Swimming Pool Codes - City of Fargo

One of the main reasons for painting, however, is for protection of the concrete againstwinter weather. Moisture can penetrate unprotected concrete. Alternate freezing andthawing within the pores will cause the concrete to spall off. In addition, tiny cracks willbecome enlarged and the exposed reinforcing rods will tend to rust and expand, damaging theconcrete.The most popular coatings for swimming pool use are cement base, rubber base, vinyl, andepoxy paints.A. A cement base paint will give an acceptable finish at the least cost, but it isless durable than the more expensive paints. Generally, a cement base paintcan be expected to last about one season.B. Rubber base paints cost more, but they have an appearance and durabilitysuperior to the cement base paints.C. Vinyl paints give superior finish and have a life expectancy of 1 to 2 years.Vinyl requires a spray application and, more often than not, removes it fromthe do-it-yourself category.D. Epoxy paints are expensive and difficult to apply, but they give a long lastingfinish of high quality. A professional should apply epoxy paints.The quality and durability of any paint application is substantially dependent upon thesurface to which it is applied. Applying the best of pool paints over a loose and scalingsurface will give disappointing results. Follow the directions supplied with the paint and payparticular attention to requirements regarding surface preparation.29