Maintenance of stainless steel swimming pools
Maintenance of stainless steel pools: Does stainless steel not need any kind of care? Is it an indestructible product? Can it be scratched? These and many more questions are what many of our customers ask themselves when buying a stainless steel pool or spa . Therefore, below we will resolve these questions and some others related to pool maintenance.
Cleaning and maintenance of stainless steel surfaces
It is a mistake to think that stainless steel is indestructible and that it is not affected by corrosion. Stainless steel is defined as being resistant to corrosion thanks to a thin oxide film that forms at a molecular level on its surface.< /strong>
This film is formed by the oxygen absorbed by the exposure of the metal to the air, it becomes a natural barrier of protection against normal atmospheric agents.
The explanation is as follows: Stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion, since it contains chromium or other alloying metals, which have a great affinity for oxygen and react with it to form a passivating layer, thus preventing corrosion of the iron. However, this layer can be affected by some acids, causing the iron to be attacked and oxidized by intergranular mechanisms or generalized pitting.
Therefore, it is clear that anything that prevents the formation or permanence of this film on the steel surface will drastically reduce the resistance to corrosion.
Stainless steel can also be considerably damaged if it is not treated correctly and if constant and careful maintenance is not carried out .
Corrosion develops on the surface of stainless steel in environments generally made up of dilute solutions with the presence of halogen ions (for example chlorine or bromine). The condition for the rupture of the passive layer at the weak point to occur is determined by the combination of three elements: the intrinsic resistance of stainless steel to this type of corrosion, the concentration of the aggressive solution, and the temperature.
When the phenomenon of corrosion by pitting has occurred, it is advisable to proceed, if possible, to “ripping” the area pitted /strong> acting with abrasive mechanical means and then proceed to the passivation of the entire surface.
Its resistance and durability are closely related to proper use, correct and constant maintenance, as well as the use of appropriate and certified cleaning products and materials to preserve its original characteristics.
Changes in the chemical and physical nature of the environment in which it is located can very quickly cause serious problems.
Tips for the maintenance of stainless steel pools
-In pools with skimmers, clean the area of the water surface frequently to prevent deposits in suspension in the water from accumulating on the walls.
-In pools with an overflow channel, remove the grids and frequently clean the channel and the grid (on the visible side and on the non-visible side) with tap water.
-In pools with a hidden channel, clean the channel withpressurized water in the areas where there is access.
-Avoid saline solutions drying or remaining stagnant on the surface, as this can lead to corrosion phenomena.
-Avoid prolonged contact with ferrous material (steel wool, coins, clips, tools,
scrapers, etc.) so as not to cause corrosion through contamination by ferrous particles carried in circulation.
-Clean and rinse the stainless steel surfaces thoroughly with tap water.
–Rub in the direction of the grain in the case of satin-finish steel.
–Never leave the pool in hibernation with dirty water deposited on the bottom.
-If any rust stains appear, clean as quickly as possible with a Scocht Brite-type pad that has not been used for anything else.
Main causes of steel oxidation
-Ferrous residues left resting on wet surfaces (without drying) coins, paper clips, nails, tools. Etc.
–Ferrous residues carried in circulation by the air in the form of dust that are deposited on the surface and end up at the bottom, giving rise to mud deposits loaded with ferrous material.
–Cal, which if it is not always eliminated
