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Pool Coatings - Paints Information

Coatings and paints are a viable alternative to plastering.
 
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Refinishing with Coatings
Pool Plastering Versus Painting

 

 
 

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Choosing The Right Pool Coating or Paint.
Masonry or fiberglass pools can be refinished with an epoxy pool coating, which is less subject to interactions, with the water chemistry.  Ultra Poly One Coat, manufactured by Ultra Polymers, Inc., is a Hybrid-Epoxy Coating and is used in pools, spas, water parks and water features, all across the U.S.  It covers in one coat and has easy preparation, not requiring an acid wash or the use of primers or sealers.  The consequences of heavy metals, present in the source or introduced through metal corrosion, ionizer use or copper algaecide use, can be staining and discoloration, of the underwater surfaces. A MetalTrap Stain Reversal Kit contains everything required to remove heavy metal stains. A regular schedule of pool water testing is necessary to control the corrosive tendencies of pool water.  Adding The Circulator can eliminate the dead zones, that can lead to algae growth, and helps improve chemical dispersion.  Better circulation helps improve everything.
Hybrid-Epoxy Pool and Spa Coating Stain Reversal Kit, for Pools and Spas Circulation Boosting Return Jet Fittings
Ultra Poly One Coat Hybrid-Epoxy Pool and Spa Coating. MetalTrap Stain Reversal Kit, for pools and spas The Ciruclater replacement return jet fitting improves pool water circulation.
Product and Ordering Information Product and Ordering Information Product and Ordering Information

If you have a pool or spa water testing need, we should have the product.
  
Scroll down to read through some Question & Answer information.
A ColorQ 2X is a 2nd generation, Bluetooth, Waterproof, all-digital tester, that can measure all the common test factors. There is a model, for every sanitizing need.  Magnetic Water Conditioners help solve scaling problems, due to high levels of calcium hardness and are available in 4 models.  The WaterLink SpinTouch Labs are the ultimate tester, doing up to 10 different water test factors, in just 1 minute.  Voted product of the year.
ColorQ All-Digital Water Testers Magnetic Water Conditioners WaterLink SpinTouch Labs
ColorQ 2X Testers are Bluetooth and can be used with the FREE WaterLink Solutions HOME App. Magnetic Water Conditioner, for calcium hardness and scale issue.s WaterLink SPIN Touch Lab
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If you have a pool or spa water testing need, we should have the product.
  
Scroll down to read through some Question & Answer information.

 
How and when to use pool coatings and paints?

 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. If problems arise, refer to the Pool Problems Page, as a source of problem-solving information, broken down into various categories.  Scroll down the page and click on the linked keywords, catch phrases or images, in the archived answers below, to access additional information, on that topic or product.

Browse through some Ultra Poly One Coat Feedback

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▼     Helpful, Problem-Solving Information, in a question and answer format.     ▼

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!
Ultra Poly One Coat is a Hybrid-Epoxy Coating for refinishing plastered or fiberglass pool, spas or fountains.
Julie C., Arizona, 4/16/2019


It doesn't have to be a quick fix. Use the right product and it can last a long time. Ultra Poly One Coat by Poly Solutions, Inc should work well an
d comes in a variety of colors, with a 15-year warranty. No sealer is required!  Good luck with the project.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 4/16/2019

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., 4/17/2019


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, 4/17/2019

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, 4/17/2019

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, 4/18/2019

WOW! Great stuff! LOOKS BRAND NEW!  Thanks for all the help and advice!

Julie C., 6/2/2019



More Than Just A Way To Buy Some Time?

Hi, my pool is probably 20 years old, not ready to redo plaster but needs help. Want to use One Coat to buy time, want to replace perimeter pool tile, same size as existing. Do we remove tile first, apply One Coat over pool wall and where new tile will be, or up to bottom of tile line?  Thank you.

Devi B., 2/23/2019

Ultra Poly One Coat is not simply a product to "buy you some time." It is an alternative to replastering and can yield beautiful, long lasting results. Look at the images on this page: Ultra Poly One Coat. All were plastered pools or spas, that were refinished with UPOC. A link to instructions and warranty information is on this page.

A properly painted pool will be easier to maintain than a plastered pool. The chemistry will be more consistent and there will be f
eweUlta Poly One Coat hybrid-epoxy coating, for pools and spas.r 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.  If the obvious dings and dents are fixed with hydraulic cement or epoxy putty, you should be able to paint the pool. Ultra Poly One Coat can even be used right over bare concrete, requires NO acid washing and has a 15-year warranty. 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.

It makes more sense to remove the tiles before painting, in order to remove all the grout and smooth the area. I would paint the lowest 1-inch of the formerly tiled area, so that no touch up is required.

Undecided??? Read the first letter on this website page: Pool Coatings And Paints.

I hope that I have been helpful. If so, please tell your friends and dealers about the website.

Sincerely, Alan Schuster, 2/23/2019


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, 3/10/2018


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. Ultra Poly One Coat has a track record and a 15-year warranty. It's your decision, but I hope that I have been of assistance.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 3/10/2018


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 3/8/2018


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
Ulta Poly One Coat hybrid-epoxy coating, for pools and spas. 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. 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, 4/8/2018


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.

Before being painted. After being painted with WHITE Ultra Poly One Coat.
Before After

Sincerely.

Ruth, Sharon, MA, 7/14/2016


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.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster 7/14/16


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., 4/30/2017


Evidently, your pool is in a stain prone situation. Normally, staining from leaves and acorns comes off with chlorine and good circulation. However,
Ultra Poly One Coat is a Hybrid-Epoxy Coating for refinishing plastered or fiberglass pool, spas or fountains. 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 cleaning with a citrus-based cleaner and 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, 4/30/2017


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, 3/17/2011

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, use this link  Ultra Poly One Coat is a hybrid epoxy, high technology pool coating. Have fun!

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 3/17/2011


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
Ulta Poly One Coat hybrid-epoxy coating, for pools and spas. 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

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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
Torque-Lock Concrete Crack Repair System.

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, which 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.

S. J., 4/24/2008


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
Ultra Poly One Coat is a Hybrid-Epoxy Coating for refinishing plastered or fiberglass pool, spas or fountains. 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. I hope that this information will prove helpful.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 5/12/2007


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 9/14/2017


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 clean with a citrus-based cleaner and 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, 9/14/2017
 

Choosing The Right Paint?

I have a 20 X 40 concrete pool, approximately 25 years old. What do I need to purchase, to 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 cleaning with a citrus-type cleaning solution, followed by a 3,500 PSI power washing.  No acid washing is recommended. 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,
 
Alice H., 4/25/2008


A strong power washing should not adversely affect a sound plastered finish. If the finish is in poor condition or is crumbling, just
Ulta Poly One Coat hybrid-epoxy coating, for pools and spas. 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 simple cleaning with a citrus-based cleaner and a power washing. 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, 9/22/2012


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, 9/22/2012


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, 2/17/2006


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, 2/17/2006


Refinished Fiberglass Gelcoat 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
Ulta Poly One Coat hybrid-epoxy coating, for pools and spas.

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 Some Types Of 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, 10/1/2006


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. Incidentally, there are lots of pools that are replastered and end up with streaks, overlap marks and a poor outcome.  Much depends on the skill and experience of the contractor.  I'm glad that you found the website helpful.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 10/1/2006


Can I 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 cleaning with a citrus-based cleaner (ZEP or Orange Glow are two examples)) and 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


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 and could have used an inexpensive exterior latex house paint, instead of a pool paint.  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 be best to start off with a clean slate, by sand blasting off the paint.  He probably avoided spending the money to do it right and took the cheapest, but wrong way, to improve the look.   Good luck.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 2/1/2006


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, ifRelaiant salt chlorine generators, 3-models, for all types of pools, up to 40,000 gallons. 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 or Saturation 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


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., 2/3/2009

Ulta Poly One Coat hybrid-epoxy coating, for pools and spas.
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, base coats or a second coat and is easier to apply that most other finishes. It looks beautiful: read the letter at the top of the page. Good luck with the work

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 2/3/2009

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