How to renovate a concrete or cement pool step by step

Although it is not a complicated task, when painting a concrete, masonry or cement pool, there are a number of factors that must be taken into account. This tutorial shows how to renovate a concrete pool step by step to obtain a long-lasting result and maintain its properties throughout the year.

If we are going to renovate a swimming pool, it is essential to choose good quality products, as well as to apply them correctly. Otherwise, all the effort could be in vain since an excessively cheap paint loses its color and impermeability shortly after applying it.

In this sense, Baixens has a system for the rehabilitation and waterproofing of swimming pools which guarantees a good result. This system is made up of:

  • B-14 Pool repair, which is ideal for leveling walls and renovating ornamental borders, fixing the railing and stairs, repairing pool tiles and covering cracks and chips
  • CX-23 Juntadur Universal, which is a grouting mortar for tile joints between 0 and 20 mm
  • RX-520 Selladur Flex, which is used in concrete structures for waterproofing as protection against humidity and water penetration
  • RX-529 Rualaix paint for swimming pools, which is a special acrylic paint for decorating and painting swimming pools.

rehabilitate a concrete pool

How to renovate a concrete pool step by step

In the following video tutorial you can see how to renovate a concrete pool step by step:

In general, the steps to be followed are as follows:

1º.- Prepare the pool

If the pool is full, it should be emptied and allowed to dry before any repairs are made. Once it has dried, the poorly adhered tile pieces will be removed and the walls will be scratched with a spatula to remove all the loose paint. Finally, the walls will be cleaned to remove dust and microorganisms.

prepare the pool before painting

2º.- Repair cracks

For repair the cracks It will be necessary to check whether or not they are subject to movement, since each one requires a different putty and procedure.

Cracks subject to movement or dynamics are those that appear due to the expansion and contraction movements that the structure supports. For its repair, it requires a special putty capable of absorbing this type of movement. The steps to follow will be:

  1. Open the crack with the help of a spatula and clean the dust that is generated.
  2. Fill the crack with an elastic filler reinforced with fiberglass. To do this, use a spatula and press well into the hole.
  3. Wait for it to dry and apply a second layer.

For the re-covering of cracks of non-structural origin, the pool repairer B-14 de Baixens. For its preparation, add 1 kg of powder to 0.35 l of water and knead until a consistent paste is obtained. It will be applied with a stainless steel trowel or spatula, opening the crack if necessary. Drying will be achieved 3 or 4 hours after application, but 24 hours must pass before painting.

repair pool cracks

3º.- Replace the tile

In the event that it is necessary to replace tile pieces and grout them again, B-14 Pool Repair will be applied to glue them and CX-23 Baixens Universal Gasket to put them together.

CX-23 Juntadur Universal is a special mortar for swimming pools, since it is waterproof. For its application, it will be mixed with water (approximately 40% per kg) until a thick paste is obtained. Next, it will be left to rest for a few minutes and applied with a trowel, spreading the mortar and pressing to fill the joints. When it has partially dried, the remaining material will be removed with the flame and with water once it has completely dried.

replace pool tile

4º.- Paint the pool

The last step will be to apply the paint for swimming pools RX-529 Rualaix de Baixens. This water-based paint has the following characteristics that make it ideal for the rehabilitation and repainting of swimming pools:

  • It is very easy to work with as it adheres easily
  • It is very covering and has a great performance
  • Resists the alkalinity of the water
  • It is practically odorless
  • it is washable
  • It has anti-mold preservative
  • It can be chosen in the colors blue, white and aquamarine

Its application can be done by brush, roller or airless spray. A first coat will be given on the walls of the pool and a minimum of 8 hours will pass for its total drying. After this time, a second coat of finish will be applied and you will wait a minimum of 8 days to fill the pool and enjoy it as if it were new.

On the other hand, it must be taken into account that the hours of greatest incidence of the sun should be avoided when painting the pool. For this reason, it is advisable to give a first coat at sunrise and the second at sunset, for example.

how to paint a pool

How to waterproof a swimming pool

To waterproof a swimming pool and prevent water leaks, the flexible cementitious waterproofing membrane reinforced with fiberglass must be applied. RX-520 Sealdur Flex by Baixens. Its characteristics make it ideal for waterproofing, humidity control and increased physical resistance for concrete structures. Therefore, it can be used in water tanks, construction pools, basement walls, concrete pipes, terraces, balconies, etc. either in the form of paint or putty:

  • Paint: it will be mixed with water (25 to 27% per kg), it will be kneaded until a liquid paste is obtained and it will be left to rest for about 5 minutes. It will then be applied with a brush or a short-haired roller. To avoid sagging when walls are painted, each layer should not exceed 2 mm thick.
  • Putty: it will be mixed with water (20 to 25% per kg), it will be kneaded until a homogeneous paste is obtained and it will be left to rest for about 5 minutes. It will then be applied with a trowel or spatula in layers not exceeding 4 mm thick.

Finally, it is recommended that the pool concrete be clean and free of fungi, microorganisms, grease and dirt to facilitate the adherence of the product. In addition, if the concrete is too dry, it must be previously moistened with a brush, roller or sponge.

Why do concrete pools have to be painted every several years?

Despite the filters and chlorine used in swimming pools, dirt, dust and grease settles on the walls. Although it is the sun in summer and the cold in winter that most affect the paint and end up spoiling it, especially if it is of low quality. This causes cracks to form which can lead to water leaks and paint peeling off.

For this reason, it is very important paint the pool every 2 or 3 years for proper maintenance and to prevent deterioration.

swimming pool paint renovation

I hope that with this step-by-step guide and the tips above you will achieve renovate your concrete pool and keep it like new. If you liked this post, you can see many more guides on DIY and decoration at and on .

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