Swimming Pool Painting in Australia - Breath New Life into Your Backyard Oasis
In Australia, our love affair with swimming pools is a long-standing one. With our balmy summers, barbies in the backyard and an outdoors lifestyle, a well-maintained pool isn't just a luxury - it's a integral part of our daily lives. But as the years go by, even the best pools can start to look their age. Faded colours, scaly surfaces and unsightly stains can make a pool look old before its time - even if it's still got years of structural life left in it.
That's where swimming pool painting comes in. It's a smart way to breathe new life into an old pool, extend its lifespan and give it a much-needed refresh all without breaking the bank or disrupting your outdoor lifestyle.
Why Pool Painting Has Become So Popular in Australia
Australian conditions are notoriously tough on pool surfaces. With high UV exposure, fluctuating temperatures, salt systems and chemical use all taking a toll on their appearance.
Pool painting helps out in a big way by:
- Instantly giving your pool a new lease on life - a fresh coat of paint can make your old pool feel brand new in an instant
- Protecting the surface - quality coatings seal up those pesky little cracks and defects
- Easing maintenance - smooth painted surfaces are a breeze to keep clean and are less likely to harbour algae
- Saving you cash - far cheaper than ripping it all out and starting again
For many homeowners - especially those with concret or fibreglass pools - painting is the sweet spot between maintenance and major renovation.
Common Pool Types That Suit Painting
Now not all pools are created equal, and what works for one won't work for another.
Concrete Pools
The most common candidate for painting in Australia - concrete is super porous, which makes it a perfect candidate for a fresh new coat of paint
Fibreglass Pools
You can paint fibreglass pools too - but surface prep is key. You'll usually need a specialist primer to ensure long-term adhesion
Previously Painted Pools
If you've got an older painted pool, you might need to strip the old paint, sand it back down to the substrate and then recoat - or at the very least get some compatibility checks done before you do anything
Tip: Try painting over an existing coating without testing first and you could end up with peeling or blistering - that's where getting a pro on board really pays off
Types of Swimming Pool Paint Used in Australia
Choosing the right paint is just as important as choosing the right colour.
Chlorinated Rubber Paint
The budget option - easy to apply, but doesn't last all that long (typically 3-5 years)
Epoxy Pool Paint
Super durable and chemical-resistant - great for concrete pools - and with a longer lifespan (7-10 years when applied correctly)
Acrylic Pool Paint
Quick fix for a quick refresh - dries fast but generally not as durable as epoxy
The right paint for you will depend on the pool surface, what state its in, how much you want to spend - and how long you want the result to last.
The Pool Painting Process - What to Expect
A proper pool painting job is a bit more involved than just rolling on some paint. In fact, preparation usually takes up more time than the actual painting.
- Drain the pool - done safely and in line with local regulations
- Surface prep - acid washing, pressure cleaning, sanding or grinding - you get the idea
- Repairs - minor cracks, spalling or surface defects get sorted out
- Priming (if required) - especially impotant for fibreglass or epoxy systems
- Paint application - usually 2 coats, applied evenly
- Curing time - you'll need to let it sit for a bit before refilling to make sure it lasts
Cutting corners to save time is a surefire way to end up with a pool paint job that lasts a year.
How long does pool paint last?
You want to know the answer to this!
Chlorinated rubber paint: 3-5 years
Epoxy paint: 7-10 years
It all comes down to prep work quality and how well you look after your pool after the paint job.
Best Colours for Australian Pools
Colour choice is more than just about looks - it's also about how your pool is going to look and feel.
- Light blue: classic and clean - shows off the water clarity
- Mid to dark blue: rich and stylish - hides minor imperfections
- Aqua or teal: modern and resort-style
- White: bright but shows dirt a bit too easily
Darker colours can absorb more heat, which is good in cooler months
DIY vs Professional Pool Painting
DIY is tempting - paint is everywhere and it can be a cost-effective option. But many a pool paint job has gone wrong due to:
- Not doing enough surface prep
- Using the wrong paint system for the job
- Applying paint in dodgy weather
Pro pool painters Sydney understand what makes a good paint job happen - and how to do it safely in confined spaces.
In cities like Sydney, places like Painters Link are often the go-to solution for pool painting projects because they get the prep work right and use coatings that are suited to our Australian weather - reducing the risk of it all peeling or fading
When Should You Paint a Pool?
Timing is everything.
Spring and summer are usually the best times - just avoid high humidity, rain or extreme heat during application
Plan ahead - your pool needs some downtime before you can refill it and start swimming
Paint it just before peak summer and you'll be ready to go when the weather warms up.
Final Thoughts
Swimming pool painting - one of the smartest upgrades an Aussie homeowner can make. It gives a new lease on life to tired pools, gives a big tick to hygiene and protects the underlying structure all without the eye-watering cost of major renovations.
The secret to a good job is picking the right paint system, getting the surface spot on and slapping it on under the right conditions. Get it right & a newly painted pool not only looks the goods – it’s also going to last longer and feel like a dream to use.
If your pool is starting to look a bit worse for wear but the structure is still sound, a fresh coat of paint might be just the thing to give it a new life and have it shining again for many summers to come...