If you want to paint your pool, make sure you do it properly. Looking for the best pool paint to get the job done right the first time? We’ll help you know the right product to pick.
We’ve reviewed five of the best pool paint options on the market. Our Editor’s Choice, the INSL-X WR102409A-01 Waterborne Semi Gloss Pool Paint, ranks at the top. It’s quick drying, can be used with fresh or saltwater swimming pools, is environmentally friendly and long lasting.
In our best pool paint reviews we list four other popular products. Each of these offer equally impressive features we hope will help you select the one paint for your pool.
We’ve spent many hours researching online to source the best pool paint. Our reviews include various types of pool paint from acrylic, epoxy, two part, and vinyl toluene modified acrylic resin to show the advantages of each. We’ve looked at the surfaces they’re compatible with, from bare concrete, fiberglass, gunite, marcite and other masonry to metal, plaster, stone & wood. Coverage helps you know how much each can of pool paint can yield. Color’s important as a pool should not only look good but also match your preference or surroundings. Finally, we’ve considered capacity so you know the size of each product and how much you’ll have to buy for the painting job. We’ve summarized our research findings in a basic table with an in depth review and overall rating for each product. If you’re still undecided, our buyer’s guide will assist you. We look closely at important features to consider when buying the best pool paint. We throw in some handy pool painting tips too. Our FAQ section gives advice on determining a pool’s surface areas, how long pool paints generally last and if it’s possible to paint a pool DIY style. At the end you’ll have all the information you need to purchase the best pool paint and make your swimming area look as good as new!
More features: use with fresh or saltwater swimming pools, quick-drying, can be applied over most types of properly prepared existing pool paints
Available in a one gallon can, the INSL-X WR102409A-01 Waterborne Semi Gloss Pool Paint is our Editor’s Choice. One gallon should cover approximately 300-400ft². It’s an emulsion pool paint that adheres to slightly damp surfaces. It’s best used with fresh or saltwater swimming pools. We like this acrylic pool paint because it’s easy to use. You can apply it over most types of correctly prepared existing pool paints, without having to strip away the old paint entirely.
Perfect for bare concrete, gunite, marcite and other in ground masonry pools in good conditions, this paint is an excellent option. Available in beautiful colors of aquamarine, black, ocean blue, royal blue and white, you can pick the shade you prefer for your swimming area. The best part? It’s low VOC, so it’s neither harmful to the environment nor humans.
Useful DIY tips: to get rid of build up at the waterline, try scrubbing with a heavy duty citrus cleaner. If you have a concrete pool, present cracks or holes can easily be patched up with hydraulic cement. A power washer or scraper and wire brush will take away any loose or peeling paint on a gunite pool base. Apply paint to a marcite pool using a brush, roller or sprayer. Always read the spread rate recommendation on the back of the can label first.
More features: high-gloss finish
The Kelley Technical 391GL Olympic Zeron Epoxy Pool Coating leaves an impressive remark after years of being applied. In our research, we were impressed by the praises of happy users who are pleased with the fantastic results the paint gives. While this 391GL Olympic Zeron Epoxy Pool Coating has shown to be a trustworthy, long-lasting type of coating, its epoxy pool coating has always served as another reassurance to guarantee your satisfaction. The 391GL Olympic Zeron Epoxy Pool Coating features extreme durability and glossy finish, and unlike some other paints, its color shines brighter and excellently resists the urge to fade.
Kelley Technical 391GL Olympic Zeron Epoxy Pool Coating is a product from Kelley Technical Coatings. This brand has stayed committed to understanding and satisfying its customers and has been unrelenting in producing quality formulations with precise engineering standards. This 391GL Olympic Zeron Epoxy Pool Coating is one of its top enduring paints and coatings, and it’s a coating you can trust to last longer.
More features: tested from -78 Degree F to 140 Degree F, resists mimic cracking
Rated as our Budget Pick, the Pond Armor SKU-CBLUE-QT-R is a nontoxic pond shield epoxy paint. It’s among the best epoxy pool paint products. Its waterproof formula allows it to be used in varying climates, ranging from hot 140°F to freezing -78°F. It’s been specifically designed for underwater use so it’s fish and plant friendly. The self priming formula enables firm bonding. The result? A finished surface with easy maintenance. As a pond liner its purpose is to waterproof numerous water features. Creating a more fashionable, modern or natural appearance, you’ll say goodbye to unattractive crinkles and wrinkles that rubber liners usually provide. Your pond’s protected from cracks and coated to last.
In three easy steps you can prepare your pond, apply a single coat of paint and benefit from your newly coated surface. It’s quick drying, so in simply 24 hours you can use your pond again. Due to its flexible bond strength that’s stronger than concrete, this paint adheres to any surface comprised of brick, concrete, metal, wood or stone. On a smooth surface a kit can cover about 60ft². It’s suitable for most plastics, rubbers and other coatings too.
Available in a 1.5 quart kit—and larger—& in an attractive competition blue, it’s the ideal pick for small or large pond painting projects, from aquariums, bird baths and fountains to holding tanks, hydroponics, reflecting pools, salt water tanks, streams, waterfalls, lakes & koi ponds. For most applications all you’ll need is a brush, roller or sprayer. The end product? A finished pond or water feature that you can easily wipe algae off of.
More features: stain-resistant, tile like finish, single application lasts up to 7-8 years
Regarded as our reviewed Best Lasting Period pool paint, the In The Swim Super Poxy Shield is the ultimate pool coating. It comes in a two part system and only one coat does the trick.
Perfect for concrete, fibreglass gel coat surfaces, gunite and plaster, a stain resistant finish with a tile like finish is the result. You’ll need an epoxy primer for new applications, and this 3qt can will cover about 125-150ft². This heavy duty epoxy coating covers most swimming pool surfaces apart from vinyl liners. This product must not be applied over chlorinated rubber base paint or any other unknown coatings. It should be used as a finish coat over worn epoxy paint or other primed pool surfaces. The effects are so good they’ll last up to eight years.
Helpful hint: because of the tile like result, sprinkle sand on the coating before it dries when painting steps, shallow areas and wading pools to ensure they’re slip resistant. Begin by rolling the paint with the pool walls first and end with the pool floor. Also, a roller leaves behind lint when painting, so a foam brush might work better.
Curing time varies according to the outside ambient air temperate. If it’s 60-65°F allow six days for curing. For every 5°F lift in the outside ambient air temperature a day will be cut off the curing time.
Available in black, dark blue, pool blue and white, this is among the highest quality & best epoxy pool paint coating for your swimming area. It also looks marvelous if you have the pool lights on.
More features: dries to touch in 4 to 6 hours
The Fastest Drying pool paint we’ve reviewed is the RUST-OLEUM 260542. It’s made for concrete and plastered pools & keeps them looking inviting and refreshing. Its super protective coat renews and preserves your swimming pool. In its ready to use cement base formula, this product’s been designed to decorate and waterproof both exterior & interior concrete, gunite, as well as masonry or plastered swimming pools, including other concrete and masonry surfaces. We told you it dries fast—within four to six hours to the touch! It’s advised to apply a second coat at least 24 hours after the first. This product covers roughly 75-100ft² per gallon on rough surfaces, while smooth surfaces can be covered up to 125-150ft².
Tip: avoid painting in direct sunlight and ensure your pool surface is properly prepared & pressure washed before painting. Ensure you calculate the quantities so you have enough for the job.
Available in blue in a five gallon can, it’s been certified as a vinyl toluene modified acrylic type resin pool paint and finishes off our best pool paint reviews.
More features: ideal for residential, commercial, industrial application, satin finish
Our Best Value item’s the AdCoat Swimming Pool Paint. With its 2 part epoxy acrylic water based coating, it’s best suited for commercial, industrial and residential swimming pools. It can also be used in aqueducts, fountains, holding tanks, slides and water ladders. A one gallon kit covers a surface of up to 300ft². It’s ideal for concrete, fiberglass, gunite and plaster.
Suitable for both indoor and outdoor application, the two part system results in stronger bonding to the surface with a 100% pure epoxy compound. Acrylic resin assists with longer lasting and versatile outdoor application. The two components are easy to mix and apply using regular painting methods. Offering fresh and saltwater protection for you pool, this product is aesthetic & practical.
It’s recommended to install a hydro static pressure valve when painting your pool. This’ll prevent ground water pressure from raising the pool’s surface or causing movement. Ground water can flow into your pool from your surrounding yard and this relieves pressure on your pool’s structure.
Available in cool blue or white giving a satin finish, it looks clean and alluring. Custom colors can also be ordered with a minimum of 15 gallons. For best results the substrate must be correctly prepared. Allow sufficient time for the coating to dry before filling the pool with water.
When picking pool paint make sure you’ve considered various features before making your final decision. You’ll want to enjoy the benefits of a properly painted pool for a long time to come, so better to know how to effectively get this task done. Continue reading to get as many tips as possible. You’ll have a much better idea after this of how to proceed when you head to the pool paint store.
If you’re still not sure about which pool paint to buy, look closely at these essential features to consider before making your final decision. We’ve taken into account all of these in our best pool paint reviews to help you out.
Pool paint comes in various types—among acrylic, epoxy, two part, and vinyl toluene modified acrylic type resin. Before you buy paint, you need to know the type that’s currently coating your pool. Acrylic paint such as the INSL-X WR102409A-01 is easy to use. It’s an emulsion pool paint that adheres to slightly damp surfaces.
Typically, acrylic paint lasts longer than rubber based paints which last only one or two seasons.
In our best epoxy pool paint reviews we shared the Pond Armor SKU-CBLUE-QT-R and In The Swim Super Poxy Shield products. Epoxy pool paints are solvent based and have a longer lifespan than acrylic paints. They are the most resistant pool paints when it comes to abrasion, chemicals and stains & can last up to seven years.
Pond Armor SKU-CBLUE-QT-R is waterproof and can resist extreme climates. In The Swim Super Poxy Shield is heavy duty and one coat’s all it takes.
For a mix, the AdCoat Swimming Pool Paint offers a two part epoxy acrylic water based coating. It can be used indoors and outdoors & it strongly adheres to the pool’s surface.
The RUST-OLEUM 260542 is a vinyl toluene modified acrylic type resin. It provides an extremely protective coating for both rough and smooth pool surfaces.
If you have a bare concrete, gunite, marcite or other masonry surface, the INSL-X WR102409A-01 is your best pool paint option. For concrete, gunite, fiberglass and plaster, AdCoat Swimming Pool Paint’s the solution for you. If you have a pond or a surface made from metal, stone, wood or most plastics and other coatings, your best bet’s Pond Armor SKU-CBLUE-QT-R. It’s the best paint for wood pool deck surfaces.
In The Swim Super Poxy Shield works well with concrete, fiberglass gel-coat surfaces, gunite and plaster, while RUST-OLEUM 260542 is ideal for concrete, gunite, masonry or plastered swimming pools as well as other concrete and masonry surfaces. Both are among the best concrete pool paint.
The pool paint with the best coverage we’ve reviewed is the INSL-X WR102409A-01 which covers up to 300-400ft² per gallon. In The Swim Super Poxy Shield provides the best coverage for a 3qt pool paint at 125-150ft² while 1.5qt of Pond Armor SKU-CBLUE-QT-R covers up to 60ft².
It’s best to know what area you’d like to paint before purchasing pool paint, so you make sure you have the correct quantities and don’t end up with unnecessary wastage.
Color’s a personal preference. For the most variety, go for the Pond Armor SKU-CBLUE-QT-R which is available in smaller and larger kits of Black, Clear, Competition Blue, Forest Green, Gray, Sky Blue, Tan & White. The INSL-X WR102409A-01 also comes in aquamarine, black, ocean blue, royal blue and white.
For something plainer, In The Swim Super Poxy Shield provides paint in shades of Black, Dark Blue, Pool Blue and White, which are ranked among the best swimming pool paint color.
AdCoat Swimming Pool Paint’s cool blue and white & RUST-OLEUM 260542’s blue are the simplest attractive options.
Depending on the size of your pool painting project, you’ll require the appropriate paint capacity. RUST-OLEUM 260542 is the largest pool paint we’ve reviewed, coming in a 5 gallon can. Suitable one gallon kits include INSL-X WR102409A-01 and AdCoat Swimming Pool Paint. Smaller quantities include the 3qt In The Swim Super Poxy Shield and 1.5qt Pond Armor SKU-CBLUE-QT-R kits.
Your finances determine how much you’re able to spend on your pool painting project.
Our best value pool paint’s the AdCoat Swimming Pool Paint. Our budget pick, the Pond Armor SKU-CBLUE-QT-R retails at less than $70, which is a lower priced item but with a smaller capacity.
Always be on the lookout for additional features to benefit a little more. INSL-X WR102409A-01 can be applied over correctly primed existing pool paint and works effectively in fresh & saltwater pools. AdCoat Swimming Pool Paint can be used on commercial, industrial and residential swimming pools & provides a satin finish.
Pond Armor SKU-CBLUE-QT-R has been tested to withstand against extreme temperatures and resists mimic cracking. In The Swim Super Poxy Shield is stain resistant and boasts a tile like finish, while RUST-OLEUM 260542 dries ultra fast and can be used for rough & smooth surfaces.
Here a few handy tips on painting your pool:
Some pool paint types require only one coat while others require more. Always consult the full application guide before you start painting. Allow sufficient drying time before filling your pool with water again.
Alternatively, first measure the length and width of your pool area. Using a simple formula, you can calculate the area. For example, if you have a rectangular pool, multiply length by width by 1.6 to get a square feet surface area. Divide this total by the coverage square footage of paint you desire to use. This way you’ll know the square footage of the area to be painted and you’ll know how many gallons of paint you’ll need.
Note: always check if the pool paint needs a single or multiple coat and a primer.
We hope our best pool paint reviews have helped you decide which one to purchase. If you’re still unsure, we suggest you first consider our Editor’s Choice, INSL-X WR102409A-01, because it cares for the environment, dries fast and lasts long. It’s one of the best acrylic pool paints.
If you seek a coating for your swimming pool that will last longer, we recommend you try out this Kelley Technical 391GL Olympic Zeron Epoxy Pool Coating. Many users have expressed their satisfaction in the results it gives, and you never can tell; it may be just what you’ve been looking for.
If your finances are limited then Pond Armor SKU-CBLUE-QT-R the budget pick for you and it’s our third favorite item. This product doesn’t break the bank and is a nontoxic epoxy pond paint. Effective after a single coat, it’s also simple to maintain.
We trust that with our offering of the best pool paint you’ll find the perfect pick for your pool. Which one’s the best pool paint brand in your opinion?
