Pool Painting

[bizzy]

Hi
i was wondering If it was possible to only paint the pool steps without draining the entire pool. It seems like only the top step has faided. Thanks

[PoolDoc]

Boy, that's a loaded question!

In theory, it might be possible. If you can safely get the step you wanted painted dry, you can paint it. But that's a big "IF". Many liner pools can't be drained that far. Ditto, for fiberglass. Given that you're in California, odds are you've got a concrete pool . . . and again, since you're in California, odds are the ground is dry enough so that draining doesn't risk floating the pool.

But, when you paint, surface prep is *critical*, and doing the surface prep without messing up the pool water could be tricky.

Good luck!

[bizzy]

Hi

my pool in fact is concrete. Its basically the top step that has faded and the rest of the pool looks ok. I did think about prepping the step and getting stuff into the pool. So I guess this is one of those things that If I cant do the whole thing right better not do it at all.

Another thing also is that the top step has a chip that has come off. I guess I will wait till next summer and just do the whole job.

[PoolDoc]

I guess I will wait till next summer and just do the whole job.

Sounds like the wiser course of action to me. Don't wait till weather is really hot, though. Read up the application guides for whichever paint you are considering -- it can be almost impossible to apply epoxy in very hot weather.

[bizzy]

I did notice something this weekend. I noticed that the plaster looks like it was originally colored and not painted (that is why the color of the pool is a dark blue).

Would it be a good idea to paint my pool due to no paint actually being in the pool? Is there any other option?

[PoolDoc]

Refinishing options include painting, or placing a new plaster or other cement based surface. It's unlikely you'll exactly match your top step with the rest of the pool.

[Marin]

You can paint just the top step or steps. There are ways to properly prep the steps without getting too much residue in the water, none of it is simple though.

Colored plaster will fade. If you currently have plaster and not paint, I would strongly urge you not to paint. We do both finishes and I always do my best to talk a client out of paint. If you do paint, don't go cheap. Find a quality 2 part epoxy paint and prep according to direction.

[bizzy]

Hi Marin
i was wondering why you recomend not to paint if there is colored plaster. you are right, it looks like in some areas there is fading and mostly in the steps. Is there any other treatment for color plaster recondition?

[PoolDoc]

Plaster can last 10+ years without service. The best paint -- applied exactly per mfg directions -- won't usually last more than 5 years, till you have to recoat.

[bizzy]

In my situation it seems like maybe this pool was done a while ago. it has started to fade and there is a bit of scaling on the top step. I can also notice the faded spots here and there. Is there any recondition that i can do with out painting it?