Keep it shining: proper selection, maintenance keeps stainless steel functional. (In My View).(stainless steel in aquatics facilities)(Brief Article)

Pools and natatoriums have incorporated stainless steel components for more than 40 years. No other material provides a similar combination of aesthetic appeal, strength, durability, corrosion resistance and ease of fabrication. Pool ladders, handrails, diving platforms, slide assemblies, gutters and ventilation systems made from stainless steel have excellent performance records.

Stainless steel grades with the designations 201, 304, 316 and 321 -- and the low-carbon versions of these stainless steels, 201L, 304L and 316L -- are widely used in pool applications and provide outstanding service when properly maintained. Aquatics professionals prefer 316 and 316L grades because of their enhanced resistance to staining, pitting and crevice corrosion.

It's possible, however, for problems to occur regarding stainless alloys in natatorium environments. But aquatics professionals can generally avoid potential problems by paying proper attention to pool operation, maintenance and material selection.

Aggressive environments

The chloramines produced by pools disinfected with chlorine-based chemicals can pass into the atmosphere, where they can accumulate as condensate on above-water surfaces. When the chloramines decompose, they can form a solution that initiates corrosion of underlying metals.

The aggressiveness of a natatorium environment depends on many variables, including water and air temperature, relative humidity, bather load and ventilation strategy. The presence of waterfeatures such as slides, fountains, jets and wave machines increases the evaporation rate and tends to make the environment more aggressive. Water-chemistry practices that minimize formation and accumulation of chloramines will minimize the associated aggressiveness in the pool environment.

Note that the same conditions which create an environment aggressive to stainless steel also increase the risk of deterioration of other materials commonly used in natatoriums, including painted galvanized steel, brass, aluminum, nylon, masonry and timber.