Why can the stainless steel of Access pool lifts rust?

In the ACCESS pool lifts we use 316L stainless steel, one of the most resistant and durable materials for wet environments, ideal for environments such as swimming pools, spas or aquatic facilities. This type of steel is specially formulated to offer high resistance to corrosion, even in constant contact with water and chemicals.

However, despite its high quality, it can show signs of rust if not properly maintained. And this, surprisingly enough, is totally normal in humid environments with chlorine, salt, stagnant humidity or environmental pollution.

What exactly is 316L stainless steel?

316L stainless steel is an alloy with a high nickel, chromium and molybdenum content, which makes it highly resistant to corrosion, especially against:
- Chlorinated water
- Saline environments
- Temperature and humidity changes

The "L" in 316L indicates low carbon content, which further improves its resistance to rust and intergranular corrosion.

So why can rust appear?

Although 316L steel does not rust easily, surface rust staining can occur under certain conditions. The most common causes are:

- Salt or chlorine build-up on the surface without rinsing or cleaning

- Closed environments with stagnant humidity (no ventilation)
- Environmental pollution or external metal particles (ferric dust)
- Lack of regular maintenance, which prevents the steel from "regenerating" naturally

This does not imply that the material is damaged, but that the protective layer of chromium oxide that keeps it resistant needs regular cleaning to remain active.

How to prevent rust

To keep your Access lifts in perfect condition for many years, we recommend following these maintenance tips:

? Rinse with fresh water daily, especially in saline or highly chlorinated pools
? Dry and clean surfaces at risk to remove residues. It is recommended to wipe the entire surface of the lifter with a damp cloth (without using any chemicals).
? Clean more thoroughly on a quarterly basis. It is recommended to use a protective cream for steel. Apply it over the entire surface of the steel. Leave to act for 2-3 hours. Remove with plenty of fresh water.
? Always avoid the use of metallic scouring pads or aggressive chemical products
? Check visually periodically to detect stains or residues and to be able to act soon.

It is advisable to apply the steel repair cream in these areas to prevent the proliferation of rust, if it appears.

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Quality is in the details

Choosing 316L stainless steel means betting on a material that resists extreme conditions, with a long service life. But like any high-performance material, it needs minimal maintenance to continue offering the highest level of safety, aesthetics and functionality.

At ACCESS we offer you not only a quality product, but also the advice to keep it in optimal conditions.

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