Pool Resources
Sweetwater Pool Service Company is here to answer all your pool service questions. Below are some useful resources for pool owners.
If you have any questions you need answered contact us today at service@sweetwaterpoolsupply.com
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) Library
Basic Pool System Diagram
The diagram below depicts a simple representation of a typical pool’s vital system components and how they are interconnected. Included are the skimmers and main drain, various valves, the water pump that pushes the water through the whole system, the filter that keeps your water clean and clear, the heater and the sanitizer that kills off any bacteria in the water.
In the photograph below, you can see a pool’s pump with attached clean-out filter, plumbing and valves as well as the filter (black) and supporting electrical hookup.
Pool Painting Process & Information
The Paint Makes All the Difference!
The standard, residential epoxy paint that we used to use was very good, however, the commercial grade epoxy paint that we now use provides us with a much thicker layer of paint (approx. 10-12 mils with 2 coats). This high quality paint is extremely durable provides our residential customers with a paint job that will last for many enjoyable, low-maintenance years before another repainting is necessary.
We purchase our paint in bulk quantities, keeping our prices very competitive while giving our customers a long-lasting quality paint job. This epoxy paint wears so well that along with proper maintenance and careful chemical control, it is quite common to get 10+ years of use from it.
The Process is Critical
Most concrete pools older than 15 years were commonly painted with either a vinyl- or rubber-based pool paint (the industry norm at the time). Both kinds of paint were a good product for many years. However, both are rarely used and will soon no longer be manufactured. In fact, there are several states that have already banned their use due to environmental concerns. Epoxy paint is now the main paint type being used on pools.
A pool that has not previously been painted with epoxy paint will need to go through a conversion process. The process that we use is water-blasting. Water-blasting gently removes most of the old existing paint without causing damage to the concrete. Any paint that is left on the pool surface is adhered well enough that it can be painted over without concern.
Before painting, some minor resurfacing may be necessary to older pools that have existing areas of pitting and deterioration. Two coats of our thick, commercial grade epoxy paint will be necessary after the pool has been water-blasted and prepped. After properly converting the pool to epoxy paint, only one coat will be necessary each time the pool needs to be repainted in the future.
Sand-blasting your pool is also still an available option. This process will remove all of the old paint down to the bare concrete. However, it is quite a bit more expensive and tends to be more abrasive to the pool surface. We will need to perform a significant amount of extra resurfacing work before we can paint the pool. Some pool owners still prefer this method, but water-blasting has been the choice of most.
Applying the Pool Paint
It is important to ensure that no leaves or other wind-blown materials fall on the paint as it is being applied. To prevent this we cover the pool in netting and apply the paint under the netting.
Painting Pools with Tile
Older pools may be in need of tile work or replacement. The best time to have this done is before the painting process.
Fiberglass-Walled Pools
There are many pools constructed with concrete floors with fiberglass walls. The concrete floors are commonly painted and are treated the same as a full-concrete pool (water-blasting + 2 coats of paint). If the fiberglass walls are still in good condition, they are left unpainted. In some older pools, however, the fiberglass begins to dull, develop hairline cracks, and look bad. At that point we recommend having the walls painted along with the floor. Our high quality epoxy paint covers the fiberglass perfectly, and after 2 coats brings it back to a clean, smooth surface again.
The wall/floor joints of a fiberglass-walled pool usually need to be resealed. We can do this during the painting process as well.
Other Pool Surfaces
Some pools have a “marcite”, or plaster, surface. These are not usually a painted surface but painting is still an option. Over time, the surface begins to erode and has a rough sandpaper-like feel to it. This is a normal occurance due to years of pool chemical use and normal wear. The rough surface is not only hard on bare feet, but it also provides a perfect surface for algae to grow on. As a result, it becomes very costly and difficult to keep clean due to the need for extra chemicals. At this point, resurfacing is necessary to make it smooth again.
You have the option of having the pool re-plastered, or converting it to a painted pool. The painting process is very similar to previously painted pools. This involves the proper chemical cleaning and prep work, then applying two coats of our high quality commercial grade epoxy paint. Our paint adheres extremely well to these surfaces, and because of its thickness, the surface becomes smooth again. It is also economical to paint because the prep work does not require the pool to be water- or sand-blasted. Re-plastering is also a great way to go, and if this is what you prefer, we can handle that too.
Repairing Cracks
Concrete pools sometimes develop cracks. Many are just small surface cracks that can be painted over and don’t pose a problem. Other cracks may be larger and can cause the pool to leak. We have a variety of ways that we seal cracks. This can range from a simple caulking process, to a more major concrete cutting and sealing process. These repairs usually work well and rarely can be seen from above after the pool is painted and filled with water. The duration of a repaired crack cannot be guaranteed due to possible future settling or recracking of the pool.