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How To Paint Your Swimming Pool

If your inground pool surface is starting to have stains, cracks, blisters, or fading, a fresh coat of pool paint could be just what you need. New paint on your walls and floor can completely refresh and renew the look of your pool, as well as extend its life. DIY pool painting is a cost-effective and straightforward process that can save you lots of money, especially when compared to the price of plastering or resurfacing a pool. Our handy step-by-step guide to painting a pool explains the process from start to finish, so that you can get the job done right.

Choose the Right Type of Pool Paint

Compare Pool Paint Options

Feature Epoxy Rubber-Based Acrylic
Vehicle Type Epoxy Polyamide (2-part) Synthetic Rubber (1-part) Acrylic Latex (1-part)
Finish Satin Gloss Matte
Durability Up to 8 years Up to 4 years Up to 2 years
Best For Concrete, plaster, fiberglass, or previously epoxy-coated pools Previously painted rubber surfaces (not fiberglass) Most surfaces; can be applied to damp pools; fast turnaround
Application Temp 50°F–90°F 50°F–90°F 50°F–90°F
Recoat Window 16–72 hrs (sand after 72 hrs) Overnight to 24 hrs (sand after 72 hrs) 4 hrs
Dry Time (Outdoor) 5–7 days 5–7 days 3 days
Ease of Use Intermediate–Advanced Moderate Beginner-Friendly
Cleanup Xylene Solvent Solvent Soap & Water
Shelf Life — 3 years 3 years

+ View Technical Specifications

Compare Pool Paint Options

Paint Type Finish Durability Best For
Epoxy Satin Up to 8 years Concrete, gunite, plaster, and fiberglass pools
Rubber-Based Gloss Up to 4 years Previously painted chlorinated and synthetic rubber surfaces
Acrylic Matte Up to 2 years Previously painted chlorinated and synthetic rubber surfaces, existing acrylic finishes