WHY CHOOSE STAINLESS STEEL | BENEFITS OF STAINLESS STEEL | STAINLESS STEEL MAINTENANCE

Don't risk the safety of yourself or your loved ones when the solution is both easy and inexpensive

Every well informed pool owner should be familiar with the reasons why a pool ladder is necessary for purchase and installation. Swimming pool ladders facilitate entry and exit from any pool—whether indoor or outdoor, above-ground or in-ground.

A ladder is an incredibly necessary accessory strictly from the vantage point of reduced risk, simply because getting in and out of a pool without one is very dangerous. Even though the help of a swimming pool ladder will increase safety for everyone who uses the pool, it is especially beneficial to the elderly or handicapped—and of course children.

As with most pool equipment and accessories, the prices of pool ladders vary according to factors such as height, width, and materials used. They may range from $60 to $80 to more than $200 online. Prices like these are considered economical values for such a huge increase in safety.

Yet the effectiveness of a swimming pool ladder is dependent on its features and characteristics—for example, the construction properties of the ladder, as well as how it is fastened to the pool.

Some swimming pool ladders come equipped with solid hand rails to aid people walking into the pool—an incredibly valuable asset. In addition to sturdy hand rails made of stainless steel, these ladders feature molded steps to enhance foot grip and allow a smooth transition from the land into the water, as well as walking out of the pool. Despite being barefoot and wet, feet will not be sore when using molded ladder steps as they are made from special material for added comfort.

Safety is a priceless benefit and should be taken advantage of whenever possible. Swimming pool ladders make the overall swim experience much safer, which is why they are considered among the most valuable pool accessories you can buy.

Choosing one of the Blue Wave® Stainless Steel in-pool ladders gives you a great product at a great price, with all the benefits of stainless steel.

Why choose stainless steel?

Stainless steel offers excellent corrosion resistance as well as tolerance of high flow rates, great strength and ductility, ease of fabrication, very low leaching levels into water, excellent durability, full recyclability, and wide-ranging availability.

These unique values make stainless steel a powerful candidate in materials selection—especially for water environments. Design engineers and materials specifiers often underestimate or overlook these values because of what is viewed as the higher initial cost of stainless steel. However, over the total life of a product, stainless often represents the best value.

Exactly what is stainless steel? It is a low carbon-steel that contains chromium at 10 percent or more by weight. It is this addition of chromium that gives the steel its unique corrosion-resistant, stainless properties.

That's because the chromium content of the steel actually allows formation of a rough, adherent, and invisible chromium oxide film on the steel surface. If damaged mechanically or chemically, this film is self-healing whenever oxygen—even in small amounts—is present.

There are more than 60 grades of stainless steel, normally divided into five classes. Each class is identified by the alloying elements that affect microstructure. Stainless steel also is classified by its crystalline structure, normally as follows:

• Austenitic stainless, which makes up more than 70% of stainless steel production;

• Ferritic stainless, which is less expensive and less corrosion-resistant than austenitic;

• Martensitic, which is highly machineable but less corrosion-resistant than austenitic or ferritic;

• Precipitation-hardening martensitic, with corrosion-resistance comparable to austenitic varieties, and often used in aircraft applications; and

• Duplex stainless steels, with a mixed microstructure of austenite and ferritic for improved strength and corrosion resistance.

The benefits of stainless steel

Corrosion resistance: Lower alloyed grades resist corrosion in atmospheric and pure water environments, while high-alloyed grades can resist corrosion in most acidic, alkaline, and chlorine-bearing environments.

Heat and fire resistance: Special high chromium and nickel-alloyed grades resist scaling and retain strength at high temperatures.

Hygiene: Stainless steel cleans up easily, making it the first choice for strict hygiene conditions.

Aesthetics: The bright, easily maintained surface of stainless steel evokes a cleanly modern and attractive appearance.

Strength-to-weight advantage: The work-hardening property of austenitic grades that results in a significant strengthening of the material from cold-working alone, and high strength duplex grades enable reduced material thickness over conventional grades—resulting in cost savings.

Ease of fabrication: Modern steel-making techniques mean that stainless can be cut, welded, formed, machined, and fabricated as readily as traditional steels.

Impact resistance: Austenitic microstructure stainless steel delivers a high degree of toughness, ranging from highly elevated temperatures to far below freezing.

Long term value: When total life-cycle costs are considered, stainless steel often is the least expensive material option.

Life cycle of stainless steel: To ensure a high quality of life, the materials that manufacturers and consumers alike choose to use should meet not only technical performance standards, but have a "Long Service Life," be "Usable in a Great Number of Applications," and rank as "Environmentally Friendly." Once their service is complete, they should be "100% Recyclable," thereby completing the life cycle to be used once again. Stainless steel is considered such a material.

As previously indicated, the longevity of stainless steel is the result of the alloying composition, leading to its natural corrosion resistance. Nothing is applied to the surface that adds more material to the environment. Stainless steel does not need additional systems to protect the base metal because the metal itself will last.

Also aforementioned, stainless steel needs less maintenance, and its hygienic qualities mean that harsh cleaners need not be used to get to a clean surface. There is little or nothing to dump into the drain that could have an environmental impact.

Stainless steel products complete their service life. There is less concern about disposal since this material is 100% recyclable. In fact, more than 50 percent of new stainless steel is produced from re-melted stainless steel scrap, thereby completing the full life cycle.

Stainless steel cleaning & maintenance: The do's and don'ts

Stainless steel is a durable, corrosion-resistant chromium/nickel alloy steel with excellent luster. But it's not rustproof—particularly within the harsh environment of a swimming pool. Two issues are at play here: First, chlorine and bromine sanitizers are highly caustic chemicals for stainless steel. Second, heat and humidity enhance the corrosiveness of these chemicals.
Regular cleaning is the best way to prevent corrosion and add to the service life for stainless steel ladders, railings, starting platforms, guard chairs, and any other pool equipment. The goal of the cleaning & maintenance program should be to keep the protective chromium oxide layer of the stainless steel intact. Only this will prevent corrosion.

The "Do" List:

• 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.)

• Clean frequently with a cleaner and water. Any cleaner that is safe for glass is usually safe for stainless steel.

• Inspect equipment frequently, if you notice discoloration, tarnish or water stains, increase the frequency of your fresh water rinses to reduce accumulated chemicals.

• Remove any rust spots as soon as possible to prevent irreversible pitting.

• 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.

Follow this periodic cleaning program using:

• One can of powdered cleanser

• One Scotchbrite pad

• One bottle of degreaser spray solution

• One can of paste automotive wax

Directions:
Wet cleaning pad with fresh water (do not use pool water) and apply powdered 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, and apply wax. Let wax dry to a haze and buff to a shine with a clean, dry cloth. Automotive waxes bring added beauty and protection to stainless steel equipment.

The "Don't" List:

• Do not use steel wool or sandpaper, mineral acids, bleaches, or chlorine cleansers.

• Do not add chlorine to the pool in close proximity to stainless steel equipment. Sanitizers should be added as far away as possible from stainless steel.

• Do not store stainless steel equipment in a closed area underneath steel beams. Any corrosive condensation that drips onto the equipment in storage will leave brown spots.

• Do not store stainless steel equipment where it will attract and retain moisture or airborne contaminants.

• Do not store stainless steel equipment in the same areas as chlorine.

Quick tip for 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.

The following are some situations where advanced cleaning processes for stainless steel may be required:

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 that is trapped there.

Light 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.

Heavy rusting: A deep coat of rust with surface pitting can develop if corrosion has been left unchecked for a considerable amount of time. Cleaning with naval jelly is recommended for advanced corrosion, following these steps: 

1. Scrape the rusted surface with a wire brush to remove any loose rust.

2. With rubber gloves, apply the naval jelly to the rusted surface using an applicator.

3. Allow the naval jelly to set on the surface for five to 10 minutes, and no longer than 15 minutes.

4. Rinse off the naval jelly with fresh water. If there is any rust left, repeat.

5. Once the item is free of rust, apply an oil-based paint within 24 hours.

Surface Restoration: To remove or reduce pitting damage caused by corrosion, mechanical polishing is preferred over 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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