheapest way to paint it that may cover some uneven spots?
 Reply

 Posted: 10/19/2017 

Ron - The coverage for Ramuc EP Hi-Build Epoxy pool paint is 150 - 200 sq ft for bare surfaces (2 coats recommended) and 300-350 sq ft for recoat of a previously epoxy painted surface.
 Reply

 Posted: 10/18/2017 

How much square feet does a gallon of epoxy paint cover?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 7/5/2017 

Hoa - Have you looked at adding sand to the paint. I don't know if that would work but give our paint supplier Ramuc Paint a call and see what they would suggest. Their number is 800-745-6756.
 Reply

 Posted: 7/3/2017 

Our community pool has a "boat ramp" type entrance. Since our pool was completely redone and repainted we have had two people slip and fall. The pool company has tried 3-4 different options and nothing is working. It is July and our pool isn't open. There's now talk of plastering. Expensive and community woukd have to pay. It's all because the paint that works is no longer available. Help??
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/13/2017 

Denise - Yes, you should be able to spot paint the chipped areas with epoxy paint. Just make sure you follow the preparation instruction closely. Be aware that after the 4-5 years, the colors might not match exactly.
 Reply

 Posted: 6/13/2017 

Our gunite pool was professionally repainted with Ramuc epoxy 4-5 years ago. We had an iron water problem and the pool walls and floor were stained. Also, the paint blistered and peeled in one small area of the pool floor. We have cleaned the pool with rust iron remover and power washed it. A few chips occurred due to this cleaning. Can we spot paint these few areas with epoxy, without having to repaint the entire pool?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/6/2017 

Mike W - Please talk to our paint manufacturer, Ramuc, on this issue at 800-745-6756.
 Reply

 Posted: 6/5/2017 

I have read that rubber chloride paint can be painted over with epoxy if a "conversion coating" is applied first. Is this effective?
 Reply