Like most pool owners you will be interested in using some form of automated pool cleaner to remove debris, leaves, dirt etc from the floor and walls of your painted pool.
There are many brands and types of automated pool cleaners on the market. Here are some hints to help you use and select the best one, from the point of view of the long-term performance of you painted (coated) pool.
In general, any abrasive material (inc sand), when rubbed, they are very abrasive and will tend to “abrade – sand” the paint away. So, if sand- grit, in your pool it needs to be removed promptly. You may have a “blue” residue on your hand’s feet etc and this is a sign of this happening.
When it comes to automatic pool cleaners, hard plastic surfaces can do the same if they are “dragged” across the surface or get stuck in a location with a “to and fro” motion, like behind steps. And with sand etc, in your pool, they may also end up abrading it, if they drag hard plastic parts across the (sandy) surface.
In selecting your pool cleaner, go for one that suits the filtration system you are using and also one that cleans floors and walls. In addition, make sure they don’t get stuck in one place, like in corners behind ladders, on light fittings. etc. Get all the details from the supplier – pool shop, to select the best one for you pool
A pool cleaner with soft edges, features etc that comes into contact with the pool surface is the best option. Should they become hard over time them replace.
If you are using an Acrylic paint, these are very soft and will be subject to wear from any automated pool cleaner. It most likely you will need to be using a manual broom – vacuum system for maximum paint life.
Chlorinated rubber (Rubber) paint is harder but will also be affected, but to a lesser extent than Acrylics.
Epoxies when correctly cured are hard and quite resistant to this abrasion.
However, they need to be applied thickly (350microns+ as a dry film) in order to provide substantial resistance. You may see “blue” feet even so.
Paint N Forget Fluoropolymer is harder still and offers added resistance to any abrasion from sand and hard plastic surfaces on pool cleaners. It is applied quite thinly and so to get maximum performance care to get the right dry film thickness (95 – 110 microns) is needed for optimum performance.
In Summary; go for the hardest coating surface and a soft surfaced automated pool cleaner that does not get stuck in your pool, and make sure no sand, grit etc on the surfaces.