Which type of paint do I need?

Selection of the correct coating for your pool depends upon the type of pool interior material (concrete, plaster, fiberglass, etc.), if it is unpainted, OR the type of paint now on the pool if it has been painted before.

Unpainted Pools:

New Concrete:
You have several choices of paint type for a new concrete pool: chlorinated rubber (both 1-2 years life), or epoxy (5-8 years life). Each has its own use and application advantage although epoxies give the longest service. When using epoxy, the pool may be coated as soon as the new concrete sets. When chlorinated rubber, the concrete should cure 30 days.

Bare Plaster / Marcite:
For a variety of reasons, we recommend using epoxy on bare plaster for best results. Use one primer coat of Gunzite if the plaster is unusually rough or one coat of Poxoprime II if the plaster is relatively smooth. Finish with Poxolon (2 coats) or Zeron (1 coat).

Fiberglass:
Epoxy coatings are the only pool paints chemically compatible with fiberglass. Over Gunzite Primer, we recommend either two coats of Poxolon or one coat of Zeron for fiberglass pools. See the section on surface preparation before painting fiberglass.

Sandblasted or Old Unpainted Concrete:
Sandblasted or clean, unpainted concrete will accept all types of pool paint. Once again, we recommend epoxy coatings because they are more durable, attractive, easy to clean and the pool may be filled more quickly after painting. Use one coat of Poxoprime II or Gunzite and two coats of Poxolon, OR one coat of Poxoprime II or Gunzite and one coat of Zeron. If your choice is chlorinated rubber use at least two coats of PARALON 2.

Previously Painted Pools

If possible, we recommend using the same type of paint to recoat a previously painted pool. This assures the best possible adhesion between coats. When the type of the old paint is not known, immerse a small chip of the existing paint into a solvent blend of 75% mineral spirits and 25% Xylol. Wait 30 seconds and rub the chip between your thumb and forefinger. If the chip dissolves, it is a synthetic rubber base paint. If the chip does not dissolve then immerse the chip in 100% Xylol. If the chip then dissolves it is a chlorinated rubber coating. If it does not, it is an epoxy. Use the same type paint for repainting. Remember, however, that a synthetic rubber base coating can be applied over a chlorinated rubber coating but a chlorinated rubber coating can not be applied over a synthetic rubber.

Which system to use.


New or unpainted pools.
Type Primer Paint (Coats) Type System
Smooth Concrete Poxoprime II Poxolon (2) Epoxy
Smooth Concrete Poxoprime II Zeron (1) Epoxy
Smooth Concrete None Paralon 2 (2) Chloronated Rubber
Plaster Poxoprime II Poxolon (2) Epoxy
Plaster Poxoprime II Zeron (1) Epoxy
(Use Gunzite on rough plaster and concrete)
Gunite Gunzite Zeron (1) Epoxy
Aluminum Bonderite Poxolon (2) Epoxy
Aluminum Bonderite Zeron (1) Epoxy
Steel Steel Primer Poxolon (2) Epoxy
Steel Steel Primer Zeron (1) Epoxy
Fiberglass Gunzite Poxolon (2) Epoxy
Fiberglass Gunzite Zeron (1) Epoxy

One coat of Zeron may replace two coats of Poxolon in all cases where epoxy is used.