How to Paint a Swimming Pool

Painting a swimming pool is not the same as painting a wall. The surface lives underwater, facing constant chemical exposure from the chlorine. This article will walk you through how to paint a swimming pool, including choosing the right swimming pool paint, surface preparation, application and curing.

How to Choose the Right Type of Swimming Pool Paint?

The main two types of swimming pool paint are chlorinated rubber and two-pack epoxy. They behave differently on different substrates and are not interchangeable once you have committed to painting with one.

If your pool is already painted, always match the existing system unless you’re fully stripping it.

Chlorinated Rubber Swimming Pool Paint

Chlorinated rubber swimming pool paint is a solvent-based, single-pack coating that produces a hard, gloss finish that is highly resistant to pool chemicals and chlorine.

Use chlorinated rubber swimming pool paint if:

• Your pool is already coated in chlorinated rubber

• You want a simple repaint without heavy prep

• The surface is concrete or brick 

Key features 

• Touch dry in 20 to 40 minutes

• Recoat after 12 to 24 hours

• Must be left 7 days before filling the pool

Practical tip when using chlorinated rubber paint for swimming pool:

• Don’t paint your swimming pool in direct sunlight, as the paint can dry too quickly on the surface but remain soft underneath, which causes blistering or poor curing.

• Attempting to cover the pool to avoid sunlight creates a different problem: the lack of ventilation traps solvents within the enclosed space. This can prevent the paint from curing properly, leaving the coating soft, tacky, or "cheesy."

• To improve airflow and aid in proper curing, you can use a fan to create more circulation in and around the area.

• You can paint over existing chlorinated rubber, as the new coat softens and bonds into the old one. 

• You cannot apply it over incompatible coatings (like some single-pack paints).

At TA Paints, we manufacture a chlorinated rubber swimming pool and pond paint that works as a 3-in-1 primer, sealer and topcoat. This product is available in a wide range of colours and sizes, from 1-litre tins to bulk trade quantities.

Two-Pack Epoxy Swimming Pool Paint.

 

 

Two-pack epoxy swimming pool paint is a solvent-based, two-component coating that cures to form a waterproof and glossy finish with excellent resistance to chlorine and chemicals.

 

 

 

 

Use two-pack epoxy swimming pool paint if:

• You are painting a new pool or a fully stripped surface.

• You want a long-lasting coating 

• The pool is used heavily

• The surface is concrete

• The surface is fibreglass or metal then we always recommend using two pack epoxy as it will need to be primed with two pack epoxy primer first 

Key features

• Mix at a ratio of 4:1 (paint to hardener)

• Usable for 4 to 6 hours once mixed

• Coverage of approximately 8m² per litre

• Touch dry in 2 to 4 hours

• Recoat after 12 to 24 hours

• Must be left 7 days before filling the pool

Practical tip when using two-pack epoxy swimming pool paint:

• Do not apply two-pack epoxy swimming pool paint below 10°C, as the chemical curing process will not activate properly, which can prevent the coating from hardening at all.

• You must fully prepare the surface before applying epoxy, including removing any incompatible coatings, cleaning thoroughly and abrading the surface to create a key for adhesion.

• You cannot apply it over single-pack paints (such as chlorinated rubber), as the coatings will fail.

At TA Paints, we manufacture a two-pack epoxy swimming pool paint using 3-in-1 technology that primes (concrete), seals and protects.

Our article on what type of paint to use on an outdoor swimming pool, explains the differences between chlorinated rubber and epoxy coatings in more detail.

Surface Preparation for Painting a Swimming Pool

Surface preparation is the part of pool painting that separates a finish that lasts from one that fails. If the coating fails once it has been applied, the problem is almost always inadequate preparation.

Drain and Dry the Pool

Before applying any swimming pool paint, the pool must be fully drained before you begin, and the surface must be completely dry before any paint goes on. Moisture trapped beneath a coating is one of the primary causes of paint failure. 

Allow several days after draining for the surface to dry out fully, particularly with concrete, which holds water for longer than you might expect.

Clean and Degrease the Surface

A clean surface is essential for proper adhesion when painting a pool, as even small amounts of grease or residue can prevent the paint from bonding.

You need to remove:

• Dirt and debris

• Algae and organic growth

• Body oils and sunscreen residue

• Any grease or contaminants

Use a pressure washer for the initial clean, followed by a thorough rinse. Any loose or flaking paint should be removed entirely.

Abrading and Keying

If you're painting over an existing sound coat, lightly abrading the surface creates a mechanical key that helps the new paint bond. This is particularly important when applying chlorinated rubber over an existing chlorinated rubber coat. Remove any debris after sanding before applying the first coat of pool paint.

Ventilation and Painting Conditions

We advise against painting a pool in direct sunlight. Intense heat causes the paint to cure too quickly on the surface while remaining soft underneath, which leads to blistering and uneven curing. Equally, if you're painting an enclosed pool, avoid sealing off the area completely, as trapped solvents prevent the coating from curing properly.

When painting indoor swimming pools, use fans or airflow to improve ventilation.

How to Apply Swimming Pool Paint

Once your surface preparation is complete, painting the swimming pool itself is relatively straightforward.

The First Coat

For chlorinated rubber on concrete:

• Thin the first coat by 20% with T0001 Thinners

• This acts as a primer and improves adhesion.

Apply swimming pool paint using:

• Brush (edges, fittings, corners)

• Medium-pile solvent resistant roller (main surfaces)

Pool paint application tips:

• Start at the deep end and work upwards.

• Always work towards your exit point

• Maintain a wet edge to avoid lap marks

Drying Time

• Allow 12-24 hours when overcoating

Second and Third Coats

Apply your second coat of swimming pool paint undiluted, using the same method and working pattern.

Most pools require two coats minimum and an optional third coat for durability or porous surfaces.

Common Application Mistakes

Avoid:

• Overworking the paint - Chlorinated rubber (CR) is a reversible coating, so overworking the second coat can cause the first coat to soften.

• Applying coats too thickly

• Ignoring coverage rates

Two Pack Epoxy 

Mixing

• Use a mixer on a slow-running drill or a palette knife on smaller cans to mix the paint and catalyst together. An egg whisk, screwdriver, or small stick that doesn’t reach the bottom of the can is insufficient for proper mixing.

• Mix the catalyst into the paint for 3-5 minutes, allow to stand for a minute, and then repeat.

• Combine the catalyst into the can before pouring it into a paint tray.

• If you are thinning the paint, this is added once the paint has been catalysed.

• Ensure all components are thoroughly mixed to avoid any colour inconsistencies or drying issues.

For two pack epoxy on bare concrete:

• Thin the first coat by 20% with T0200 Thinners

• This acts as a primer and improves adhesion.

For two pack epoxy on bare fibreglass or metal

• Apply one coat of either Two Pack Epoxy Fibreglass Primer or Metal Primer

• After 12-24 hours apply the first coat of top coat. Two coats are always recommended. 

Apply swimming pool paint using:

• Brush (edges, fittings, corners)

• Medium-pile solvent resistant roller (main surfaces)

Pool paint application tips:

• Start at the deep end and work upwards.

• Always work towards your exit point

• Maintain a wet edge to avoid lap marks

Drying Time

• Allow 12-24 hours when overcoating -if you go over 24 hours a light abrasion will be needed before applying the second coat.

Second and Third Coats

Apply your second coat of swimming pool paint undiluted, using the same method and working pattern.

Most pools require two coats minimum and an optional third coat for durability or porous surfaces.

Common Application Mistakes

Avoid:

• Overworking the paint (causes streaking)

• Applying coats too thickly

• Ignoring coverage rates

Curing Time Before Filling the Pool

This is a mistake you want to avoid once you’ve finished painting your swimming pool.

'Touch dry' does NOT mean 'cured'.

• Two-Pack Epoxy: minimum 7 days

• Chlorinated Rubber: minimum 7 days before filling

• The paint should be fully hard after 7 days. If it remains soft in some areas, it may have been applied thicker—allow more time to cure. Do not fill the pool until the paint is completely hard.

Swimming Pool Paints from TA Industrial Paints

TA Industrial Paints are suppliers of swimming pool paints. Our range covers chlorinated rubber and two-pack epoxy options, with the surrounding products to match, including anti-slip floor coatings.

All swimming pool paints are available to buy online, with free delivery available on qualifying orders. Multi-buy discounts apply on larger quantities. If you need further advice about product selections and swimming pool painting, speak with our team at TA Industrial Paints, who know our products inside out. They are happy to talk through your specific situation before you buy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Swimming Pool Paint

How Long Does Swimming Pool Paint Last?

If the surface was properly prepared and the paint correctly applied, pool paint can last between one and three years. The lifespan is determined more by preparation and application quality than by the paint itself.

What Colours of Swimming Pool Paints Are Available?

TA Industrial Paints offers swimming pool paint in a wide range of colours, including the traditional blues and aquas associated with pool aesthetics. We also offer white, grey and black options. Colour options are available to view on our product pages.

Can I Use Swimming Pool Paint Around the Edges or Above the Waterline?

We do not recommend using swimming pool paint above the waterline on external pools, as both chlorinated rubber and two-pack epoxy coatings are not UV resistant. This means the colour may chalk and fade, sometimes within a matter of weeks. While this does not affect the performance of the coating, it will impact the appearance.

For areas above the waterline, we recommend using our Universal PU Enamel, which is UV resistant and available in a non-slip finish.

How Much Pool Paint Will I Need?

To determine how much pool paint you need, calculate the total surface area of your pool and divide by the coverage rate of the product you are using. For chlorinated rubber pool paint from TA Industrial Paints, expect approximately 8 square metres per litre per coat. We also have a paint calculator on our product pages to help with this.

Why is Epoxy Swimming Pool Paint Recommended Over Chlorinated Rubber on Fibreglass or Metal?

Epoxy swimming pool paint is recommended for fibreglass and metal surfaces because the single-pack primers compatible with chlorinated rubber do not perform well under full water immersion. In contrast, a two-pack epoxy primer provides excellent durability and water resistance when fully submerged, ensuring better long-term adhesion and performance.

Can I Use Swimming Pool Paint on Tiles or Pool Liners?

No, our swimming pool paints will not achieve adequate adhesion to tiles or pool liners and are therefore not suitable for these surfaces.