Information Guides

1. Download: Technical Data Sheet
2. Download: Preparation Guide
3. Download: Application Guide
4. Download: Troubleshooting Guide
5. Download: Water Balancing Guide

General Notes

• Ensure to read all of the above guides before proceeding.
• Prior to starting the paint job, check the weather forecast especially for rain or heavy dew. Condensation of the surface may cause discolouration or coating failure.
• Prime (if required) as per instructions in the “Preparation Guide” and then apply two un-thinned top coats. Allow 12 hours drying time between coats.
• Once the final coat has been applied, leave it for 3-4 days before filling with water in summer and up to 7 days in winter. Filling before this time will affect the life expectancy of the coating and cause discoloration.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Before applying any product, please open all coloured drums to check that the colour is correct. If there is any variance in colour etc, please contact Right Choice Coatings before proceeding. Once the product has been installed, Right Choice Coatings will not be held responsible for any colour variations.

Tips for Painting

• Application by brush, roller or airless spray. Application by roller is preferred.
• Apply two finish coats of paint as it comes in the tin. Thinning is not normally necessary or recommended except as required for certain airless equipment.
• When cutting in (along tile line, around openings etc.), minimise brush drag and over working the paint and only use a 50mm or 75 mm brush.
• Use a 9mm nap roller sleeve, roller handle extension and appropriate roller tray.
• Too much paint on the roller is hard to spread and will excessively soften the existing coat. This will cause solvent entrapment resulting in bubbles and blisters.
• If bubbles do appear before the paint film is completely dry they may have to be removed by brushing lightly with Chlorinated Rubber thinners. If touch up re-coating is necessary it should be delayed an extra day before filling.

General Information

• If your pool has been previously painted but you are unsure as to whether or not it was with chlorinated rubber or two-pack epoxy there is a simple test you can perform. Damp a rag in some thinners, preferably chlorinated rubber thinners or acetone, and then rub this over a small section (30cm x 30cm).
• If the surface becomes sticky and there is paint on the rag then it is highly likely that the pool was painted with chlorinated rubber. If the surface becomes smooth but does not become sticky it is more than likely an epoxy. If you are uncertain do not proceed any further, contact your pool builder, or relevant documentation to determine what the lining of your pool is made from.
• Pool Paint is different from most conventional paints and requires special application techniques that are simple and easy to follow, but are very important to ensure an excellent result is achieved.
• Each coat of chlorinated rubber Pool Paint penetrates and softens previous chlorinated rubber coats and welds itself to that surface. This means exceptional inter-coat adhesion, but demands the application of thin films without excessively working the surface.
• If chlorinated rubber pool paint is applied too thick or is worked too much as a result of too much paint on the roller or brush, surface bubbles or blisters may result.

Previously Painted Chlorinated Rubber

• Water blast the surface with a 2500 to 3000 psi pressure washer.
• Remove and/or repair any cracked or damaged areas with a suitable waterproof, non-shrink material such as Right Choice Crack Repair.
• Allow to thoroughly dry before painting.
• Spot prime any bare areas as per various substrate instructions.

Previously Painted Two-Pack Epoxy

• Please note: it is recommended that you strip the previous epoxy coating off prior to re-coating with either Chlorinated Rubber or Two Pack Epoxy. Adhesion is the responsibility of the applicator.
• Once the previous coating has been removed, water blast the entire surface to remove any residue, leave the surface to thoroughly dry.
• Remove and/or repair any cracked or damaged areas with a suitable waterproof, non-shrink material such as Right Choice Crack Repair.
• Allow to thoroughly dry before painting.
• Spot prime any bare areas as per various substrate instructions.

Un-Painted or New Concrete

• New cement or render should be allowed to cure for at least 21-28 days before any preparation is undertaken.
• Smooth & non absorbent cement should be acid etched.
• Thin the first coat of Pool Paint Chlorinated Rubber with 1:1 (one part pool paint with one part Pool Paint Thinner). Allow to dry for 12 hours before applying  2 x un-diluted top coats.

Acid Etching

• When acid etching, protective clothing must be worn – rubber gloves, boots and goggles. Prepare the mixture in a PLASTIC BUCKET. ALWAYS ADD ACID TO WATER AND WEAR PROTECTIVE EYE WEAR. NEVER ADD WATER TO ACID.
• In a plastic bucket mix a weak solution of hydrochloric acid and water (1:8).
• Brush the solution on to the surface.
• The acid will bubble on the surface, as soon as the reaction stops flush the area with clean water.
• Work on small sections at a time until the entire surface has been etched.
• When etched correctly the surface should have a rough, sand paper feel.
• Splash a small amount of water on the surface to determine if it has been sufficiently etched.
• If the water soaks in fairly quickly the surface is properly etched. If the water stands on the surface repeat the application of the acid wash until the surface allows the penetration of water.
• Water blast the entire surface to ensure that all acid and loose debris is removed. Leave the surface to thoroughly dry before painting (this can be up to 1 week depending on season and local weather conditions).
• Ensure that the removal of acid is in accordance with local council by-laws. Please contact the relevant authority if you are uncertain.

Condensation Test

• Average drying times after water blasting will vary with season, climate and location as well as the porosity of the surface.
• It is recommended to wait 3-7 days and then perform a condensation test to determine surface dryness.
• To do this, tape a sheet of plastic (0.5m x 0.5m) to the surface in the morning. Ensure that the seal is air-tight.
• Around mid afternoon inspect the surface on the pool side to see if any condensation has formed under the surface.
• Any condensation indicates that the surface is too wet to paint.
• Wait 24 hours and perform the test again. You must continue with this test until no condensation forms under the plastic after the wait period.
• PAINTING OVER A WET SURFACE WILL RESULT IN CHLORINATED RUBBER PAINT BLISTERING AND PEELING OFF.

Fibreglass

• A thorough inspection of the surface must be undertaken to determine soundness. Any suspect areas must be repaired using a suitable fibreglass repair kit.
• After the necessary repairs have been carried out the entire surface needs to be sanded until it is dull and has a sand paper feel.
• Thoroughly water blast the sanded surface to ensure any loose debris is removed. Leave the surface to thoroughly dry before painting.
• The first coat requires thinning between 10 – 20% with Pool Paint Thinner.