Types and top 4 of the best pool paint manufacturers, how to cover and consumption
Traditionally, tiles or mosaics have been used to decorate swimming pools. Rubber paint has become an alternative to expensive materials. The coating is unique due to its waterproofing properties. Rubber paint is suitable for reinforced concrete and metal pools. The new product is represented by several types and brands, differing in composition and benefits.
Requirements for the coloring composition
Rubber paint is an unprecedented invention among water-based acrylic compounds. Applied in two layers, it looks like rubber, elastic to the touch. The waterproof paint will not degrade due to salt water. It is the most flexible of all paints. It covers any complex surface with cracks with a smooth matte layer, suitable for metal, wood, concrete. The pool walls are a specific surface whose resistance is constantly tested by external factors:
- humidity;
- water pressure;
- temperature changes;
- action of chlorine;
- mechanical damage;
- cleaning with detergents.
Rubber paint has high resistance to moisture and due to polyacrylic resins in the composition. The waterproofing base gives elasticity and resilience to the surface, the ability to expand and contract without compromising appearance.
Rubber paint is water soluble and comes in a variety of colors. Most often, blue is used. It is safe for the environment and human health, does not emit toxic substances after coloring and during its service life. Rubber paint is used on all surfaces other than furniture, doors and floors, and can also be applied to old beaten tiles.
Suitable varieties
There are five components that give paint the strength and elasticity of rubber:
- polyurethane;
- chlorinated rubber;
- epoxy;
- acrylic;
- polyvinyl chloride.
Coloring compositions based on them are distinguished by the peculiarities of application and drying time.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane is a type of polymer which, after curing, forms a flexible transparent layer.
Polyurethane paint can be used on outdoor pools. Before painting, the walls of the pool must be leveled, the cracks must be cemented, sanded and primed. The interval between layers is at least eight hours, and water can be poured out after 12 days.
Chlorinated rubber
Chlorinated rubber, or latex, is a non-toxic substance. In its pure form, it is not elastic, which is why plasticizers are added to paint and varnish compositions. To increase adhesion, artificial and natural resins are added. The result is a waterproof rubber paint for a wide range of applications.
At temperatures above thirty degrees, the paint emits toxic fumes. At temperatures below freezing, the rubberized paint will crack. The optimum temperature for work is + 5 ... + 25 degrees.
The paint should be applied in two coats, with a short, medium or knotted nap roller. But you can use a spray gun. Layers require a different amount of solvent: for the first - 12% of the volume, for the next - no more than five. When applied in a single coat, latex paint will wear off quickly under water pressure. To fill the pool and swim, you must wait 12 days after painting.
Epoxy
The composition is mixed from two components - resin and hardener.
Ozonated and chlorinated water does not change the appearance of the coating for twenty years. Before applying the epoxy, the surface must be primed. Otherwise, bubbles will form on the coating and it will peel off.
Dried paint is harmless to health. When mixing and curing, it releases toxic substances. Therefore, you should work with gloves and a respirator and fill the pool only after the drying period has expired.
Acrylic
Acrylic is a white or transparent polymer. It is non-toxic and is used in the manufacture of water-based paints, varnishes and sealants.
The composition does not freeze at ten degrees of frost, so the pool can be painted in winter. The paint is chemically neutral and does not emit toxic substances into the water, therefore it is suitable for painting decorative aquariums with fish.
Do not use abrasives, chlorine, acetone, formaldehyde or alcohols, alkalis or acids to clean an acrylic coated pool. The surface should not be scrubbed with stiff bristle brushes. After such cleaning, the walls become rough and dull.
hydro stone
Polyvinyl chloride paint forms a water-repellent coating, with a semi-gloss sheen and enamel-like hardness. Due to these properties it was named hydrostone. Compounds with PVC are intended for interior finishing of concrete and non-potable tanks.
The pool walls must first be cleaned and degreased. The second layer, if necessary, is applied 24 hours after the first. The tank will be ready to fill in 5 days. PVC paint is considered the preferred option for concrete pools. Just apply it in one coat.
Main Manufacturers
Among the manufacturers of rubber paints and varnishes, four brands recommended themselves the most.
Stancolac
The range also includes epoxy primer and anti-corrosion paint.
isaval
The Spanish firm also offers latex paint specially formulated for finishing non-potable tanks and swimming pools.
To change the color, you need to select a tint.
Tutgum Dengal
Country of origin - Israel.
The paint consists of a special mixture of polymers and is intended for painting concrete and plaster surfaces.
"Citadel"
Rubber paint from the domestic manufacturer "LKM USSR".
The products are not sold in building supermarkets, but can be found in online stores.
How to choose the right composition
When choosing a rubber paint, the type of tank should be taken into account. Most often, pools are made of metal or concrete, as well as reinforced concrete.
Most formulations are universal and even suitable for wood, with the exception of hydrostone.
For concrete pool
The best options are:
- hydro stone;
- chlorinated rubber;
- acrylic.
PVC is superior to other compounds in terms of economy and durability. If the walls of the pool are not perfectly flat, it is better to refuse the polyurethane coating.
For metal pool
The walls of iron tanks are not very absorbent. Therefore, when choosing a coating, you should pay attention to its adhesive properties. Epoxy paint adheres better to metal.
Painting rules and order
The durability of the coating depends on the proper preparation of the surface before painting:
- cleaning of dust and dirt;
- cementation of chips and cracks;
- sand a smooth surface;
- padding.
The surface of the iron basin is cleaned of rust and impregnated with an anti-corrosion primer. The concrete surface is washed with a 50% acid solution, washed with clean water and neutralized with a 3- sodium phosphate solution. Then the walls are degreased and washed again with water.
How to properly paint your pool with rubber paint:
- apply to a dry surface alternately in thin layers from the bottom to the surface;
- the previous coat must dry completely, usually within two hours;
- to work outdoors, choose a sunny, windless day;
- painting at temperatures above zero;
- stir the composition periodically.
It is not recommended to apply the paint in one thick layer. The coating will dry on the surface but will remain wet on the inside, so its durability will be significantly reduced.
The pool bowl can be cleaned with detergents 8 days after coloring. If the painting technology is carried out correctly, the coating will last 10 years or more.
How to calculate consumption
To determine the amount of coating needed to finish the pool, you need to know two parameters: the paint consumption and the volume of the tank in liters or cubic meters.
The approximate consumption of the different types of coatings applied in one coat is shown in the following table:
| Material | Consumption in square meters per liter |
| Chlorinated rubber | 6-8 |
| Polyurethane | 10-14 |
| epoxy | 5-10 |
| Acrylic | 6-10 |
The amount of coverage depends on the type of surface and the number of coats. There are approximately 100-200 grams of paint per square meter. How to determine the volume of the pool in cubic meters:
- multiply the length, width and height;
- connect a water meter to the water inlet tap.
Cubic meters should be converted into liters - multiplied by 1000. Manufacturers indicate the consumption of paint on the cans. Therefore, the exact amount will also depend on the specific brand.