Nothing spoils the look of your pool more than tatty tiles. Rather than replacing tiles that are beginning to show wear and tear, it's more economical to refinish them. This is a job that you can carry out during the close season when your pool's not in use. You'll need a few basic DIY skills, and the job will take you a couple of days to finish, plus drying time for the new surface. Here's how to do it.
What you'll need
- epoxy paint
- paint scraper
- flat-blade screwdriver
- grout
- acid wash
- deck brush
- garden hose
- power washer (hire one from a tool hire shop if you don't have your own)
- electric drill and paddle mixer
- paint roller
- gloves
- eye protection
Although there are a few options when it comes to selecting paint for this job, epoxy paint is the best. Epoxy is long-lasting, stands up to pool cleaning chemicals and won't be damaged by sunlight.
Preparation
The key to a successful refinishing job is in the preparation. Choose a dry day with low humidity so that the new paint has chance to dry out thoroughly.
- Begin by draining the pool and then remove any debris such as leaves and algae.
- Now use the paint scraper to get rid of any old paint from the pool tiles. You might need to use your power washer to dislodge any stubborn paint flakes.
- Carry out a thorough inspection of the tiles for damaged grout and prise away any that's loose or cracked using a flat-bladed screwdriver.
- Mix up the new grout as per the manufacturer's directions and repair any damaged grouting. Allow the new grout to dry out completely.
- Put on your gloves and eye protection. Now use the deck brush to give the pool a thorough scrub with the acid wash, then rinse it out using the garden hose.
- Pump out any residual water from the pool and allow it to dry out for a few days.
Refinishing
- When the pool surface is completely dry, you can proceed to paint it. Mix the paint up thoroughly using the electric drill and paddle mixer.
- Use the roller to apply the paint, beginning at the deep end and working towards the shallow end, ensuring that you've covered every tile and coated the corners, too. You should only need to apply one coat of epoxy paint.
- Allow at least a week for the paint to dry out completely so that it adheres properly to the pool tiles before you refill your pool.
Conclusion
Refinishing your pool tiles is a much cheaper option than having the whole pool retiled. Follow the guidelines above for a great professional-looking tile resurfacing and a revitalised pool.
