If you’ve got a pool in Brisbane, you know our climate is both a blessing and a curse. Perfect for swimming almost year-round, but brutal on pool surfaces.
That beautiful blue pool can quickly become rough, stained and uninviting if not properly maintained.
What Brisbane’s climate does to your pool
Our Queensland sun is about as harsh as it gets. Those UV rays don’t just give you sunburn… they’re slowly breaking down your pool surface day after day.
Add in our humidity and those dramatic shifts between drought and downpour, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for pool deterioration.
The truth is, a pool in Brisbane ages differently than one in Melbourne or Perth. Our specific climate conditions speed up the breakdown of surface materials, especially when the pool gets heavy use during our long swimming season.
How to tell your pool needs help
Most pool owners wait too long before addressing surface issues. By then, small problems have become big ones that cost more to fix. Here’s what to look out for:
- Run your hand along the pool surface. Feel anything rough or abrasive? That’s the beginning of serious deterioration.
- Notice white powder on your hands after touching the pool surface? That chalky residue means your surface is breaking down.
- Spending more on chemicals than you used to? Deteriorating surfaces absorb more chemicals, forcing you to add more to maintain water balance.
- Fighting persistent algae problems despite proper chemical treatment? Those tiny crevices in a worn surface make perfect homes for algae that chemicals can’t easily reach.
- Seeing stains that won’t go away no matter how you treat them? They’re likely embedded in a porous, damaged surface.
These aren’t just cosmetic issues. They affect your enjoyment, your maintenance costs, and ultimately, your property value.
Pool coating options explained simply
Epoxy pool coatings are the premium choice. They’re incredibly tough, resist chemicals and typically last 7-10 years in Brisbane conditions. They cost more upfront but save money in the long run through extended lifespan and reduced maintenance. These are perfect for pools in full sun or those with significant surface damage.
What proper pool coating actually involves
A proper pool restoration is much more than just “painting” your pool. Here’s what should happen:
1. Thorough assessment
Before anything else, your pool needs a proper inspection to identify all issues – not just the obvious ones. This creates a roadmap for the entire project.
2. Proper draining and preparation
Draining a pool properly is crucial. It’s not just about getting the water out – it’s about preventing structural damage from groundwater pressure, especially in Brisbane’s clay soil areas.
3. Surface preparation (the step everyone tries to skip)
This is where corners often get cut, but it’s the absolute key to longevity. Proper preparation includes:
- High-pressure cleaning to remove contaminants
- Acid etching or grinding to create a surface that coating can properly bond to
- Repairing cracks, chips and damaged areas
- Thorough sanding to create a smooth base
Skimping here guarantees premature failure. That cheap quote you got? Ask exactly what preparation is included.
4. Primer application
Professional jobs include applying a proper primer designed specifically for underwater use. This creates the chemical bond that keeps coating from peeling or flaking.
5. Professional coating application
The final coating needs to be applied with proper thickness, appropriate drying time between coats, and careful attention to edges and details. Temperature and humidity during application drastically affect results… another reason DIY attempts often fail in Brisbane’s variable conditions.
The benefits beyond just looks
While a freshly coated pool looks fantastic, the practical benefits might be even more important:
- You’ll use fewer chemicals. Smooth, non-porous surfaces don’t absorb chemicals like deteriorated ones do. Many pool owners report using 25-40% less chlorine after restoration.
- You’ll save water. Properly coated pools minimise water loss through microscopic cracks – important during water restrictions.
- Your equipment lasts longer. Rough surfaces make pool cleaners and pumps work harder, shortening their lifespan.
- Swimming becomes more enjoyable. No more rough surfaces that scratch skin or snag swimwear.
When to take action
If you’ve noticed any warning signs, don’t wait until your pool looks truly terrible. Each season with a compromised surface makes the eventual restoration more expensive.
Contact C&D Professional Coating Services at 0404 589 554 for an honest assessment of your pool’s condition.