Corrosion from metal on steps

[dtrebus]

So the stairs I have are screwed together and the top and middle pieces were breaking apart at the screws. I got these galvanized "plates" that I was told wouldn't rust and SS screws, but looks like it is rusting due to SWCG.
I know we worry about the metal walls of the pool rusting out, but should I worry about this?
Thank you

 

[Texas Splash]

You really don't want anything rusting in the water. Iron content and potential staining is a pain. I doubt the SWG (or pool's saline content) is to blame. More than likely it's the quality of the metals/screws and/or their reaction to one another. I can't help but wonder if there's a batter way to secure those parts together. @Mdragger88 any ideas?

 

[Bperry]

So the stairs I have are screwed together and the top and middle pieces were breaking apart at the screws. I got these galvanized "plates" that I was told wouldn't rust and SS screws, but looks like it is rusting due to SWCG.
I know we worry about the metal walls of the pool rusting out, but should I worry about this?
Thank youView attachment 504691

Galvanized plated will rust, just slower than normal steel plates. And those plates aren’t galvanized on the edges or the ends where they were cut. They would need to be stainless steel plates (or non-metallic) to avoid rust.

 

[Newdude]

stainless steel plates

And high grade at that, the same with the screws. All stainless is not created equal.

 

[Mdragger88]

Those definitely need to go.
I suggest drilling holes where needed & using thick zip ties to hold them together. The really big ones for hvac

Commercial Electric 36 in. Natural Heavy-Duty Cable Tie (15-Pack) GT-920HD(15) - The Home Depot

A cable fastening device provides strong support for positioning cable and pipe bundles. The design of its head guarantees a high tensile strength while allowing a very low insertion force. Products are

www.homedepot.com

Also, more holes = more flow so less propensity for algae. Its a win win

 

[Mdragger88]

Btw if you start noticing that your steps are yellowing from the iron, the barkeepers friend more foaming spray works fantastic. I cleaned mine this year with it when I pulled them out to put the handrail on & it was like magic. I didn’t realize how yellow/orangish they had gotten!
It is a mix of citric & oxalic acids.

 

[dtrebus]

Thank you for your replies. Kinda figured iron oxide wouldn't be good building up in the pool. Had some larger people and kids hanging and pulling on rails that it broke down.
Was trying to avoid buying a whole new set of stairs. will check into the zip tie suggestion.
Will let you know how it goes.

 

[dtrebus]

So I got the screws and metal plates off, but the plastic is stained...at least it's in the pool and not as noticeable, and used zip ties as was suggested. Hopefully, they will stand the test of time ;-)
Chemistries are looking good though, and I've had the Core 55 at 25%.

 

[Newdude]

Looks like a couple aren't doing anything, but hopefully enough are.

You could drill new (more) ziptie holes if need be.

 

[Mdragger88]

Try the bkf on the stains while they’re out of the pool

Or some crushed up vitamin c tablets in a sock if you put them back in already

 

[1poolman1]

So the stairs I have are screwed together and the top and middle pieces were breaking apart at the screws. I got these galvanized "plates" that I was told wouldn't rust and SS screws, but looks like it is rusting due to SWCG.
I know we worry about the metal walls of the pool rusting out, but should I worry about this?
Thank youView attachment 504691

Galvanized metal and pool water are not a good mix and it should never be actually in the pool. All pools that have ever used chlorine have salt in them so a SWG is not the issue. If you have ever seen inside galvanized plumbing that only has potable water flowing through it you would see that it is rusted. Add chemically-treated pool water and you get faster rust.

 

[dtrebus]

Looks like a couple aren't doing anything, but hopefully enough are.

You could drill new (more) ziptie holes if need be.

It looks like it from outside, but there's an inner lip on bottom part I have the zip ties running through.