How to Sandblast a Swimming Pool for Painting

Sandblasting a cement swimming pool is the best way to make sure you remove all the old paint before repainting it. This process is especially important if you're dealing with layers of old paint. Here are some things to think about and the steps you can take to make sure you're sandblasting correctly.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Rent an air compressor. You can buy one, but it'll be a poor investment unless you plan to use it more than just for sandblasting your pool. Air compressors can be rented at many hardware stores.

2. Rent a water trap, a 300-lb. sand pot with 1 1/4 inch supply hose, and a 1-inch ID sand blast hose with deadman control. You will also need to buy coarse blasting media, usually sand. Buy sand in bulk and not small bags because you're going to need a lot of it, and it's more cost effective to buy in bulk. You should buy at least 4 tons for an average sized pool.

3. Remove pool filters and pumps if possible to prevent sand from getting into them.

4. Set the equipment up as per directions received from the hardware center or directions on the equipment itself. Put on a face mask and goggles. You may also want earplugs if you don't like loud sounds. Start sandblasting.

5. Clean up the sand. Keep on the face mask so you don't breathe in any of the sand grains.

Tips & Warnings

• Complete a total tally of the costs before doing anything. Find out how much it'll cost you to hire someone to do the job for you and compare it to the costs of renting the equipment and buying the sand.
• Do not attempt to sandblast a pool for painting on your own if lead paint has been used. Certain precautions may be required by law since lead paint is considered hazardous and requires hazardous waste disposal methods.

Resources

• Rent a portable sand blaster for daily or weekly use.