How to Refinish a Concrete Cap Around Your Swimming Pool

Get your swimming pool looking its best.

The concrete cap around your pool is abused by wet feet and chlorinated water, not to mention getting a beating from the sun. After a year or two, it might start looking worn. You can choose to stain or paint this concrete cap, depending on the style of your yard and pool. Or simply coat it with a clear sealant to maintain its natural concrete appearance. Whatever finish you go with, you will have to remove all stains and the current finish. A concrete grinder will clean your pool cap and get it prepped for paint, stain or sealant.

Things You'll Need

• Concrete grinder
• Shop-vac
• Broom
• Old towel
• Epoxy primer
• Paintbrush
• Roller
• Epoxy paint

Instructions

1. Sweep or vacuum your pool's concrete cap thoroughly to remove all debris from the edge of the pool.

2. Rent a concrete floor grinder form an equipment rental retailers . Even if you have used one before, ask the retailer to give you a quick demonstration before you leave the store.

3. Turn the power on while the grinder is off the ground. Lower the grinder to the concrete cap and begin grinding.

4. Move the grinder methodically all the way around the pool. Start at one end of the pool and work your way around slowly, grinding every portion of the cap as you go. Evaluate the job once you have made one lap. Sweep the area and grind it again if necessary.

5. Vacuum the entire area to remove all sanding dust.

6. Wet an old towel, and wipe around your entire pool cap to remove any small particles that may still be sitting on its surface. Allow the concrete to dry. If you will be staining or sealing, skip Steps 7 and 8.

7. Prime your pool's concrete cap with masonry or concrete primer, using a ¾-inch nap roller. Allow the primer to dry.

8. Apply two to three thin coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

9. Apply concrete stain to the steps in a thin, even coat, using a roller. Test the stain in a small area before you apply it to the whole concrete cap. Use a roller for the most uniform application. If you plan to seal bare concrete, skip this step.

10. Brush on a topcoat of concrete sealer over the paint, stain or bare concrete. Use a polyurethane coating rather than an enamel sealant because enamel will yellow over time. Choose polyurethane that is UV resistant. Wait 24 to 48 hours before allowing heavy use of your pool area.

Tips & Warnings

• Priming first will create a smooth surface and prepare the concrete cap for paint.

• The grinding process may alter your concrete and create variations or swirls that will be more visible with stain. Concrete stain is available at paint stores and home improvement centers in a variety of colors.

• Wear protective eye wear while using the grinder to avoid particles damaging your eyes.

References

• Original Color Chips: Painting Concrete
• Concrete Network: Staining Concrete
• Rodda Paint: How to Paint Concrete Floor