Stainless steel SR Smith pool ladders

[dw9000]

I have two SR Smith pool ladders. Last year when I pulled the ladders out, I noticed a rough sort of calcium coating on the ladders. I pulled them out of the pool and laid them along the side. I was out and about this afternoon and I noticed the outer coating, is now a crisp flaking type shell. The actual stainless steel isn't flaking, but there is a thick coating of 'calcium' or something on the entire parts that were below water.

I think using a steel scrapper, would scrape the coating right off, but probably would scratch the ladder tubing. Any idea or recommendation? I though maybe a stiff nylon brush.

 

[mknauss]

If calcium a diluted muriatic acid will work.

You may want to monitor your water chemistry next season for CSI. Was the scale only at the water line?

 

[JamesW]

Do you have a picture?

 

[JamesW]

I would be cautious about using hydrochloric acid.

Maybe try a stainless steel cleaner like 3M 14002 Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish or CLR Pro Stainless steel cleaner.

Distilled white vinegar would be safer than muriatic acid. But try a test spot to see if the vinegar causes damage.

Heinz All Natural Cleaning Vinegar might be a good choice.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

I would use undiluted CLR and a stiff Tampico brush or brass wool (fine). After it’s all cleaned off I would use Bar Keepers Friend liquid cleanser on a soft sponge to polish up the stainless steel surface.

Both CLR and BKF are none chloride or sulfate based acids and will remove calcium scale and rust without attacking the steel surface. As always, test in an inconspicuous area first.

 

[JamesW]

Maybe consider a phosphoric acid based cleaner like e-nox clean.

 

[mknauss]

Forgot about CLR. Should have thought of that first -----

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Naval jelly...

 

[JamesW]

Naval jelly...

Good with naval oranges.

 

[dw9000]

If calcium a diluted muriatic acid will work.

You may want to monitor your water chemistry next season for CSI. Was the scale only at the water line?

No, it wasn't just at the water line. Even my smooth vinyl liner has a rougher feel to it. Its not noticeable by eye, but you can feel it.

I was thinking about the ladder, its only 3 seasons old and I bought one of the commercial heavy duty ones. I think I might first try to blast off the peeling layer with a pressure washer. If that doesn't doe it, I'll try CLR, vinegar or some other recommendations. I didn't spend more than a minute looking at it, but I could actually peel off pieces with my finger nail, and the metal behind it looked brand new.

So next year I should watch out for high PH? Calcium? I tested my water, but not as often as I should have. I use the troublefreepool chemicals, household bleech, muratic acid to lower PH, etc.

Thanks for the recommendations everyone

 

[mknauss]

Sounds like you may have calcium scaling issues.

Read Pool School - Calcium Scaling

PoolMath calculates CSI. I would suggest keeping at or just below zero.

When spring comes post up your first test results and we can see what is up.

Take care.