Pool Painting

[bizzy]

I did notice something this weekend. I noticed that the plaster looks like it was originally colored and not painted (that is why the color of the pool is a dark blue).

Would it be a good idea to paint my pool due to no paint actually being in the pool? Is there any other option?

[PoolDoc]

Refinishing options include painting, or placing a new plaster or other cement based surface. It's unlikely you'll exactly match your top step with the rest of the pool.

[Marin]

You can paint just the top step or steps. There are ways to properly prep the steps without getting too much residue in the water, none of it is simple though.

Colored plaster will fade. If you currently have plaster and not paint, I would strongly urge you not to paint. We do both finishes and I always do my best to talk a client out of paint. If you do paint, don't go cheap. Find a quality 2 part epoxy paint and prep according to direction.

[bizzy]

Hi Marin
i was wondering why you recomend not to paint if there is colored plaster. you are right, it looks like in some areas there is fading and mostly in the steps. Is there any other treatment for color plaster recondition?

[PoolDoc]

Plaster can last 10+ years without service. The best paint -- applied exactly per mfg directions -- won't usually last more than 5 years, till you have to recoat.

[bizzy]

In my situation it seems like maybe this pool was done a while ago. it has started to fade and there is a bit of scaling on the top step. I can also notice the faded spots here and there. Is there any recondition that i can do with out painting it?

[PoolDoc]

Plaster pools are commonly acid washed to address issues like yours. Acid washing works by dissolving the top layer of plaster, and exposing a 'new' top layer underneath.

BUT . . . acid washing does not evenly dissolve that top layer, and the resulting plaster is rougher and more susceptible to stains, than the original surface. Careful, skilled application can reduce the problem, but many contractors either aren't skilled, or can't be bothered since their customers don't know the difference.

AND . . . the effects of acid-washing a pool with COLORED plaster can be unpredictable. Personally, I don't have enough experience with colored plaster to know how to tell whether a colored plaster pool can be acid washed or not.