Proper surface preparation is the most important step in achieving strong coating adhesion and a lasting finish. Clean, etch, rinse, and dry the surface before applying your Olympic coating.
Soap products can leave a film on the surface that causes poor coating adhesion. Use Olympic No. 910 Pool Washing Compound, tri-sodium phosphate, or Olympic Prep Magic as directed.
The amount of coating you need is closely related to the smoothness of the pool surface. Use the formula below that most closely resembles your pool shape to estimate the total square feet of your pool interior.
Length × Width × 1.6
Length × Width × 1.55
Length × Width × 1.65
Length × Width × 1.65
Length × Width × 1.6
After estimating total square feet, check the selected product’s coverage rate to determine how many gallons you will need. Rough or porous surfaces may require additional coating.
Mix eight ounces of pool washing compound or tri-sodium phosphate with each gallon of warm water.
Scrub the pool in approximately 10-foot sections, rinse immediately, and do not allow the cleaning solution to dry on the surface.
Acid etching is required on bare concrete or plaster and helps remove chalky residue or hard mineral deposits on previously coated pools.
The surface should feel like fine sandpaper when properly etched.
After etching, wash the pool again to neutralize all traces of acid left on the surface.
Allow the pool to dry before coating, unless using Poxoprime II, which is compatible with wet surfaces.
Mix a ten percent muriatic acid solution in a plastic bucket. One gallon of 30% acid mixed with two gallons of water yields three gallons of 10% solution.
One gallon of 10% solution is sufficient for etching approximately 100 square feet of pool surface.
Never pour water into acid. Always pour acid into water and wear protective eyewear.
Do not mix acid solution in a galvanized container.
Sand fiberglass surfaces in straight lines with coarse sandpaper to create a mechanical bond for the epoxy coating. Do not use an orbital sander. After sanding, follow the pool washing procedure. No acid washing is needed.
Prep Magic turns the traditional 3-step surface preparation process into an easy 1-step solution. Mix with water, clean the surface, and rinse.
Clean the surface thoroughly, acid etch masonry surfaces when required, rinse completely, and follow the correct application instructions for your Olympic coating system.
View Application Guide