How to Paint and Maintain Your Pool or Patio

Want that brand-new pool look without investing in a new pool? You can get rid of chips, cracks and discolouration by resealing your pool and pool patio with Smart Seal pool paints. In this guide, we’ll tell you exactly how to apply these paints and maintain them to keep your pool looking fresh for years.

How to Choose Your Paint

Not sure which paint, primers, and other solutions you need to get started? Check out the chart below or refer to our guide on choosing your paint for more information.

How to Prepare Your Pool and Patio Surface

Before you apply any primer or paint, the pool needs to be drained and cleaned. Draining your pool is straightforward, but what about cleaning it? Any dirt or grime left behind will stop the paint from chemically bonding to the pool. However, no one wants to scrub their whole pool. The good news is, you don’t have to. Smart Seal’s Clean and Etch solution can clean off your pool and patio for you.

All you do is dilute the solution with water according to the instructions. Then, spray or apply the cleaning solution to your pool and rinse it off. Once dry, you’re ready to move onto painting.

How to Apply Your Pool Paint and Primers

The general rule for applying pool paint is to choose a morning or afternoon to work (do not apply paint under the hot midday sun). Use a nine-inch roller with a half inch nap and solvent resistant core. One is included in your Smart Seal diving board kit.

Tip: Be sure to wear appropriate safety gear, including eye goggles, gloves and protective shoes.

When it comes time to paint, use a simple rolling technique, just moving your roller up and down. If you’re having trouble avoiding paint lines, start and end in a corner. Further, starting in the deep end and moving to the shallow will make it easier for you to get out of the pool when you need a break.

You also need to follow the specific instructions for each type of paint. It is wise to note the paint’s curing time, so you don’t plan to use the pool until the paint has truly dried. We’ll outline other instructions below:

Rough Prime, Rough Surface

Before you apply primer, allow the pool to dry. Then, sand any spots of your pool that seem glossy. Apply the primer and allow it to cure before moving on to apply paint. Note that this primer is thicker and may take longer to apply and dry.

Dura Seal

After using a primer and allowing it to dry, apply Dura Seal. In shallow areas, steps, or anywhere grip may be needed, sprinkle marble dust or white sand on top of the paint.

SR Pro 7

SR Pro 7 will need at least two coats. For the first coat of SR Pro 7 you should thin the paint with 25 percent Xylol before the application. Allow it to dry before applying a second coat at full strength.

Patio Perfect

You should apply two layers of patio paint if your pool patio has not been painted before. If your patio material is very porous, it may absorb some of the paint, and will need another coat. Always allow the paint to fully dry before adding another coat.

How to Maintain Your Re-Sealed Pool

Smart Seal paints are virtually maintenance-free. However, there are a few things you can do to ensure your pool’s new coat of paint lasts even longer:

• Allow the paint to cure: Each paint has a different curing time. Adding water back into your pool before the paint has cured can ruin its seal.
• Use algaecide: Algae is a big cause of discoloration in pools. Preventing algae will keep your pool in good shape for longer.
• Balance pH: Poor pH balance (either high or low) can predispose your pool to damage and discoloration.

Overall, keeping up with normal pool maintenance will help your newly painted pool stay beautiful and unblemished for years to come. Contact the experts at Pool Supplies Canada for help choosing chemicals, cleaners or other pool maintenance products.

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