When the interior of your pool starts to look tired and outdated, there is an affordable option. Instead of completely resurfacing your pool, why not spruce it up with paint? Well, you can't simply drain the water and grab a paint roller and your favorite color... Pool paint takes a serious beating, from extreme water pressure to harsh chemicals and sun exposure. If you want your paint job to look great over the long haul, a little preparation goes a long way. Check out these tips for painting your swimming pool for a fabulous look guaranteed to last.

Choosing Paint

When you begin the painting process, you will find that there are many products on the market that can be used for this purpose. The type of paint you choose will depend on how much you can afford to spend and how long you want your paint job to last. The most durable type of pool paint is epoxy, which is typically used on new constructions due to its strength and durability. Epoxy paint will last a good 7 to 10 years before it needs to be redone. However, epoxy is also the most expensive option for painting your pool.

The next type of paint that is commonly used on swimming pools is chlorinated rubber base. This paint comes in a wide range of colors and is fairly easy to apply. However, you will need to repaint your pool every 3 to 5 years. The least expensive option is acrylic paint, which is typically used for commercial pools because they are frequently repainted. Acrylic paint needs to be reapplied every 2 to 3 years.

Preparation

This is probably the most important step in your pool painting process if you want to have success. Preparing the surface of the pool properly ensures that it takes the paint well and results in a smooth finish. Proper preparation includes a cleaning with and acid wash and a thorough rinsing. Fill all cracks and holes with a patching mixture, following manufacturer's instructions carefully to ensure your patch job is water tight. Once your pool is clean and dry, sweep the surface once more to remove lingering dust particles and debris. If your efforts do not successfully remove all dirt and leftover paint, consider a professional sandblaster for the job.

Application

Choose a time of day that is dry but not too hot. Mid-morning is often the best time to paint your pool. Paint can be applied using rollers and brushes to get into tighter corners. Allow the first coat to dry completely (at least 2 to 4 hours) before applying a second. It is very important to give your pool at least 5 days after the paint job is complete before adding water to the pool.

Repainting the surface of your pool is an inexpensive way to breathe new life into your outdoor space. By choosing the right kind of paint and properly preparing the surface before applying any paint, you can rest assured your painting efforts will look great and wear well for many years.