A pool is more than just a luxury. It is an investment in the house. Protecting this investment starts with the right surface coating. But here’s the catch: not all pools are built the same, and their material makes a huge difference as well when it comes to painting and recoating. The most common types of pools are concrete, plaster and fiberglass. Each requires specific preparation, paint choices and maintenance routines.
If you are planning to refresh your pool with a high-quality coating like ArmorPoxy Pool Paint Systems, understanding the difference between materials is very important to achieve a long-lasting, flawless finish.
Concrete Pools: Strong but Porous
Concrete pools are durable, versatile and highly customisable. But because concrete is porous, it naturally absorbs water and chemicals, which can lead to staining, chalking and surface degradation over time.
Now let’s understand different features of concrete pools.
Paint Requirements:
- The best choice for concrete pools is two-part epoxy pool paint. It penetrates the pores, bonds tightly and creates a hard, chemical-resistant surface.
- Acrylic pool paints can also be used if quick application and drying are needed, but they won’t last as long as epoxy.
Preparation Needs:
- Concrete must be acid washed or mechanically etched to open the pores for proper adhesion.
- Any cracks or rough patches should be repaired before painting.
- Moisture testing is essential; if the concrete is too damp, paint will fail to bond and may blister.
Maintenance Outlook
- Epoxy finishes on concrete can last 7 to 10 years with proper care.
- Regular cleaning and balanced water chemistry will extend the coating life.
Fiberglass Pools: Smooth but Sensitive
Fiberglass pools come with factory-applied gel that gives them a glossy, smooth finish. While low maintenance, this type of pool eventually fades. Chalks or even has blisters requiring repainting.
Paint Requirements
- Epoxy pool paints are the gold standard for fiberglass. They create a thick, durable barrier that resists blistering and chemical wear.
- Specialized primers may be required to ensure the epoxy adheres well to fiberglass.
Preparation Needs
- The surface must be sanded lightly to roughen it and allow better bonding.
- A fiberglass-compatible primer is highly recommended to prevent peeling and extend the paint's lifespan.
- Any existing blisters in the gel coat should be sanded and patched before painting.
Maintenance Outlook
- Properly applied epoxy on fiberglass can last 5 to 8 years.
- The fiberglass is less porous than concrete; maintenance is generally easier, but chemical balance in the water is critical to prevent premature wear.
Choosing the Right Paint for Your Pool
The bottom line? The material of your pool determines the prep work, primer and paint you will need. Skipping the right prep, and one wrong move can lead to wasted time, money and effort. That’s why products like ArmorPoxy’s 2-Part High-Build Epoxy Pool Paint are designed with these unique needs in mind.
Get your Pool Painted with Us
Painting your pool isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you own a concrete or fiberglass pool, understanding the specific requirements will save you headaches down the road. From cleaning and etching to priming and coating, every step matters for achieving a smooth, professional finish.
At ArmorPoxy, we offer pool paint systems engineered for every surface type, giving you confidence that your investment will stay protected and beautiful season after season.
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