Rule 1. Know what type of paint the existing is. Use the same type. If it's unknown, then you should choose a paint company that knows what's what.

The two biggest names in my area are Sau-Sea, which only makes pool paints, AFAIK and the other is Olympic, the paint division of Kelly Coatings. I've used both. They both worked well.

Send a sample totaling about 1", large pieces preferred to the vendor for testing unless the contractor doing the job knows how.

If the pool has several layers or different types, it may need to have them removed. The two ways I know are sandblasting, fast and which can make a HUGE mess without precautions taken or hydro blasting it off with a very powerful pressure washer, significantly more time consuming but a lot less messy.

Rule 2. Replaster. More cost effective, Lasts and lasts. Maintains value of the pool,

Scott

Thanks for the reply poolguy.
I already have the paint for the pool.
What I really need to know is,Does the effect of the acid scrub wear off after a period of time??
Because of work commitments,after I prep the surface I would need to leave the pool for a couple or weeks before I paint the surface...

The purpose of the acid wash is to etch a good surface. The TSP will neutralize and clean it after. If you leave it for a couple weeks, you will need to clean it again anyway because stuff will get in while you are away. Wait on the acid/tsp washes till you get back.

Scott

I wouldn't leave the pool empty for 2 weeks. Pressure wash then sprinkle acid on with a garden watering can. Paint is a waste of time. If your gunite has craters and cracks it is time for plaster.