What Type Of Paint Should I Use On My Outdoor Swimming Pool?

Outdoor swimming pools need to be painted with the right coating system to ensure long-term protection against the British weather, as well as constant exposure to water and chemicals. The best paints for outdoor swimming pools are chlorinated rubber coatings and two-pack epoxy systems. The right choice depending on the surface and how long you want the finish to last.

At TA Paints, we supply specialist swimming pool coatings designed to withstand these conditions and keep your pool looking its best come rain or sunshine.

Why Standard Paint Won't Work in a Swimming Pool

Pool water is chlorinated. It's kept at a specific pH. It warms up, cools down, contracts and expands the substrate beneath the paint, and it's constantly moving. Any coating not specifically formulated for full immersion in treated water will lift, blister or fade, which is why standard paints should not be used.

What Features Does Swimming Pool Paint Need to Have?

Swimming pool paint is not the same as standard exterior or masonry paint. Pools create a uniquely aggressive environment, combining constant water immersion, chlorine exposure and temperature fluctuations.

Because of this, a suitable pool coating must be

• Fully waterproof and capable of long-term immersion

• Resistant to chlorine and pool treatment chemicals

• Flexible enough to handle expansion and contraction

Standard paints will fail quickly under these conditions, often blistering or lifting as soon as they are submerged.

It’s also important to understand that most pool paints are only safe once fully cured. For example, chlorinated rubber coatings require 7 days to fully cure before refilling, after which they become inert and safe for use.

Chlorinated Rubber Paint

Chlorinated rubber paint is one of the most popular choices for outdoor swimming pools, particularly in domestic settings.

It offers a strong balance between performance and ease of use. As a single-pack coating, it does not require mixing a catalyst and can be applied directly to properly prepared concrete or brick.

One of its main advantages is that it forms a flexible yet durable film that resists both water and pool chemicals while also providing a smooth, gloss finish.

In practical terms, it is the following:

• Straightforward to apply

• Relatively quick drying

• Cost-effective compared to epoxy systems

This type of paint works very well for therapy pools, including those for animals, or spa pools. You will need to drain your pool a few days before painting since the surface needs to be dry before you apply the paint.

A characteristic to be aware of is that it is a reversible coating. When applying additional coats, the solvent slightly softens the layer beneath. This is normal, but it means the paint should be applied evenly without overworking the surface to avoid uneven finishes.

Two-Pack Epoxy

Two-pack epoxy paint is a more heavy-duty solution and is typically used where maximum durability is required.

It consists of two components, a base and a hardener, mixed at a specific ratio (4:1) before application. Once cured, epoxy creates a non-porous coating with excellent adhesion, particularly to concrete substrates.

Its key advantages include the following:

• Superior durability and abrasion resistance

• Excellent chemical resistance

• Can be used for Fibreglass and metal once primed with a two pack epoxy primer.

This makes it a strong choice of swimming pool paint for new swimming pools, heavily used pools or when the surface has been fully stripped back.

Anti-slip paint

Polyurethane Anti-slip or non-slip paint is useful for areas surrounding the pool, where the presence of water could create a slip hazard. 

It is designed for pool surroundings as the paint adds extra texture to the surface, creating friction and helping to prevent falls. 

For external areas of the pool, it’s best to avoid chlorinated rubber and epoxy-based anti-slip coatings, as UV exposure can cause them to fade or chalk over time.

Can you switch between chlorinated rubber and epoxy coatings?

We do not recommend switching between systems. Chlorinated rubber coatings should always be overcoated with chlorinated rubber, and epoxy coatings should only be overcoated with epoxy. 

Mixing systems can lead to poor adhesion and potential coating failure, so it is best to remain consistent with the original coating type.

Which Paint for Which Pool Surface?

The surface your pool is made from has an effect on which paint to use and how to prepare it.

Which Paint Do I Need for a Concrete Swimming Pool?

Concrete is the most common pool surface and is compatible with chlorinated rubber and two-pack epoxy coatings. For most domestic pools, chlorinated rubber paint is the best choice, as it is easy to use and durable.

On bare concrete, the first coat should be thinned by around 20% with T1000 thinners. This allows the coating to soak into the porous surface, effectively acting as its own primer and sealer. 

New concrete must be left for at least three months before painting. Moisture trapped within fresh concrete is a common cause of delamination, where the coating is pushed off the surface.

It’s equally important not to pre-seal concrete with any PVA or latex products, as this will prevent the paint from bonding properly.

Which Paint Do I Need For Fibreglass and GRP Swimming Pools?

Fibreglass does not provide a natural key for coatings, so a suitable primer is essential. Two-pack epoxy systems are always recommended over chlorinated rubber for Fibreglass.

Bare GRP surfaces should first be coated with a two-pack epoxy fibreglass primer. Once cured, this provides a stable base two-pack epoxy topcoats.

If the pool has been painted previously, the existing coating needs to be assessed, and any areas that are blistered, flaking or lifting should be abraded. Skipping this step and painting over unstable coatings is a common cause of premature failure.

Which Paint Do I Need For Metal Components?

Metal surfaces require additional protection before any pool paint is applied. Two-pack epoxy systems are always recommended over chlorinated rubber for metal.

Two pack epoxy top coats do not contain anti-corrosive properties, so bare metal must be primed first. A two-pack epoxy zinc phosphate or epoxy zinc-rich primer will provide the necessary corrosion resistance and a suitable base for the topcoat. 

Without the correct preparation, corrosion can develop beneath the coating, leading to blistering and breakdown over time.

Buy Your Swimming Pool Paint From TA Paints

At TA Paints we manufacture a wide range of high-quality, affordable swimming pool paints. Our chlorinated rubber swimming pool paint is available online in 1, 2.5 and 5 litre tins with free delivery and multi-buy discounts for larger orders.

Click here to browse our online store or contact our team today for recommendations.

Learn exactly How to Paint a Swimming Pool in our in-depth guide.

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