Stopping Ground Water Intrusion For Maintenance

[nOobie]

I'm attempting (weather permitting) to apply two(2) coats of primer and two(2) coats of high pile epoxy paint to the concrete surface of my in-ground pool and the ground water emerging from the hydrostatic valve is preventing me from applying a solid coat of primer near the bottom drain. The the water is intruding faster than I can sump-pump it out and continues to simply wash away the recently applied paint. I understand that it is important to allow the trapped pressure to dissipate so the structure isn't damaged, but I cannot paint underwater.

How can I stop the ground water from intruding just long enough to allow the paint to dry????

[PoolDoc]

The way I always did it, was to use a pump (or suction line) that would fit in the drain. If your hydrostat valve is NOT in the main drain, you may be lucky enough to have one that can be unscrewed from a socket. (Probably not, tho).

A couple of other things:
1. Epoxy doesn't 'dry'; it cures. The difference is important. It cures MUCH faster at 90 than at 50.
2. I've successfully painted through standing water using Kelley Technical's Gunzite. Of course, that is NOT an 'on-label' use, and you may not succeed.
3. I've never heard of a successful pool painting experience with any epoxy EXCEPT Kelley's Olympic brand. Of course, most contractors didn't do a great job with that product, either. But, I can tell you if you follow the directions meticulously, you'll get good results.
4. Except, life expectancy with Zeron (single coat) is 3 - 5 years. 5-7 is stretching it!
5. It will be a LOT easier if you use a SINGLE coat process (1 of primer, 1 of finish). Check out Kelley's site.