Pool Paint Calculator

How it works

area = floor + perimeter × average depth · rectangular floor sloped by √(1 + (Δdepth ÷ length)²) · oval perimeter (Ramanujan) ≈ π[3(a + b) − √((3a + b)(a + 3b))] · paint = area ÷ coverage × coats

Pool paint is applied to the whole wetted shell, so the area is the floor plus the walls (perimeter × average depth). Typical coverage from pool-coating makers is about 150–250 sq ft per gallon per coat for epoxy and 250–350 for chlorinated-rubber and acrylic topcoats, with the first coat on bare or sandblasted plaster spreading noticeably less because the porous surface absorbs it. Two coats are standard; never mix chemistries — epoxy only goes over epoxy, rubber over rubber. Steps, benches and coves add a little extra area, so round up.

Worked example

An 8 × 4 m rectangular pool 1.0 m to 1.8 m deep has a sloped floor of 32.2 m² and walls of 2 × (8 + 4) × 1.4 = 33.6 m², 65.8 m² in all. Epoxy at 200 sq ft/gal (4.9 m²/L) needs 13.4 L per coat, so 2 coats take 26.8 L — one 19 L pail plus two 4 L cans. Bought as 7 cans of 4 L at $90 the paint costs $630.00.

Sources: Composite Paint — Epoxy pool paint coverage and coats · Composite Paint — Rubber-base pool paint

Frequently asked questions