Picture this: It’s a scorching hot summer day, and the only thing on your mind is to dive into your beautiful backyard pool. But upon closer inspection, you discover the dreaded cracks and leaks within your pool’s lining. It’s time for a new pool coating, but what if there was a material that could outlast and outperform any other pool coating material on the market? Introducing polyurea – the potential future of pool coatings.
In this in-depth article, we will explore the wonders of polyurea and answer the question of the pool industry: Can you coat a pool with polyurea?
What is Polyurea?
Polyurea is a type of elastomer, a polymer with exceptional flexibility and resistance to wear. First introduced in the 1980s, it was initially used for industrial applications like tank linings and truck bed liners. However, polyurea’s impressive properties have led to its use in various other industries, from construction to, you guessed it, pools.
With its excellent adhesion properties, polyurea forms a seamless, waterproof, and exceptionally durable coating. It can bond to various surfaces such as concrete, steel, wood, and even fiberglass. Its quick curing time, typically within seconds, further adds to its appeal, as it minimizes downtime and allows for speedy project completion.
Why Consider Polyurea for Pool Coatings?
Traditional pool coatings such as epoxy, plaster, and vinyl have their pros and cons; however, polyurea outshines them in several aspects. Let’s take a closer look at the advantages of using polyurea as a pool coating:
Durability
Polyurea is incredibly resistant to abrasion, chemicals, and UV exposure. It’s also highly elastic, which can accommodate the pool structure’s natural expansion and contraction without cracking or peeling. This is an obvious advantage compared to traditional coating materials, which tend to wear down and require more frequent replacement.
Waterproofing
One of the primary aims of a pool coating is to create a watertight seal. Polyurea’s seamless application ensures complete waterproofing, keeping water in the pool and preventing any leaks. This minimizes the need for costly repairs, ultimately saving you money in the long run.
Quick Curing Times
As mentioned earlier, polyurea cures extremely fast—typically within seconds. This is a significant advantage, especially for public or commercial pools, where downtime is undesirable. A faster curing time means less waiting before filling up the pool and getting back to swimming.
Versatility
Despite its remarkable durability, polyurea remains flexible and can be applied to virtually any pool surface: concrete, steel, wood, or even fiberglass. This makes it a practical choice for new pool construction or refurbishments regardless of the initial pool material.
Polyurea Coating: The Process
The coating process of a pool using polyurea spray coatings is a quick and easy way to protect a pool from wear and tear. The process involves applying multiple layers of the polyurea material over the entire surface area of the pool. This layer creates a waterproof seal that prevents water damage, UV exposure, and staining. The first step in the coating process is to ensure that the surface area to be coated is free from any kind of debris, dust or dirt. Once this is done, an abrasive blast will be used to prepare the surface for optimal bond between the coating and the pool’s surface. The thickness of this layer can range anywhere from 30-60 mils (thousandths of an inch). Once this preparation is complete, the spraying process begins. A specialized sprayer applies multiple layers on top of each other until they reach their desired thickness. Depending on the size and complexity of the pool there could be up to six different layers sprayed for maximum protection from weathering and chemicals. After each layer has been applied it needs to cure before proceeding with another application. This curing time generally takes around 24 hours, but this may vary depending on what type of environment or weather conditions are present at the time of application. Once all applications have been cured completely then it’s ready for use! Polyurea spray coatings are becoming increasingly popular due its quick drying time, superior waterproofing capabilities, as well as its resistance towards extreme temperatures and chemicals present in pools such as chlorine or saltwater systems. Its strong adhesion also makes it a great choice for permanently securing tiles or other decorative elements in place near your pool without having to worry about peeling or cracking if exposed to water.
Want to become a certified polyurea coating expert? Or are you looking for a professional applicator to spray your pool for you?
Armorthane is the leading polyurea coating expert, with applicators located around the globe. Their polyurea coatings are designed to be incredibly durable and resilient, providing long-lasting protection for a wide range of surfaces. ArmorThane’s proprietary formulations have been tested and proven to provide superior performance in extreme weather conditions, such as UV exposure, salt water immersion, and chemical resistance. With Armorthane’s experienced applicators located worldwide, they can ensure that your surface receives the premium level of protection it deserves.