How to Choose the Right Powder Coating for
Your Aquatic Facility
When selecting aquatic equipment, durability is a given, but the right powder coating can make the difference between equipment that simply performs and equipment that lasts, looks great, and enhances your facility’s identity.
At Spectrum Aquatics, powder coating is more than a finishing touch. It’s a carefully selected protective system designed to withstand harsh aquatic environments while giving customers the flexibility to achieve the look they want.
Here’s what to consider when choosing the right powder coating for your project.
1. Start with the Environment
The environment your equipment will live in plays a major role in selecting the right powder coating.
- Indoor Pools
Indoor natatoriums typically have controlled exposure to sunlight but are high in humidity and chemicals due to the trapped environment. Powder coatings in these spaces should prioritize corrosion resistance and ease of cleaning while complementing interior design elements. - Outdoor Pools
Outdoor aquatic environments demand more. UV exposure, temperature swings, and weather conditions all impact long-term performance. For outdoor installations, it’s important to select powder coatings with UV-resistant pigments that help maintain color vibrancy and prevent fading over time.
2. Choose Colors with Purpose
Color is one of the most visible decisions you’ll make, and it should be intentional.
- Blend or Stand Out
Neutral tones can help equipment blend seamlessly into the pool deck, while bold colors can highlight features, reinforce branding, or enhance visibility for safety. - Brand and Team Identity
Many facilities use powder coating to match school colors, municipal branding, or architectural themes. Using consistent colors across rails, lifts, and deck equipment creates a cohesive, professional appearance.
From the Cisco Grab Rails and Motion Trek BP400 to the Discovery Lifeguard Chairs and Xcellerator Starting Platforms, all of the Spectrum Aquatics Stainless Steel is custom powder-coated Westfield Washington green.
3. Understand Finish Types
Powder coating isn’t just about color; the finish matters, too.
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Shimmer Finish
A subtle, light sparkle that gently catches the light, adding dimension and visual interest without overpowering the base color. Ideal for facilities looking to elevate their design with a refined, understated accent. -
Sparkle Finish
A vibrant, glitter-like appearance that delivers bold visual impact. This finish is perfect for statement pieces, team colors, or recreational spaces where energy and fun take center stage. -
Gloss Finish
A smooth, high-sheen finish that offers a clean, polished look. Gloss finishes enhance color vibrancy and are easy to maintain, making them a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor applications. -
Matte Finish
A smooth, low sheen finish that reduces glare and delivers a modern appearance while maintaining the same durable, protective performance. -
Clear Finish
A standard, transparent protective coating that seals and protects the underlying surface while preserving its natural appearance. Ideal when durability is the priority and minimal visual impact is desired.
The matte Tequila Sunrise custom powder-coat color shines against the blue of the pool water, making these Xcellerator Starting Blocks the undeniable star of the
Nitro Swimming Complex in Kyle, TX.
4. Consider Maintenance and Longevity
The right powder coating can reduce long-term maintenance demands.
Powder coating does more than enhance the appearance of aquatic equipment; it adds a critical layer of protection to the stainless steel beneath.
By creating a durable, sealed finish, powder coating acts as a barrier between the metal surface and harsh aquatic environments, helping shield equipment from moisture, chemicals, and daily wear. This added layer of protection reduces direct exposure that can lead to corrosion, discoloration, or surface degradation over time.
In high-humidity, chemically treated pool environments, powder coating plays an important role in keeping stainless steel looking clean, performing reliably, and resisting rust so your equipment maintains its integrity and appearance for years to come.
Finished in Alien Silver with a clear powder coat, the Cisco Grab Rails at Brownsburg High School offer added durability while preserving a subtle, unobtrusive look.
Powder Coating That Works as Hard as Your Facility
Our powder coating process is engineered to ensure optimal adhesion to stainless steel, producing a durable finish that resists chipping, cracking, and premature wear. This performance is driven by strict surface preparation and quality control measures throughout manufacturing. Each weld is hand-polished to remove surface contaminants and imperfections that could compromise coating adhesion or lead to corrosion over time.
All powder-coated stainless steel components then undergo a proprietary application and curing process developed and refined by our manufacturing team to ensure consistent coating thickness, long-term corrosion resistance, and a uniform, high-quality finish suitable for demanding aquatic environments.
Allow us to help you select powder coating solutions that strike the right balance between performance, durability, and design, ensuring equipment not only looks great on day one, but continues to perform reliably for years to come. If you’re ready to explore color options or need guidance choosing the right finish for your environment, our team is here to help.
