Marbelite Pool Paint is a cement-compatible coating that renews the surface of a marbelite or smooth cement pool, restoring an old, patchy interior to a clean White or Blue finish. It is a paint that goes over marbelite — not the marbelite plaster itself. Rhinoluxe Marbelite Pool Paint bonds to the porous pool surface and builds a smooth, durable film for permanent immersion. This guide explains what marbelite is, when to paint versus re-plaster, and how to do it.
What is a marbelite pool finish?
Marbelite is a smooth cement-based plaster used to line swimming pools, giving the familiar hard, white or coloured interior surface. It is trowelled onto the pool shell to create a dense, water-tight finish that is comfortable underfoot and easy to keep clean. Over years of sun, pool chemicals and use, a marbelite surface fades, chalks, roughens and stains — which is when it needs either repainting or, if it has failed structurally, re-plastering.
Is Marbelite Pool Paint the same as marbelite plaster?
No — marbelite plaster is the cement plaster that lines the pool, while Marbelite Pool Paint is a coating you paint over a marbelite surface to renew it. This is an important distinction: if your marbelite is sound but tired, you paint it with Marbelite Pool Paint to restore the colour and surface. If the plaster is crumbling, hollow or badly cracked, it needs re-plastering (a new marbelite layer) first — painting will not fix failing plaster. Choose based on the state of the surface.
When should you paint a marbelite pool?
Paint a marbelite pool when the surface is sound but faded, chalky, stained or patchy — not leaking or crumbling. A coat of Marbelite Pool Paint is the quick, cost-effective way to bring a tired but structurally sound pool back to a clean, even finish. It renews the look and gives a fresh, easy-clean surface without the cost and disruption of re-plastering. If the pool is losing water or the plaster is lifting, deal with that structural repair first.
What surfaces does Marbelite Pool Paint suit?
Marbelite Pool Paint is made for marbelite and smooth-walled cement or plaster pools — not fibreglass or vinyl-lined pools. It is a cement-compatible coating, so it grips the porous cement surface where a general paint would peel. Fibreglass pools need a specialist gelcoat or fibreglass system, and vinyl liners are replaced rather than painted. Confirm your pool is marbelite or smooth cement before you start. For the full comparison, see the pool paint types guide.
How do you paint a marbelite pool?
Drain the pool, dry it fully, clean off algae and chalk, etch a bare marbelite surface, then apply two even coats and cure before refilling. Marbelite is dense, so a bare surface must be acid-etched or keyed for the coating to bond. Remove algae, scale and any loose old paint, rinse and dry, then apply Marbelite Pool Paint in two even coats, letting each dry to the recoat time. Let the final coat cure fully before refilling so the film hardens against constant immersion. The full step-by-step is in how to paint a pool.
What colours does it come in?
Marbelite Pool Paint comes in classic pool White and Blue. White gives a bright interior and a light, clear aqua water colour; Blue deepens the water to a traditional pool blue. Both are the standard marbelite pool shades and both are formulated to hold their colour under sun and pool chemistry. Pick by the water colour you prefer — the surface colour drives how the water reads.
How long does a marbelite pool finish last?
A re-plastered marbelite surface lasts many years, and a fresh coat of Marbelite Pool Paint lasts several years before it needs a refresh — both depending on water balance, sun and maintenance. Keeping the water chemistry balanced, brushing regularly and avoiding harsh chemical shocks all extend the finish. When a painted surface dulls or chalks, it is drained, cleaned and recoated, which is far cheaper and quicker than a full re-plaster. Neglected water chemistry is the fastest way to shorten the life of any pool finish.
How much does it cost to paint a marbelite pool?
Painting is a fraction of the cost of re-plastering, with the main spend being the paint itself over two coats plus the preparation time. Measure the pool's internal surface area (floor plus walls), double it for two coats, and check coverage on the tin. Marbelite Pool Paint comes in 5 litre (L) and 20 L, so most domestic pools take one or more 20 L tins. For current pricing, see the product page or the full price list.
Where to buy
Shop Rhinoluxe Marbelite Pool Paint in White and Blue with national delivery, or visit our paint shops in Table View, Cape Town and Edenvale, Johannesburg. For advice, call +27 84 985 6141. See the full pool paint guide.
