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Stainless Steel Cleaning and Maintenance
Stainless steel is a corrosion resistant chromium/nickel alloy steel that is
strong and durable with excellent luster. However, it is not rustproof,
particularly in the harsh environment of a swimming pool. Chlorine and bromine
used for sanitization are highly caustic chemicals for stainless steel and
heat and humidity enhances the corrosiveness of these chemicals. Regular cleaning
is the best way to prevent corrosion and add to the service life for your railings,
starting platforms, guard chairs and any other stainless steel equipment. The goal
of your cleaning and maintenance program should be to keep the stainless steel's
protective chromium oxide layer intact. This is what prevents corrosion.
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General Cleaning and Maintenance
Suggestion for Stainless Steel |
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DO: |
| Rinse off stainless
steel pool equipment frequently with fresh water to wash away accumulated chemicals
such as chlorine and wipe dry with a clean cloth. Especially try to clean equipment
immediately after use around chlorides (chlorine powder, seawater, etc.) |
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| Clean frequently with a
cleaner and water. Any cleaner that is safe for glass is usually safe for stainless
steel. |
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Inspect equipment frequently, if you
notice discoloration, tarnish or water stains, increase the frequency of your fresh
water rinses to reduce accumulated chemicals. |
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Remove any rust spots as soon as possible
to prevent irreversible pitting. |
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| Occasionally clean with
borax, soda ash, or a non-abrasive commercial cleanser and water. Stubborn stains may
be removed with a magnesium oxide, ammonia and water paste. |
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Consider the following periodic cleaning program:
1 can of powered cleanser
1 Scotchbrite pad
1 spray bottle cleaner
1 paste automotive wax
Directions:
Wet cleaning pad with fresh water (do not use pool water) and apply powered cleanser.
Using gentle pressure, rub stained areas in the same direction of the existing
polishing grain until stains are removed. Rinse with clean water. Use cleaner de-greaser
to remove any stains. Thoroughly dry the stainless then apply wax. Let wax dry to a
haze and buff to a shine with a clean dry cloth. Automotive waxes will provide added
beauty and protection for your equipment. |
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DO NOT: |
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Do not use steel wool or sandpaper, or
mineral acids, bleaches or chlorine cleansers. |
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Do not add chlorine to your pool right next
to your stainless steel equipment. Added it as far away as possible. |
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Do not store stainless steel equipment in a
closed area underneath steel beams to avoid corrosive condensation from dripping onto to
the equipment and leaving brown spots. |
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Do not store stainless steel equipment where
it will attract and retain moisture or airborne contaminants and do not store equipment
in the same areas as chlorine. |
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Advanced Cleaning for Stainless Steel |
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| Discoloration, Tarnish or
Water Stains:
The first stage of corrosion is completely on the surface and is
easily removed by most commercial metal polishes. Discoloration will be greater at indoor
facilities due to the chlorine vapor trapped in an inside environment. |
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| Lighting Rusting:
Rust is visible at this stage but little or no pitting has yet occurred. A stronger
cleaning agent, such as Simichrome Polish, is required. |
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| Heavy Rusting:
A deep coat of rust with surface pitting can develop if corrosion has been left
unchecked for a long time. For advanced corrosion naval jelly is recommended. |
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Surface Restoration:
To remove or reduce pitting damage caused by corrosion, mechanical polishing is preferred
chemical cleansing. Scotchbrite works well for this purpose. Work only in the direction
of the existing grain and never use steel wool. |
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Corrosion Prevention:
Apply a physical barrier between the stainless steel and corrosive agents by using a soft
paste wax, such as an automotive wax. A coating of wax may last for up to six months,
depending on equipment usage. |
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