If you have an unpainted concrete or plaster pool, you should consider applying epoxy paint over its surface because it is resistant to pool chemicals, stains, and abrasions, which makes it very durable.
Additionally, epoxy paint usually dries up to create a solvent-resistant finish that has a lifespan of up to 8 years.
With that in mind, the next challenge would be to look for the best epoxy pool paint because the market is quite flooded with these products.
However, this article looks at 5 of the best ones that you should consider.
In this post:
Things To Know Before Choosing the Best Epoxy Pool Paint
1. Compatibility
There are 3 main types of paints that you can use on your pool. These are epoxy, premium acrylic, and water-based acrylic paints.
The ones reviewed above are epoxy paints and are very long lasting, with some of them having a lifetime of up to 8 years.
However, a critical factor that you should consider before buying one is its compatibility with the underlying surface.
Swimming pools can have concrete, fiberglass, plaster or gunite surfaces and not all paints can adhere to these.
Therefore, ensure you know what your pool’s surface is made of before ordering, or buy In The Swim’s Gunite Primer, which is compatible with most surfaces.
2. Primer
A primer is basically an undercoat that is very useful if you want to maximize the adhesion of the final epoxy layer of paint.
It is not always mandatory to apply this layer when using some epoxy pool paints such as National Pool Finishes’ Pool Guard EHB.
However, for the best results, it is always recommended applying good primer regardless of what the manufacturer says because epoxy paints adhere best to prepared surfaces.
3. Size of your pool
It is also important to buy the right amount of paint so that you complete the job in one go.
To help you determine the quantity that you need, most manufacturers indicate how you are supposed to calculate this.
In general, though, you can use this formula.
Multiply the length of your pool by its width, then multiply by 1.7 if you are applying one coat i.e.
– Length × Width × 1.7
If you are applying 2 coats, switch 1.7 (the multiplier) to 2.
With the resulting figure, divide it by the square footage that the pool paint covers and this will give you the quantity of paint that you need to buy in gallons.
However, an important thing to note is that when applying the paint on an unpainted surface, it will absorb more of it, and this reduces its coverage.
Therefore, in this case, you should buy a bit more paint to complete the job or go for National Pool Finishes’ Pool Guard EHB, which offers more coverage.
How to Paint Your Pool?
With the right paint at hand, the next task is to apply it to your pool’s surface. This can be done using the following steps:
- Drain the pool and brush off all the dirt and debris.
- Use fast drying cement to cover up any visible cracks.
- Scrape the old paint off and clean the entire surface using pressurized water.
- Scrub the surface using an acid wash (50% water, 50% muriatic acid), then rinse it with water.
- Scrub the surface again using tri-sodium phosphate so as to neutralize the acid, then rinse it again with water.
- Pump out any standing water then let the pool surface dry up in 3-5 days. However, if you are using acrylic paint, you can apply it to the damp surface.
- After the surface is dry, start applying the paint using an extension roller beginning from the deep end to the shallow end. Use a brush to paint on tight areas such as around valves and drain lights.
- Apply the second coat if it is necessary then let it dry according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
5 Best Epoxy Pool Paints Reviewed
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. Pond Armor SKU-CBLUE-QT-R (Best Budget) |
|
 | 2. National Pool Finishes Pool Guard EHB (Best for Swimming Pool) |
|
 | 3. In The Swim Gunite Primer (Best Primer Paint) |
|
 | 4. In The Swim Super Poxy Shield (High Gloss) |
|
 | 5. Doheny’s Water Warehouse 392GL (Durable Paint) |
|
1. Pond Armor SKU-CBLUE-QT-R (Best Budget)
Photo: Pond Armor
If you are on a tight budget, you can get Pond Armor’s SKU-CBLUE-QT-R at a very affordable price, although it comes in a small 1.5-quart kit.
Despite this, the paint is still a good-quality product, featuring a waterproof formula that is suitable to use in hot or freezing climatic conditions.
The paint is also non-toxic and is specifically designed for underwater use either in swimming pools or ponds containing fish and plants.
In terms of use, this product can be applied on any constructed surface made of wood, metal or stone, as well as plastics, rubber, and other pool surface coatings without priming.
Quantity wise, this kit can be applied on up to 60 square feet at a thickness of 10 mils. On a gallon basis, this means you can cover approximately 150-160 square feet, which is quite a big area.
Color is also a big advantage for this non-toxic paint, coming in black, clear, white, sky blue, tan, competition blue, gray and forest green.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Waterproof formula that can be used in hot or freezing climatic conditions
- Non-toxic
- Does not require priming
- Available in 8 standard colors
Cons:
- Comes as a small 1.5-quart kit
2. National Pool Finishes Pool Guard EHB (Best for Swimming Pools)
Photo: National Pool Finishes
This product is the top-rated epoxy pool paint, and it stands out because it is a premium, two-part, solvent-based epoxy paint, which means it is formulated to give maximum protection with excellent hardness both physically and chemically.
Physically, the paint can be used as an alternative to plaster, creating a glossy, tile-like finish that resists cracking, peeling or chipping.
Chemically, this epoxy is resistant to saltwater, pool chemicals, algae growth and has a non-toxic finish that is harmless to fish and human beings. The resulting surface is also UV resistant, which means that it does not discolor under intense sunlight.
Another big advantage of the Pool Guard EHB is that it is self-priming and therefore, you don’t need to apply any undercoat beforehand.
On top of this, it gives you a very wide coverage of 250 square feet per gallon, which means that you get to cover a bigger area using little paint. The only problem is that this paint is very expensive.
Pros:
- Resists cracking, peeling or chipping
- Saltwater, pool chemicals, and algae-growth resistant
- Self-priming
- Superior color retention because it creates a UV resistant surface
- Wide coverage of 250 square feet per gallon
Cons:
- Expensive
3. In The Swim Gunite Primer (Best Primer)
Photo: In The Swim
In The Swim’s Gunite is the best pool primer paint because it is a two-part epoxy that is used as a base coat for fiberglass, rough plaster, rough concrete, sandblasted surfaces, and new gunite.
The product is also very affordable, yet it has a very thick viscosity that acts as a full coat, creating a durable high gloss surface that looks very good.
However, before application, the pool’s surface must be thoroughly prepared by washing using tri-sodium phosphate, then etch it using an acid (for concrete or plaster surfaces) and finally, wash off any excess acid using tri-sodium phosphate again.
This preparation process is quite cumbersome, but it is necessary so that the primer adheres perfectly on your pool’s walls and floor.
In terms of coverage, this Gunite primer can be applied on up to 150 square feet per gallon, which is quite reasonable. However, it is only available in blue color but at its low price, this is just a small setback.
Pros:
- Two-part epoxy primer. Ideal for fiberglass, rough plaster, rough concrete, new gunite, etc.
- Usable as a full coat; creates a durable high gloss finish
- Reasonable coverage of 150 square feet per gallon
- Affordable
Cons:
- Available only in blue color
4. In The Swim Super Poxy Shield (High Gloss)
Photo: In The Swim
In The Swim’s Super Poxy Shield stands out as one of the best pool paints because it leaves your pool having a good-looking, high-gloss finish that can last up to 8 years if applied properly and with good water chemical balance over the years.
For proper application, this paint should be applied over an epoxy primer, in which it creates a ceramic-like finish that is stain and algae resistant on all pool surfaces. However, on previously painted surfaces, you can apply the paint directly as the undercoat already exists.
In terms of use, the product can be applied on all conventional pool surfaces such as concrete, plaster, fiberglass, and pebble, although the brand’s own Gunite primer is recommended to be used as an undercoat when dealing with fiberglass or concrete pools with rough surfaces.
On color, this Super Poxy Shield paint is pool blue but there are 3 other color options that you can choose from and these include dark blue, black and white. Regardless of the color though, each one gives you a coverage of approximately 150 square feet per gallon.
Pros:
- Creates a good looking, high gloss pool surface
- Coat lasts for up to 8 years, making it very durable
- Stain and algae-growth resistant
- Can be applied over all conventional pool surfaces
- Available in 4 color options
Cons:
- Requires a primer for previously unpainted pool surfaces
5. Doheny’s Water Warehouse 392GL (Durable)
Photo: Doheny’s Water Warehouse
If you are looking for a long-lasting epoxy pool paint, then Olympic Zeron from Doheny’s Water Warehouse is a good option to consider.
This is because the paint cures to create a hard, non-porous finish that can last for up to 8 years while inhibiting algae growth and resisting stain formation along its surface.
Because of this, the paint is also recommended for sealing hairline cracks, refinishing rough and discolored surfaces when repainting worn out pool surfaces and even as a more economical alternative to applying a new plaster layer on your pool.
However, for the best results, the pool should be primed first using either Gunzite primer or Poxoprime II, after which you just have to apply a single coat to create a hard, glossy finish.
On the downside, the paint is quite expensive, although it has good coverage of 150 square feet per gallon.
Pros:
- Long lasting paint (up to 8 years)
- Creates a hard, non-porous, glossy finish that inhibits algae growth and resists stain formation
- Can be used to seal hairline cracks, refinishing rough, discolored surfaces and as an economical alternative to applying a new plaster layer
- Good coverage of 150 square feet per gallon
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
- Requires a primed pool surface prior to application
Conclusion
With the guide above, you should be able to pick the best epoxy pool paint from the 5 listed products but we recommend National Pool Finishes’ Pool Guard EHB due to its wide coverage and 2-part formulation.