Standard Epoxy vs EPOTEC Pool Paints from Hitchins Technologies

Here are some important factors to consider before you purchase any pool coatings - information that will save you money and increase your enjoyment of your pool.

Firstly, there are 2 main types of pool coatings: Chlorinated Rubber (pool paint, rubber paint) and Epoxy. Chlorinated Rubber is a cheaper maintenance type paint which lasts 1-2 years before needing to be recoated. Often used in council pools which are recoated each winter. It requires an absolutely dry surface of 7-14 days drying, is very smelly, and is not easy to use. Not recommended, if seeking a long-lasting finish.

Epoxy coatings are more durable and come in several types:

General Grade: as seen in paint shops, for use on concrete floors, workshops, or steel work. These are not designed for use in swimming pools. They will be too thin and only last about 3-5 years.
Pool Grade: from specialist suppliers only (not sold in shops) and will last much longer in pools as designed for 24/7 water immersion, are chlorine, chemical, and UV resistant. For these coatings, all else being equal, durability relates to how thick the paint film is in your pool. As they slowly wear away the thicker the paint film, the longer they last, saving you the hassle to empty and recoat your pool before it's due. As a guide, you can expect 7-12 years of service life when applied correctly (not spread out too far).

EPOTEC is called a high build epoxy coating, meaning it goes on thick to give you maximum thickness and thus durability in only 2 coats. All others spread out too thin and therefore you need 3 coats to get the same thickness and equal service life.