I did a little research today about UltraGuard... like everyone I am skeptical especially after hearing about the phone conversations and lack of customers I could call. I became curious when I read what Mr. Bankoff stated on his website, "Searching the market he found an industrial coating that was being used for acid containment, chemicals, water parks and by a network of elite pool restoration companies throughout the country." Therefore, he is using a widely available coating product, in my opinion. Next I wondered what product he may be using, and read his webpage about his product here... http://www.poolrestoration.com/polymer.htm Next, I noticed the graphic on that page is high-quality (unlike the rest of his website which is infomercial-ish). Stay with me, I'm getting there... so, in that high-quality graphic the little lines and descriptions stand out because they look low-quality ( see http://www.poolrestoration.com/images/polymer.jpg ). Next, I notice one of the qualities described on that graphic is "network of crisscrossing polymer chains".

What other products have a "network of crisscrossing polymer chains"? I google that exact string of words and got one result here... http://www.koelbel-vertrieb.de/download/pcms_128_3.pdf ( there is a PDF showing the exact same graphic but from another company!). That PDF is describing a Rust-o-leum product called EpoxyShield. EpoxyShield comes in a part A and B as does Br. Bankoff's product, as do all epoxies. I wondered to myself is he reselling one of the products here? http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGBrand.asp?bid=8&Page=All The EpoxyShield Waterproofing Paint, for instance, comes in 5 gallons size, requires the same prep, sanding of concrete, and is tintable to over 30 colors, etc.

Here is what the Rust-o-leum website says, "A ready-to-use, water-based latex coating that forms an impermeable water barrier on interior and exterior concrete and masonry surfaces. The ultra smooth, bright white finish is easy to apply with a roller or brush and is backed by a Rust-Oleum’s 10-year waterproof and 5-year mold and mildew resistant paint film guarantee. This low odor, environmentally friendly formula is ideal for use on basements and can be easily cleaned up with soap and water."

There you have it. My 15 minutes of research and 20 minutes of writing this post. My personal conclusion... Mr. Bankoff's UltraGuard sounds very similar to Rust-o-leum's EpoxyShield (or similar)... right down to the 10 year guarantee, the website graphic, the "crisscross" description, the prep, the ultra smooth finish, the so-called green properties, mildew-resistance, and even the low odor.

This is all just speculation. And there's no law against reselling paint. But is UtraGuard the best choice for my aging pool? Should I go with tile? Diamond-bright? Help anyone?