How to Paint the Rim of an Inground Pool

Painting the rim of your inground pool rim or deck can add a fresh finish and help seal and protect the area. Previously painted rims of inground pools fade and wear over time, and can be re-painted. The three types of pool paint are epoxy, rubber base and acrylic. Epoxy is the longest lasting. Rubber base paint is slightly less resilient, but also less expensive. Acrylic lasts the shortest amount of time, but is good for high-traffic pool rims that need frequent touch-ups. Do not paint epoxy over rubber base or rubber base over epoxy. These paints do not adhere to each other.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pool paint
• Trisodium phosphate
• Paintbrush or roller
• Sandpaper

1. Drain the water from your pool and wash the rim. Scrape away any cracking or loose paint. Caulk or patch any cracks in the rim. Scrub the rim with a trisodium phosphate wash. Use a half-cup of trisodium phosphate to a gallon of water to thoroughly remove dirt and oil. Use a stronger solution to help remove old paint. Trisodium phosphate is toxic so wear rubber gloves to prevent skin contact, a mask to prevent inhalation and do not let the solution soak into the ground soil.

2. Follow the paint manufacturer's directions for any mixing or additional paint application steps. Apply the first coat to the rim. Use paintbrushes or a roller. Allow the first coat to dry completely. Do not paint on humid days, as the moisture will prevent the paint from adhering properly.

3. Lightly sand the initial coat, and add a second coat. Allow paint to dry before adding water to the pool or letting people step on the deck. It may take up to five days for the paint to dry, depending on weather conditions.

References

• swimmingpools101.com
• poolcenter.com
• alsnetbis.com