Pools Painted Black – Advantages and Disadvantages?

Swimming pools are built in several shapes and colors, blue being the most common. 

But have you ever heard of black pool? Are they better than a traditional blue pool? Let’s look at the pros and cons of black above-ground pools to know if they’re a suitable choice for your property or not.

Advantages of a Black Pool

A black swimming pool is not a new concept; they have been around for a long time, and their owners appreciate their unique appearance despite their names.

If you want to make a statement and impress your friends, a black pool is a way to go. These look luxurious and elegant and can show different colors, like dark blue or gray, depending on the property, design, and time of day.

Not only for the aesthetics, but black bottom pools have recently gained popularity for several other reasons. Here are some of them…

1. Absorbs Heat

A black bottom pool is different from a regular pool because the sun naturally warms up the water due to the pool’s dark bottom. This makes the water typically more comfortable to swim in compared to a regular pool, especially for those who live in colder climates.

However, a black pool is not ideal in a warmer climate, as it will keep the water temperature higher.

2. Requires Less Chlorine

Unlike blue-colored pools, dark bottom pools don’t require as much chlorine on a regular basis because the black color absorbs more sunlight, which naturally helps to keep the water clean. This also means there’s less chance for algae to grow on the pool’s surface.

So, if you’re looking for a low-maintenance pool, a black bottom one can be a good option.

3. Hide Dirt and Stains Better

Light-colored pools make any dirt or stains visible, whereas, in black pools, they will be hidden. Also, the maintenance of black in-ground pools is low compared to blue pools because you don’t have to worry about color fading.

But remember that since the black color can make it difficult to see dirt and debris in the water, you must clean your pool more often to maintain hygienic conditions.

And also, in extremely hot places, the black paint on the pool can start to fade and erode over time from the sun and chemicals, which means you may need to repaint your pool more often than you would with a blue pool.

Disadvantages of a Black Color Pool

With various benefits, black-colored pools also have some disadvantages that you should know about before you decide to go with them.

1. Higher Initial Cost

The installation cost of a black bottom pool is higher than regular pools, as the paint used for it is more expensive. The cost of painting an entire pool can easily add up to thousands of dollars, so if you’re working with a tight budget, then this might not be an ideal choice for you.

2. It Can Get Extremely Hot

A black pool may not be the best choice for people who live in warmer climates and want to swim comfortably in the summer. The water in these pools can become uncomfortably hot due to their ability to absorb more sunlight.

So, if you plan to enjoy weekends with your loved ones in your backyard more often, you might want to consider a different option.

3. Legality and Safety Concerns

Another disadvantage of black-colored pools is that they can be illegal in some areas because they may attract snakes and pests, causing inconvenience to your neighbors. Therefore, make sure to check your local laws before opting for a black-colored pool.

Also, be aware that black pools can be difficult to see in the evenings and may blend in with their surroundings. This increases the risk of accidents for small children or pets. If you have kids using the pool, it is recommended to add some lights around the area to keep it well-lit.

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How to Paint Your Swimming Pool Bottom Black?

Although blue is more common, painting your pool’s bottom black can give your backyard a more modern look. Here are a few steps to follow to get started on this project.

1. Clean and Prepare the Pool

Preparing the pool for painting includes draining the water, cleaning the surface, and sanding any rough spots. 

• Drain the water out of the pool and remove any debris using a skimmer.
• Use a pressure washer or a stiff-bristled brush to scrub the pool’s surfaces to remove dirt or algae.
• Rinse the surface with Tri-Sodium Phosphate (TSP) to remove the deposited oils and acid wash to roughen up the surface.
• If there are any cracks or holes, fill them with waterproof epoxy-based putty and allow them to dry for a few hours.
• Rinse the pool with water and allow it to dry before beginning the painting process.

Following these steps will ensure that your pool bottom is clean and ready for a fresh coat of paint, which will add elegance and improve your swimming experience.

2. Choose the Right Type of Paint

There are various types of pool paint available, and the type of black paint you choose will depend on the pool’s surface, which will determine the longevity and quality of your pool.

• Epoxy paints are the most durable for concrete, bare plaster, or marcite pools.
• This can endure the effects of UV rays, chemical treatments, and automatic pool cleaners and has a lifespan of up to 7 years when applied correctly to a swimming pool.
• The only disadvantage is that epoxy paint is more expensive and will require more drying time than other types of paint.

Acrylic enamel and rubber-based pool paints are other options for painting a pool’s bottom. They require fewer steps, are more economical, and have a shorter drying time than epoxy. But, they don’t last as long and are susceptible to fading under the continuous effect of UV rays, chemical treatments, and pool cleaners.

Your choice of paint should also depend on the size and shape of your pool, the weather conditions in your area, and climate changes. So, read the labels carefully to ensure you get the correct type of paint for your specific pool painting project.

3. Apply the Primer and Paint to Your Pool

If your pool surface is unpainted or too rough, it’s recommended to apply a primer first which will help to enhance the adhesion and increase the longevity of the final coat of paint. The type of primer may vary, depending on the surface of your pool, so choose the one that’s best suited for your pool surface.

For applying the primer and black paint to the pool, get an extension pole attached to a 3/8-inch nap roller. Also, use a small cut-in paintbrush for corners, around steps, and other hard-to-reach areas.

Start priming the pool surface from the deep end and move towards the shallow end. After you’ve applied the primer to an entire area, allow it to dry for 2-3 hours. Then, apply the paint and let it dry for about 3-6 hours. The drying time for a coat of paint can vary depending on temperature, wind, and humidity. Avoid applying a second coat too soon if the first one has not dried yet.

After applying the final coat of paint, allow it to cure for at least a week. Be sure to give it more time to dry if it rains or gets moist while you are drying your painted pool.

When the pool paint is fully dry, you can fill it with water. Ensure that the pH, alkalinity, and hardness levels are balanced. Also, continue with routine pool maintenance as usual.

Tips for Keeping Your Black-Painted Pool Clean and Fresh

Maintaining a black-painted pool bottom requires care and attention, but the rewards of having a beautiful and modern-looking pool are unquestionable. By following these five tips, you can preserve the depth and color of your pool bottom and keep it fresh and clean for years.

1. Use a gentle pool brush – The first thing you should keep in mind is to use a gentle pool brush when cleaning your black-painted pool. An abrasive brush can scratch the pool’s surface and cause the paint to peel off, creating discoloration and a shabby look. So, opt for a softer brush from nylon bristles that can remove dirt and debris without harming the pool surface.

2. Install a pool cover – Installing a pool cover can help keep debris and dirt out of your pool, which can ultimately lead to less cleaning and maintenance required. A pool cover can also prevent the sun’s UV rays from hitting the pool water, which can result in a premature breakdown of the paint.

3. Keep the water chemistry balanced and clean the filter regularly – Unbalanced pH levels, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness can affect the quality of the paint and cause it to deteriorate. Monitor and adjust the water chemistry regularly to prevent damage to your pool bottom.

Also, keep in mind that a dirty filter can cause debris to accumulate in the pool water and settle on the pool bottom. This can lead to discoloration and stains, which can be challenging to remove. Regularly cleaning the filter can help to keep your pool clean and prevent discoloration.

The Bottom Line

Swimming pool owners often opt for blue paint or tiles to correspond with the color of the sky. In addition, blue is a highly visible color, which makes it easier to spot problems like leaks or algae growth in the pools.

Furthermore, when tourists look for destinations with white sand beaches and blue ocean water, it is this color combination they are searching for. And that’s why hotels and resorts paint their swimming pools blue – to create a beach-like atmosphere that appears cooler and more inviting on a hot day.

However, the downside of sky blue paint on the pool’s bottom and liner is that it can fade over time due to exposure to sunlight and chemicals. So, if you want a more permanent color option, consider using tiles or darker colors like black instead.