The benefits of epoxy pool paint

• It is a two-component system

9100 epoxy is a two-component coating. Before applying it, you must mix the resin (component A) with the hardener (component B). This step requires a bit more preparation than traditional paint, but it delivers a much higher-performance coating.

• It has exceptional durability

Once the two components are mixed, a chemical reaction occurs and creates an extremely durable coating. Epoxy bonds firmly to concrete and withstands wear far better than most pool paints. It also resists water-treatment products very well, such as chlorine, as well as saltwater pools.

• A highly watertight protection

Epoxy forms a membrane that is much thicker than conventional pool paint. By applying the two recommended coats, you get a waterproof finish that effectively seals the surface and limits water penetration into the concrete. It is also one of the most watertight systems you can use for a concrete pool.

• …and how does it react to the sun?

Like all epoxy coatings, prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause slight chalking or a loss of gloss over time. The good news is that this is purely cosmetic. It does not affect adhesion, watertightness, or the durability of the coating.

Epoxy is an excellent choice if your pool is made of concrete, gunite, marcite, fiberglass or metal, and it has never been painted or is already covered with an old epoxy coating in good condition. It is also an excellent option for new pools, since it offers superior durability and watertightness compared to most other systems.

However, there is one rule you must never forget: you must not apply epoxy paint over an old paint based on chlorinated rubber, synthetic rubber, vinyl or acrylic, whether it is water-based or solvent-based. Adhesion will not be sufficient and the coating may peel prematurely.

Do you not know what type of paint currently covers your pool? You have two options:

1. Choose an acrylic paint, which is compatible with most old coatings.
2. Strip the old pool paint completely to return to the original substrate before applying epoxy.

We made you a chart to simply summarize where you can apply epoxy paint without having to strip.

• A concrete pool

Concrete is a naturally porous material. For a concrete pool, it is therefore essential to protect it properly against water infiltration. That is why the choice of paint plays an important role in the durability of the structure.

Among the various coatings available, epoxy for pools stands out for its excellent watertightness and resistance under immersion. This is also why it is often preferred to protect new concrete pools.

For several decades, well-known concrete pool manufacturers, such as Val-Mar in Quebec (founded in 1958 and now part of Piscines Trévi), have used epoxy as a protective coat for their projects.

Epoxy is also used in the maintenance of many large outdoor municipal concrete pools. Its ability to withstand prolonged immersion makes it a proven choice for this type of application.

• Painting a fiberglass pool

Why? Because epoxy has a much stronger adhesion capability on this type of surface than one-component paints.

Most paints need a certain porosity or an anchor profile to adhere well and remain durable over time. However, fiberglass is a very smooth, low-porosity surface. This characteristic can limit the adhesion of conventional paints and eventually lead to peeling.

Two-component epoxy works differently. Once the two products are mixed, a chemical reaction called catalysis occurs, which allows the coating to cure and form a durable protective layer on the fiberglass surface.

You can compare epoxy to a protective shell that covers the surface rather than penetrating the material. This is what allows it to provide a durable finish, even on a substrate as smooth as fiberglass.

A) Drain the pool

This is obviously the first step before starting the work. Once the pool is drained, it is important to allow enough time for the substrate to dry before applying the paint.

In general, you should plan for a waiting period of 7 to 10 days before applying the coating. This is particularly important for concrete, gunite or plaster pools, since these materials can retain moisture.

Not sure the surface is dry enough? There is a simple test to check.

In the deepest part of the pool, tape down a plastic sheet of about 2 ft x 2 ft using adhesive tape. For a better assessment, it is recommended to do the test in two places:

• on a horizontal surface, such as the pool floor;
• on a vertical surface, such as a wall.

Leave the plastic sheet in place for 24 hours. After that, check for water droplets or condensation under the plastic.

If moisture appears, it means the substrate is not yet dry enough to receive paint. You will simply need to wait a few more days and repeat the test before continuing the work.

This small check may seem trivial, but it helps prevent many adhesion problems and ensures better coating durability.

B) Remove the old finish (if needed)

Before applying a new coat of paint, you must first make sure the old coating is still firmly bonded to the surface.

If the old paint starts to chalk, flake or come loose, it must be removed before proceeding. Why? Because a new coat of paint cannot fix an adhesion problem that already exists. If the base is not stable, the new coating may simply peel off along with the old paint.

The first step is therefore to remove paint in areas where it is crumbly or peeling. Depending on the condition of the surface, pressure washing may be sufficient. In more advanced cases, sanding with an orbital sander may be necessary to restore the surface.

This step requires a lot of work, but it makes all the difference. It is better to invest time in proper preparation than to have to redo the project a few years later.

C) Repair the holes and cracks in your pool.

Does your pool have cracks or holes? They must be repaired before you start applying paint.

After cleaning, first make sure the surface is completely dry before starting repairs. The product to use depends on your pool material.

For example, for a fiberglass pool, repairs must be done with a product designed for this type of substrate. For a concrete pool, hydraulic cement is a good option for larger repairs, since it is designed to withstand prolonged immersion.

Take the time to repair surface defects properly before moving on. Even a very high-performance paint cannot correct a poorly repaired crack or hole.

All-purpose solution for small holes and cracks: PC-Concrete cartridge epoxy

Here are the steps to repair your pool with PC-Concrete:

• Start by removing the cap from the cartridge, then insert it into the caulking gun. Before starting the repair, dispense a small amount of PC-Concrete onto a disposable surface, such as a piece of cardboard or wood.
• This first step ensures that both components come out of the cartridge in equal amounts. Since they are different colors, you will easily see when the mix is correctly proportioned.
• Then install the nozzle on the end of the cartridge. The two components mix directly in the nozzle at the time of application.
• You can then inject PC-Concrete directly into the cracks to be repaired.
• If necessary, smooth any excess epoxy with a small putty knife. You have about 20 minutes to work the product before it starts to harden.

PC-Concrete generally dries in about 3 hours. Drying time may vary depending on temperature and ambient humidity.

Safety rules to follow during application

Epoxy for pools is an industrial coating. It is therefore important to take the necessary precautions when applying it.

To avoid contact with skin and eyes, wear long clothing, chemical-resistant nitrile gloves and safety glasses.

Application also releases solvent vapors. Good ventilation is therefore essential. To work more comfortably and limit exposure to vapors, wearing a 3M half-mask respirator with OVN95 charcoal cartridges is strongly recommended.

Before you begin, take the time to consult the product technical data sheet and safety data sheet to learn the specific protective measures recommended by the manufacturer.

A) Mix the epoxy for pools

Mixing epoxy for pools is a crucial step for the success of your project. Poor mixing can compromise the performance and durability of the coating.

• Start by following the ratio indicated by the manufacturer precisely. For Rust-Oleum 9100 epoxy, the ratio is 1:1, meaning one part resin A to one part activator B. For example, to mix one gallon of product, you must combine 1 gallon of colored resin with 1 gallon of immersion activator (9102402).
• Start by stirring each component separately, using a different stick for each container. Make sure to scrape the bottom well and bring the product up to obtain a uniform mix.
• Then pour both components into a sufficiently large pail, respecting the 1:1 ratio. Mix everything for about 3 minutes using a drill fitted with a paint mixer.
• During mixing, regularly scrape the sides and bottom of the pail with a stick to incorporate any resin that may accumulate there. The goal is simple: every portion of resin must be perfectly mixed with its activator to ensure proper epoxy catalyzation.

Respect the induction period

Safety rules to follow during application

Epoxy for pools is an industrial coating. It is therefore important to take the necessary precautions when applying it.

To avoid contact with skin and eyes, wear long clothing, chemical-resistant nitrile gloves and safety glasses.

Application also releases solvent vapors. Good ventilation is therefore essential. To work more comfortably and limit exposure to vapors, wearing a 3M half-mask respirator with OVN95 charcoal cartridges is strongly recommended.

Before you begin, take the time to consult the product technical data sheet and safety data sheet to learn the specific protective measures recommended by the manufacturer.

A) Mix the epoxy for pools

Mixing epoxy for pools is a crucial step for the success of your project. Poor mixing can compromise the performance and durability of the coating.

• Start by following the ratio indicated by the manufacturer precisely. For Rust-Oleum 9100 epoxy, the ratio is 1:1, meaning one part resin A to one part activator B. For example, to mix one gallon of product, you must combine 1 gallon of colored resin with 1 gallon of immersion activator (9102402).
• Start by stirring each component separately, using a different stick for each container. Make sure to scrape the bottom well and bring the product up to obtain a uniform mix.
• Then pour both components into a sufficiently large pail, respecting the 1:1 ratio. Mix everything for about 3 minutes using a drill fitted with a paint mixer.
• During mixing, regularly scrape the sides and bottom of the pail with a stick to incorporate any resin that may accumulate there. The goal is simple: every portion of resin must be perfectly mixed with its activator to ensure proper epoxy catalyzation.

Once the induction time is over, you must move directly to applying the epoxy. The clock is now ticking!

You generally have 2 to 4 hours to apply your epoxy coat. This time can vary depending on temperature: the hotter it is, the faster the product hardens and the less time you have to work. Conversely, a cooler temperature gives you more application time, but the coating will take longer to cure.

For the best working conditions, aim for a temperature between 18 and 25 °C, in dry weather.

Application is generally done with a good-quality natural bristle brush and a 15 mm lint-free roller. Some professionals use a sprayer, but this method requires very thorough equipment cleaning with xylene epoxy thinner.

Application with brush and roller

• Start by equipping yourself with a telescopic pole. This will allow you to work more easily and cover the entire pool without constantly moving around.
• First, cut in the corners and angles of the pool with your brush. Then continue application with the roller, starting from the deepest part of the pool and gradually working your way up to the shallower areas.
• If you want to add a non-slip texture to the bottom or steps, you can incorporate a non-slip additive into a portion of your mix. However, we do not recommend this option on the walls, since the textured surface will be harder to clean.
• To achieve the expected product performance, aim for a dry film thickness of 5 to 8 mils per coat. This corresponds to a coverage of about 400 sq ft per 2-gallon epoxy kit, per coat.

Once the first coat is applied, wait at least 16 hours before applying the second.

For spray application

If you apply with a spray gun, take the time to protect the surrounding surfaces properly with cardboard, polyethylene and/or good masking tape. Otherwise, overspray mist may stain them.

• The work sequence remains the same as with a roller. Start by cutting in.
• Then spray from the deep end, working your way up toward the shallower areas.

Here is the corresponding information for the different spray types:

• Pressure—0.055-0.070 Tip, 10 to 16 oz/min Flow, 20-60 PSI Pressure
• Siphon—0.055-0.070 Tip, 20-60 PSI Pressure
• HVLP—0.043-0.070, 8 to 10 oz/min Flow, 10 PSI Pressure (at nozzle)

And if you use an airless sprayer (airless):

• Fluid pressure 1800 to 3000 PSI, 0.013-0.017 Tip, 100 mesh Filter

If you are painting a pool that has never been painted or that you have just refurbished, applying a second coat of epoxy is necessary.

For a simple refresh of a surface already in good condition, one coat can sometimes be enough. However, if the old coating or the concrete is very deteriorated, or if the surface has many repairs, we recommend applying two coats for more uniform and durable protection.

The weather plays an important role in the success of your epoxy project. You must therefore take conditions into account before, during and after application.

Avoid painting your pool in direct sunlight or when it is very hot. High temperatures can speed up epoxy drying, which reduces your working time and can affect the final result. Ideal conditions are between 18 and 25 °C, with reasonable humidity.

Also plan for at least 24 to 48 hours without rain after application. A downpour could leave marks or runs on the coating and compromise its durability. Dew must also be monitored: if it is present on the surface before application, it can affect adhesion. It can also affect the finish during the first hours of curing.

The best time to paint your pool is therefore generally in the morning, once the dew has completely dissipated and before the sun heats the surface too much. The goal is to work on a tempered surface and let the epoxy cure under stable conditions.

You can refill your pool after 5 to 7 days. Be careful, though: if you do not wait long enough before putting the paint in contact with water, it can cause premature chalking of the paint. It is better to be patient so you can enjoy your pool for longer!

Start your project now!

You will find all the products you need directly on our website.

1. Start by measuring your pool dimensions to know how much product you will need.
   • A pool epoxy kit covers about 400 sq ft.
2. Choose the color that best suits your pool.
3. Place your order online and choose between in-store pickup and home delivery.

Want more advice and tips for your epoxy project? Check out the section of our blog dedicated to this topic!