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"Pool Coatings & Paints Information"
Coatings and paints are a viable alternative to plastering.
The Pool & Spa Informational Website
askalanaquestion.com |
Refinishing with Coatings
Pool Plastering Versus Painting
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Scroll down to browse
through some archived SWIMMING POOL questions and answers.
Please access the Pool Problems Page and other links, at the top of
every page, for additional information.
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Plastering versus
painting a pool is a topic that is considered by many pool owners, as to
advantages, appearance and costs. Masonry
and fiberglass pools can be finished with a variety of coatings, paints and techniques
including: epoxy, paint, pvc and fiberglass. There are advantages and disadvantages, cost
considerations, suitability and life-expectancies to consider, when deciding
which product or coating to choose for a new pool or a pool resurfacing or refinishing.
Clicking on the underlined
and highlighted "keywords" or "catch phrases," in the
archived answers will give you access to additional information on that topic or
product.
Please refer to the Glossary, if there are terms or phrases that require
explanation. For an alphabetized listing
of the entire contents of the website, use the
Table of Contents link, on top of
every page.
( Click the picture, for
more information.)
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More information about Ultra Poly One Coat for Residential or Commercial
Pools and Spas can be found on the Poly Solutions,
Inc. Preview Page in the "Pools & Equipment" Product Information
Section. Links are available to connect you to
their website.
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►
From The Ugliest Pool Ever To WOW?
I found your
informative website via Google. Great site! So my tight-wad husband won't let
me re-plaster our disaster-of-a-pool! It's 60 years old...evidently
between copper piping and PVC, there was another type of piping used...this is
how we learned of it's true age. Anyway, it desperately needs to be
re-plastered, but he insists that it's not in the budget and finally agreed that
I can paint the bottom. So as it's draining, I had a wild idea of painting
a huge bucking bronco on the bottom! Can you recommend what type of paint?
And
a sealer? How long can I expect to get out of this quick-cheap-fix? Many
thanks!
Julie C.,
Arizona, 4/16/2006
It doesn't have to be a quick fix. Use the right product
and it can last a long time.
Ultra Poly One Coat should work well and
comes in a variety of colors, with a 15-year warranty. No sealer is
required! For more information go to:
www.polysolutionsinc.com Good luck with the project.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
4/16/2006
I
know/understand that this is your product, and when I compare it to some other
products, I will also have to use a bond coat, and three coats to get a 5-year
warranty. I really am looking for something that will not look like I am
"making-do." It seems like I can do my mural in the bottom of the pool in gray,
and then paint the rest of the pool black. I have seen other black-bottom pools
(I do not know what the material was) that look chalky and ugly after two years
or so. Does your 15-year warranty promise that this WON'T happen? Would
two coats give me a better chance of a good-look longer? Many, many thanks
for your time! I really believe that I am getting somewhere!
Julie C.,
4/17/2006
It is not my product. I don't
manufacturer anything. I just pointed you in the direction of a quality pool
finish.
Ultra Poly One Coat requires that you
clean the pool with a thorough power washing. After the pool dries
you can start rolling it on. It only takes one coat and does not
require a primer or sealer. Humidity, during application is not important, as
can be the case with other products. Give Colleen Krause a call at
724 449-1040. She will help you find a contractor and/or a source for the paint.
Good luck.
Alan Schuster, 4/17/2006
Oh my! Well then, I trust your opinion EVEN MORE! THANK YOU! I will call
Colleen. I see I never finished my thoughts, when I was comparing Ultra
Poly One Coat with those other brands. Do you still believe that Ultra
Poly One Coat is the best solution? My pool is BY FAR the ugliest pool
anyone has EVER seen! Promise! Thanks again!
Julie,
4/17/2006
Ultra Poly One Coat
only requires one coat and no primer or sealer. Others paints
require multiple coats and/or primers and/or sealers. They may cost
less by the gallon, but use more gallons and time. Some paints require low
humidity to apply, as
if that's easily done in a place like Florida or in most places in the summer.
Ultra Poly One Coat seems a good choice, based on the information that I have
seen and the questions I have asked. Do some R&D on the others, if you still
need convincing. I hope that you will take the time to repair any defects
on the pool surface. Otherwise, it can detract from a perfect refinishing job.
Good luck. Alan Schuster,
4/18/2006
WOW!
Great
stuff! LOOKS BRAND NEW!
Thanks for all the help and advice!
Julie C.,
6/2/2006
►
Gunite
Needs Finishing?
Our freeform gunite pool (with spa
attached) is at a point where it needs refinishing. We have had a couple
estimates on replastering which is quite expensive. One company
mentioned a PVC pool coating but didn't have any details other than he heard
about it recently at a trade show. I am having trouble finding a company in
our area (Northern Virginia) that does PVC pool coating to find our more
information. Is PVC coating comparable in price to replastering?
Is one method better than another for refinishing an existing gunite pool that
is over 10 years old? Your advice is greatly appreciated.
Tammy
R., Virginia, 3/10/2009
I am not at all familiar with the
PVC product. A gunite pool at 10 is still pretty young. I suspect
that the product you are investigating is quite different than the marcite
finish,
presently in use. I have no idea as to cost differentials or life
expectancies.
If you consider the cost
over 10 years, are you comfortable with all of the unknowns?
Will this PVC material hold up over time? Will this material cover
existing blemishes? Will this material enhance the look of your pool?
You might look into other viable pool resurfacing alternatives, such as
pool paints or
epoxy coatings. Or visit:
www.polysolutionsinc.com It's your decision,
but I hope that I have been of assistance.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 3/10/2009
►
Chlorinated Rubber Or Hybrid Epoxy?
I have read through what you have on the
website regarding painting pools. I know that the Ultra Poly One Coat is
your recommendation. However, we have already purchased a chlorinated
rubber paint. Originally we had intended to go with the Rubber Synthetic
paint, that another dealer carries but they were out of it and
couldn't get it in the time frame that we needed. So, we found out
about this chlorinated rubber paint. We have already power washed, 1st
round of TSP wash, Acid washed, and 2nd round of TSP wash, so we are ready
to paint. I am wanting to know your opinion or experience with these
products. Please let me know your thoughts.
Brandy C., Midland, TX 3/8/2008
I
am not familiar with these products, in particular. However, in
general, chlorinated rubber paints are not the same, as they were years
ago, because of EPA involvement. They sought to eliminate or minimize
the ecologically harmful ingredients. The result are paint formulas
that do not last as long, as they could or should. You might have to
repaint every 1-3 years, depending upon local conditions. This type of
paint is more restrictive, in the conditions required for application:
humidity is one example of something of concern.
Ultra Poly One Coat
is a hybrid epoxy coating, that is easier to apply and requires
less preparation. The rubber paint product is more hazardous than other
products, such as Ultra Poly One Coat, which is a hybrid epoxy and is
more eco-friendly. If you use this product, it will look fine, but will
not last for 15-years, as Ultra Poly One Coat is capable. Of course, to
repaint you have to go through all of the effort and expenditures of
refilling and adding new chemicals. These rubber paints are a
less-expensive way to get the pool looking good, but one that will not
retain the new look for a long time. For more information on Ultra Poly
One Coat go to:
www.polysolutionsinc.com.
I am sorry, if this is not what you wanted to hear, but it is based on
the best information, that I have available. Good luck with the
painting.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 4/8/2008
►
Looking Great!!!
Alan, I thought you might be interested
in seeing the results of my recent application of
Ultra Poly One Coat.
It looks great! Thanks for your advice. Sincerely.
Paul A., Orlando, FL, 3/17/2009
It does look great!!! It
may not have ever looked better. Thanks for the photos. Like
they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.
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| Before |
After |
Sincerely. Alan Schuster 3/17/2009
►
Ultra Poly One Coat Or Plaster?
I am
considering painting my plaster pool with Ultra Poly One Coat because of
existing stains. I have drained the pool, and washed some areas with a diluted
muriatic acid. This did leave a brighter white, but has not been able to remove
the darker stains. Additionally, it has left some sort of pink hue to the
plaster where it was applied. Basically, it looks bad and I am reluctant to do
this to the entire pool. I hate to ruin the plaster that I know is only a few
years old. I would like to know about the stain resistance of the ultra one
coat, as that is the reason I am in this situation in the first place. There
are many trees around the pool, so I get a few acorns and leaves. I use a,
automatic cleaner daily, when the pool is open. But, even with the cover
on during the winter some debris will work its way in and stain it. I
calculated that I would need 9 gallons, so it would not be inexpensive. Money
well spent? I think only if the stain resistance is high, and durability is
great. What do you think? Thanks.
Matthew R., 4/30/2007
Evidently, your pool is in a stain prone situation. Normally, staining
from leaves and acorns comes off with chlorine and good circulation.
However, metal and mineral stains are more difficult to remove, especially
from masonry surfaces. Pool plaster has an interaction with the pool
water, which is why the pH tends to rise. It is also more likely to get
stained by minerals or metals, present in the water. Some finishes are
rougher to the touch and could make algae growth more likely, than with a
smoother finish. So why aren't all pools painted? Because paints were
not always as good as they are now and some people prefer the look of a
masonry finish.
Ultra Poly One Coat
is more chemically resistant and has a 15 year warranty. It will make the
control of the chemistry easier and should be far less prone to staining.
All the preparation is a power washing, and one coat does it. No primers or
sealers are needed and humidity, during application, is not an issue.
Cost wise, it will be less expensive than a plaster or aggregate finish.
Ultra Poly One Coat is a high performance, hybrid-epoxy, coating than can
make pool chemical maintenance easier, while providing a beautiful,
long-lasting finish. I hope that
this information is helpful.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 4/30/2007
►
Painting Over Chlorinated Rubber Paint?
Can Ultra Poly One Coat
be used over a chlorinated rubber pool paint (over gunite) that has been
thoroughly cleaned and power washed? Thanks.
Brian B., 5/25/2008
Good
question. Fortunately, it gets asked a lot. Power washing can remove
some of the chlorinated rubber paint. Sometimes, some of it is so well
adhered that it won't come off. If that is the case, just paint right over
these areas. All
Ultra Poly One Coat
requires, for preparation, is a 3500 PSI power washing and a cleaning with a
citrus based cleaner. I hope this information proves helpful.
Sincerely. Alan
Schuster, 5/26/2008
►
Painting Over
Marcite?
I have a pool that has marcite
on it now. Can I surface it with pool paint? The pool is 16' x 36'.
How much paint would I need?
James W., VA, 3/17/2004
It can be
done. You will have to fix any surface blemishes and prepare the surface
according to the paint manufacturer's instructions. Your pool has just
over 900 square feet of interior surface. After deciding on the pool paint
or coating product, the instructions should provide the expected square foot of coverage,
per gallon of product. For more information on
Ultra Poly One Coat: a hybrid
epoxy, high technology pool coating - click here. Have fun!
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 3/17/2004
► Painting Over The Gunite?
We have a pool that is about 12 yrs old it is a concrete
pool, that was built putting a fiber mesh then gunite, as I was told by
original owners. The people I bought house from painted it just prior
to us buying house. We could see, and feel, as I call it soft spots, almost
bubbling . Spots that were painted - you could see mesh. After 5 yrs
we just drained the pool and the previous paint, plaster and mesh are just
peeling off in large sheets down to concrete. We plan on doing the work
ourselves. The concrete underneath is sound. Will Ultra Poly One
Coat work and what is needed. Thanks.
Moeb, 1/19/2009
Before using
Ultra Poly One Coat,
you will have to remove the mesh. This is not normal pool construction.
The surface defects should be repaired with hydraulic cement or epoxy
fillers. No silicone caulk! The surface must be sound and without
structural cracks. Small hair line cracks might be fixed with epoxy. A
structural crack needs special attention, as it is likely to expand. A
properly painted pool will be easier to maintain than a plastered pool. The
chemistry will be more consistent and there will be fewer places for the
algae to hide. There are lots of paints out there. Some need all sorts of
preparation. Others can't be applied, if the humidity is above a certain
level - which probably won't happen during the summer months. Some paints
need several coats. Not everyone takes the time to do it right and the
result could a poor job. A contractor can skimp and offer a lower price.
Not really a bargain, if the pool does not look as it should.
Ultra Poly One Coat is a high performance, hybrid-epoxy formula that only
requires a single coat. It is very durable and long lasting.
Surface preparation consists of a cleaning with a citrate solution and then
a power washing. Humidity is not an issue and no primers or top coats are
required. I hope that this information is helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 1/19/2008
►
Fixing Surface Crack?
I am planning on repainting my
gunite pool next year. I have notices a crack, on the
mid-surface of the side wall, about 2 feet long. I am not losing any water, above normal, so far as I know. I
would like to repair the problem spot this year and paint next year. Thanks for the help.
Mike H., Lakeland, FL
4/23/2005
It is a
good idea to do something to prevent water getting behind the
original plaster finish.
Torque-Lock will be able to stabilize
the crack and prevent expansion. It is countersunk across the crack and
torque is applied to hold the opposite sides in place. You fill the void
with epoxy and can use hydraulic cement to cover the repair. The last
step, when you're ready, would be painting.
Ultra Poly One Coat would be an
excellent choice, as it is easier to apply, repairs no priming or topcoat and
has a great warranty.
Good luck and I hope that I have been helpful.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 4/23/2005
► Fiberglass Over
Plastered Pool?
I have a plastered concrete
pool that I want to resurface w/fiberglass. Do I have to treat the concrete
with anything so the fiberglass can adhere to it?
Herb G., 9/25/2008
Some
sort of preparation will surely be required. You need to check this with
the manufacturer. This is not something, that I recommend, based on the
negative feedback, that I have received. Everything from irritations caused
by protruding fibers, to delamination and separation from the underlying
plastered surface. And was done, by professional companies! I am sure
there are good outcomes, but they are not the people writing to me. You
might give thought to using
Ultra Poly One Coat.
Ultra Poly One Coat is a high performance,
hybrid -epoxy formula that only requires a single coat.
It is very durable and long lasting. Surface preparation consists of a
cleaning with a citrate solution and then a power washing. Humidity is
not an issue and no primers or top coats are required. The end product will be easier to
care for and less likely to stain. I hope that this information
will prove helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 9/25/2008
► Down The Road 15 Years?
Our 13 year old plaster pool has some areas
that seem to show the gunite "shell" and some pitting of the plaster along
with some tea colored stains. We've used the ascorbic acid treatment one
year and the pool looked great but-time is working against us. As a side
note, we've always had a pH problem with this pool. Having kids in college
doesn't free up enough funds to replaster and the pool needs to be up and
running in short order. With regards, to the Ultra Poly One Coat
product, shown on your site, what's the "replacement plan" after the 15
years? In other words, if we make it through the 15 years, what would
need to be done to the pool to "freshen" the then 28 year old pool?
Removal of epoxy finish? How's this done? Thanks in advance,
That's a fair question! Fifteen years down the road, at the end of
Ultra Poly One Coat's
useful life, you will have two options: apply a fresh coat and be happy for
another 15 years or have the pool sandblasted and replastered. A
properly painted pool will be easier to maintain than a plastered pool. The
chemistry will be more consistent and there will be fewer places for the
algae to hide. There are lots of paints out there. Some need all
sorts of preparation. Others can't be applied, if the humidity is above a
certain level - which probably won't happen during the summer months. Some
paints need several coats. Not everyone takes the time to do it right and
the result could a poor job. A contractor can skimp and offer a lower
price. Not really a bargain, if the pool does not look as it should.
Ultra Poly One Coat is a high performance, hybrid -epoxy formula
that only requires a single coat. It is very durable and HAS A
15-year warranty. Surface preparation consists of a cleaning with a citrus
cleaning solution and then a power washing. Humidity is not an issue and no
primers or top coats are required. Undecided? Read the first letter on this
website page. I hope that this information proves helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 4/24/2008
►
Problems With Chlorinated Rubber
Coatings?
A few years back we tried a
chlorinated rubber coating product that was supposed to be ok over anything
(we did power wash, etc.), was used on commercial waterslides, was
guaranteed for 20 years, etc. That product did not stick and has been
coming up in sheets. Since that time we have learned that you can't put
many coatings over originally rubber-based painted pools. What is different
about Ultra Poly One Coat that we would not have the same problem. Is
there some different prep that would be the "ultimate" prep we should do to
get the maximum lifetime out of Ultra Poly One Coat? We are sick of
doing this every year or two. Thanks for your help.
Steve S., Massillon, Ohio, 5/12/2007
The problem is that
rubber coatings, as well as others, can't be applied to a smooth surface.
They require a rough surface and that, evidently, was not the case, as
suggested by the product coming off in sheets. Organic solvents are
being phased out of coatings, for environmental; reasons, and no longer are
there to dissolve into an existing coating.
Ultra Poly One Coat,
which contains no Volatile Organic Compounds, can be applied to a smooth
finish, so long as it has been thoroughly cleaned and power washed and the
surface is intact. I suggest that
you power wash off as much of the existing coating as possible. If you come
across a few spots that cannot be removed, probably because it was applied
over a rougher spot, it will be OK to paint over them with Ultra Poly One
Coat. The product is a hybrid epoxy that is easier to apply,
only a single coat is required, not dependent on a lack of humid conditions
during application, requires no priming or sealers and has a 15 year
warranty. For more information on this product go to:
www.polysolutionsinc.com
I hope that this information will prove helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
5/12/2007
►
New Water Line Area?
We have a fiber glass lined in ground pool that has worked well. But,
the scum line area, which was painted, has faded and looks mottled. My
wife wanted to put in tiles, which are used a lot around here, but I'm wondering
if there is some other product? Some sort of a scum line border, that offers the
ease of cleaning and the fade resistance of tiles without the costly and
difficult installation? Thank you.
Ed W., Gainesville, FL, 4/2/2003
A new tile border
is probably the easiest and least expensive way to go. There are waterline border
materials that can be attached with track, on top of the existing pool surface.
There is also an adhesive border that can be easily applied to create a new
water line.
For more information on BorderLines click here.
In the future, you might consider refinishing the entire pool, with a product
such as
Ultra Poly One Coat. It is long
lasting coating, that is more stain resistant and less prone to interact with
the pool water chemistry. Good luck. I hope that I was helpful.
Sincerely. Alan
Schuster, 4/3/2003
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Easily
Create A Beautiful New WaterLine! |
►
Humidity During Application?
I am in South Texas, and we are
currently in rainy season. Though no hurricanes yet, just the odd thunderstorm. I
imagine that the winter or next Summer before hurricane season would be best time to
refinish? One question. I just spoke to a pool contractor who advised me
'against' an epoxy pool, citing the humidity in this area and reacting with
them. He gave an example of epoxy wearing off on swimmers who brushed
against a particular pool wall after only 3 years. The epoxy had a much longer
warranty. Any opinions regarding this?
James J., Brownsville, TX
9/14/2006
I understand that
humidity during application is a major consideration with some
finishes. I can't imagine how they get the humidity to
cooperate in Florida, Louisiana or South Texas. The truth is
they probably don't and that can result in poor results.
Ultra Poly One Coat
is a hybrid
epoxy finish and humidity is not a problem. Just power wash
thoroughly and you're ready to roll. One coat will
do it and it has a 15 year warranty. Take a look at the
first letter on this website page.
I hope that I have
been helpful. If so, please tell your friends and dealers about
the website.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 9/14/2006
►
Choosing The Right Paint?
I have a
20 X 40 concrete pool, approximately 25 years old. What do I
need to purchase/prepare the surface for the Ultra Poly One
Coat, other than the paint itself? Thanks
Alice H.
Mansfield,
MA, 4/24/2008
All you
need to is to power wash and use a citrus-type cleaner.
Defects in the surface should be patched or filled in. Do
not use a silicone based product. A properly painted
pool will be easier to maintain than a plastered pool. The
chemistry will be more consistent and there will be fewer
places for the algae to hide. There are lots of paints out
there. Some need all sorts of preparation. Others can't be
applied, if the humidity is above a certain level - which
probably won't happen during the summer months. Some paints
need several coats. Not everyone takes the time to do it
right and the result could a poor job. A contractor can
skimp and offer a lower price. Not really a bargain, if the
pool does not look as it should. Ultra
Poly One Coat is a high performance,
hybrid -epoxy formula that only requires a single coat.
It is very durable and long lasting. Surface preparation
consists of a power washing, followed by a cleaning with a
citrus-type cleaning solution. Humidity is not an
issue and no primers or top coats are required.
Undecided?
Read the first letter on this website page!
For complete
product application and surface preparation instructions:
click here.
I hope that this information will; be helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 4/24/2008
Thank you for your
reply. My concern is the power wash with 3000 psi and
how much of the concrete will be removed. The pool is
25 years old. Would you please suggest a pool repair
product for holes/cracks that is compatible? Also,
what do you know about some other epoxy paints. One, in
particular, does not require the power washing, but the
TSP process. Thanks again for your information,
A strong power
washing should not adversely affect a sound plastered
finish. If the finish is in poor condition or is
crumbling, just painting will not suffice. The weak
areas should be repaired, should they be revealed by a
power washing. Better before painting, than
afterwards.
There
are various products, sold by pool dealers for patching
and repairing surface defects. Do not use a silicone
based product, as it can interfere with the painting.
Ultra Poly One
Coat only requires a power washing
and a simple cleaning with a citrus-based cleaner.
Nothing else is required. This hybrid epoxy has a
15-year warranty, requires no priming, no sealers, no
second coat and is really a professional-grade product.
The other product is an epoxy and was formulated for
home owner use. It requires more surface preparation
and may include the need to prime and even apply a
second coat. It would not be my choice. I hope
that this helps you make the right decision.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
4/25/2008
►
Concerned About
Slippery Surfaces?
I have a marcite pool that needs to
be refinished. My main concern is that I don't
want the pool to be slippery which is why I hesitate
to paint. I was considering just painting the walls
and deep end and maybe decorating the remainder.
Does that sound dumb?
Mike F, New York, 9/22/2008
Not
dumb!!! Better safe than sorry. However, there is
a better solution.
Ultra Poly One Coat
is hybrid epoxy coating that comes with an
industrial grade, non-skid grit additive, that can
be added to the material applied to the steps,
shallow end and slopes. It is intended to
reduce slipping and avoid accidents. This
way the color is uniform, throughout the pool.
I hope that this information will put your mind at
ease.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 9/22/2008
►
Leaves Stained
Painted Pool?
Alan, we have an in-ground
pool which appears to have a recent, white paint coating. The finish was really
nice when we moved in last year. However, during the winter, leaves blew in and
left small stains on the bottom. We drained the pool last week and hope you can
recommend a procedure for taking out the stains. Thanks Alan.
Greg G., Burbank, CA,
2/17/2004
If the stains are really from
leaves, it was not necessary to drain the pool. Leaves can stain all types
of pool surfaces,
as tannins leach from the decomposing vegetation. Chlorine should have
been added, sufficient to boost the level to about 5 PPM of Free Chlorine and
should completely remove all of the tannins within a day. The
pool paint/coating should clean up
nicely, once the tannins are eliminated. If the pool, is
still empty, test this on an area, using a diluted chlorine solution (2-3 %).
Try and refill the pool ASAP, as you don't know how the paint or pool might be affected,
by remaining empty.
I hope that I have been of help.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 2/17/2004
►
Refinished
Fiberglass Pool Problem?
I had my water checked by a pool store all the tests were OK. I am really
perplexed I had this pool regelcoated last year after the hurricanes and could
it be that the gelcoat is coming off somehow? I realize that not being
able to see the pool it is hard for you to say, but I just don't no what to do
at this point? Thanks.
Dennis S., Florida, 3/8/2006
If the
surface was not prepared properly, I would imagine that adhesion of the new
finish could be an issue. However, there is no way for me to be sure. I suggest
that you have a few people take at look at the pool. It is easy to blame the
water chemistry, but it should not be the cause, if the chemistry was even close
to ideal. There are other ways to refinish a fiberglass pool and
help minimize stains. Take a look at
Ultra Poly One Coat. It is a high
performance coating that solves and avoids problems. I hope that this
information will help. Sorry that I couldn't be more definitive.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 3/9/2006
►
Unhappy With
Paint?
Hi Alan. Please get the
word out to consumers about painting their pools! I have used all
types: rubber based and epoxies from all sorts of manufacturers and they
can chalk, blister. if not properly applied. I have been in this industry long enough to know
what products are good and what aren't. I use cement base products to
resurface pools and if applied properly, will last a very long time. Good
forum and keep up the good work! Sincerely.
John, 10/1/2004
I'll post
your letter. There are a lot of painted pools out there. There are
factors that make for a successful
pool paint or coating application.
Surface preparation is very important for all types of finishes, in order to
avoid surface blemishes and problems. Chalky deposits can simply be the
result of high calcium hardness levels that lead to scale deposits and are not
limited to painted pools. I agree that a masonry finish can be very attractive. However, masonry finishes can
stain and are more likely to interact with the pool water chemistry.
Ultra Poly One Coat
is a high tech finish that is easier to apply and has a 15-year warranty and
it is beautiful to look at! For some people, it is a
matter of do-it-yourself or cost. I'm glad that you found the website
helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
10/1/2004
►
Empty A Few Months
Before Painting?
My pool got black algae, so I drained it
completely. There are a few hairline cracks which need to be repaired. I
don't think I have any leaks. I plan to sand blast the surface to get rid of
the black algae, chip out the cracks, re-epoxy, then repaint pool surface.
My question is, am I doing any harm by leaving my pool empty for a few
months? I can't seem to find any straight answers to this question.
Tom in San Angelo, TX, 1/12/2007
There
is no sure-fire definitive answer. Most likely the pool will be OK. Unless
the water table is very high or there are very heavy rains. That could
cause the pool to pop up or shift, especially if there is no hydrostatic
pressure relief valve. To be on the safe side, ask the builder about the
conditions in your locale. A local pool dealer might be helpful. A
properly painted pool will be easier to maintain than a plastered pool. The
chemistry will be more consistent and there will be fewer places for the
algae to hide. There are lots of paints out there. Some need all sorts of
preparation. Others can't be applied, if the humidity is above a certain
level, which probably won't happen during the summer months. Some paints
need several coats. Not everyone takes the time to do it right and the
result could a poor job. A contractor can skimp and offer a lower price.
Not really a bargain, if the pool does not look as it should.
Ultra Poly One Coat
is a high performance, hybrid -epoxy formula that only requires a single
coat.
It is very durable and long lasting. Surface preparation consists of a
thorough power washing. Humidity is not
an issue and no primers or top coats are required. Read the first letter on
this page. I hope that this information proves to be helpful.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 1/12/2007
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Peeling Paint?
We bought a resale house last
summer ad the previous owner told us that he just recently painted the gunite
pool. Recently, we noticed that some of the paint is peeling. What
causes this?
Brian T., Melbourne, FL 2/1/2006
He may have
painted the pool, but he doesn't seem to have prepared the surface properly or
used a quality product. Probably, he just wanted it to look good until the
property was sold. No matter what kind of
finish or coating is used, it needs to
be applied correctly, to a surface that has been properly prepared.
Possibly the paint will have to be sand blasted off and a new coating applied,
in an appropriate manner. It might not have been the product that was at
fault. For all you know, he could have use house paint! Good luck.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 2/1/2006
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Chalky, White Scale
Deposits?
I had a inground fiberglass pool
painted last September. It has a salt generator and a DE filter system. I
live in Florida so we were able to use it until November with solar heat from
solar roof panels. At this time, I notice a chalky, white scale substance on the
sides and bottom of the pool. When I brush this off it sinks to the bottom and
gets vacuumed up where it gets trapped in the basket at the pump. Except for
one time when I needed to add 1 gallon of acid, 1 month after the pool was
refinished, the water has always been crystal clear, and perfect. What is this
chalky, white scale? Is it something from the pool coating or calcium or
what? It comes off, but you have to really brush hard. Is there a chemical
that will help get this off? Thanks for any help.
Robert. L., Florida, 3/8/2006
A
salt chlorine generator
will tend to raise the pH and the total alkalinity. This, in turn, can lead to
calcium scale formation, if the calcium hardness level is over 400 PPM. Three
factors contribute to scaling conditions: high calcium hardness (usually over
400 PPM), high pH (usually
over 7.8) and total alkalinity (usually over 200 PPM). All three together make
it even worse. You can lower the pH and TA with acid. The calcium hardness
might be controlled, but not necessarily lowered, by adding a calcium
sequestering agent. I suggest that you test the water for pH, TA and
calcium hardness. The
Langelier Index will tell you if the
water is scale forming and help improve the situation. This type of
problem could happen on any pool surface: marcite,
exposed aggregate, fiberglass. vinyl
or
paint. It is a water chemistry
problem and not a refinishing problem. I hope that this information will
prove helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
3/8/2006
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Concrete Stain For Color?
Alan, I'm pool builder, retailer, I'm asking if
you know of a product that will "color" existing plaster? Similar to the way
concrete can be stained with a acid based staining product. Thanks.
Dan H., 12/27/2006
There is no
"stain" product than can be used, that I am aware of. Usually when the
color and finish have deteriorated over time, the surface must be redone to
keep things water tight and maintain the integrity of the plaster surface.
I don't see a stain doing that or providing a uniform appearance. Have you
ever consider
Ultra Poly One Coat?
This is a beautiful finish and has a 15 year warranty. Read the first
letter on this page. I hope that this information will prove helpful.
Enjoy the holidays and the new year
Sincerely. Alan
Schuster, 12/27/2006
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A New Finish Is Needed?
Hi. Thanks for the
help. I have a pool in so-so shape. It is cement and the finish is discoloring
in spots. I thought to paint it. However, some said that the painting will
cause more problems, and so not to do it. Any ideas? Thanks again.
Bud E., 9/8/2004
You have
several choices: marcite,
exposed aggregate or fiber glass, in addition to
pool paints and coatings. A new
finish can restore the look of the pool. You have cost considerations to
evaluate. If the surface is in poor condition, just painting it may not
be enough. If the surface has to be repaired, perhaps, you should give
consideration to a refinishing as opposed to a painting. Pool
refinishing can solve problems and provides a fresh appearance, choice of
colors and many other advantages. Over the life of the finish, the cost
differences are probably small. But, the maintenance costs could vary
considerably, as masonry finishes interact with the pool water chemistry, much
more so than pool paints/coatings, fiberglass or vinyl surfaces. I
hope that I have helped.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
9/8/2004
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How Much Paint Is Needed?
We
just moved into a resale house with a painted pool. I would like to do the
work myself. How do I know how much paint I will need? Thanks.
Tony D., 2/3/2005
The paint should tell you how much
coverage is expected from a gallon. If you figure out the interior area of
the pool, you'll be able to calculate the quantity needed.
For an easy way to figure this out, click here.
A quality paint/coating is important and if done properly will be long lasting.
Ultra Poly One Coat is a high tech coating
that will stand the test on time, with a 15-year warranty. A gallon of this particular product will
cover 100-130 square feet. It doesn't require primers or base coats and is
easier to apply that most offer finishes. It looks beautiful: read
the letter at the top of the page. For more information on this product go to:
www.polysolutionsinc.com Good luck with the work.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
2/3/2005
|
Proper water chemistry will help to better control and avoid algae problems
and maintain more optimum swimming conditions.
More information about Pool/Spa Water Testing Products can be found in the
Test Equipment Store. |
(Click on any image for ordering and information.)
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