How to Repaint Natatorium Steel

Wet, humid conditions create a challenge when repainting natatorium steel.

Natatorium is a fancy word for an indoor swimming pool, often used in connection with a large aquatic sports complex. To repaint steel in such an environment presents a challenge because of the wet, humid conditions that will cause the metal to oxidize, pit, stain and corrode. Also, mildew can easily develop. Care must be taken to protect the steel to the extent possible from future adverse conditions by coating it with a variety of layers of moisture barriers.

Things You'll Need

• Bleach
• Hand- or power-brush
• Pressure washer
• Wire brush
• Sand-blaster (optional)
• Hand sander
• Spray-paint applicator
• Polymide epoxy primer
• Epoxy pool paint
• Aliphatic acrylic polyurethane

Instructions

1. Remove and kill mildew fungus from walls, ceilings and flooring near the steel as well as on the steel itself since mold spores are carried in the air. Scrub the mildewed area with a solution of one-part bleach to three-parts warm water using a hand brush or power brush. Allow the solution to remain on for 10 minutes before rinsing it.

2. Pressure wash the steel to remove rust, loose paint, pitting and any other residue. Use a wire brush on stubborn spots. If these actions do not remove the problems, or if most of the old paint must be removed, sandblasting should be used.

3. Use a hand sander to feather the edges of painted surfaces where they meet bare metal to create a smooth transition from one to the other. Pressure wash to remove any residue from sanding. Allow steel to dry completely.

4. Apply a primer coat of polymide epoxy to the steel using a spray-paint applicator. Fill joints and crevices covering all surfaces with a smooth, unbroken film.

5. Spray on an epoxy swimming pool paint in the color and finish desired. Such paint is specifically formulated for wet and humid environments. For painted steel below the surface of the pool, choose paint that can also withstand harsh pool chemicals. Wait until the first coat is completely dried according to the manufacturer's specifications, then apply a second coat.

6. Spray on a finishing coat of aliphatic acrylic polyurethane as added protection against the humid environment of a natatorium.

References

• Tnemec Project: Perinton Natatorium
• Lifeguard Pool and Paint
• The Good, the Bad and the Ugly in Natatorium Design--Aquatic Sports Facilities