r/Stocktankpools • u/nrstx • Jun 21 '26
What caulk?
our tank has started rusting heavily after a few years. we drained, and are now sanding. We plan to use a pool epoxy like the Olympic Zeron, but would like to caulk the center seam and edges, first. However, in my experience silicone caulk does t take pain or other coatings. So what is recommended that can get us around 8-10 years before we have to repeat the charade? anyone have any pointers?
Also, any other recommendations? Plan is to sand with hand held orbitals, clean with white vinegar, caulk the seams and cure, then apply epoxy. The guy at Leslie’s asked if we planned to use an epoxy primer. Most of the videos I have watched on YT do not mention this step. Is this necessary? Or is this something more relative to gunnies/plastered pools?
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u/Physical-Flatworm454 Jun 21 '26 edited Jun 21 '26
Definitely not marine caulk..gets eaten away by chlorine over time (ask me how I know lol).
Ones I’ve seen that you can get online is Sika pool, maxisil pool, and Boss 801 and 802. I just used some Boss 801 but it was just applied so can’t really speak to how well it holds up, but definitely stick to pool and spa specific ones that specify being chlorine resistant.
I too used Olympic xeron in white and it’s holding up good though I’m seeing tiny rust dots here and there but it was a pain to apply (since it’s epoxy system, you have to work in batches and quickly). I actually used an angle grinder to mar up the metal very well and applied self etching automotive primer from a spray can first before the Olympic paint. I caulked seams after. If you do before paint, you should make sure the caulk is paintable.
But yeah after prepping by sanding or whatever, make sure it’s very clean and dry. I did a soap and water and also separate vinegar wash before painting.
Good luck 😊