WHY WE USE AISI 316L STAINLESS STEEL SKIMMERS INSTEAD

  1. Superior Resistance to Chloride Corrosion

This is the key feature. AISI 316L steel contains molybdenum (between 2% and 3%), which is the crucial element that provides significantly greater resistance to pitting corrosion caused by chloride ions present in pool water and the surrounding environment. AISI 316L can withstand much higher free chlorine concentrations than 304 without suffering damage.

  2. Durability and Aesthetic Preservation

Thanks to its resistance to aggressive chemical agents (chlorine, salt, water treatment products) and atmospheric agents, 316L components retain their original appearance for longer, reducing the need for maintenance or replacement due to rust or staining.

  3. Suitability for Aggressive Environments

In addition to the water itself, the air in indoor pools or coastal areas is rich in humidity and airborne chlorides. AISI 316L is suitable for resisting these environments as well, unlike 304, which may rust even when exposed only to salty or chlorinated air.

  4. Low Carbon Content (“L”)

The “L” stands for “Low Carbon.” This characteristic improves the weldability of the material by preventing the formation of carbide precipitates during the welding process, which could otherwise compromise corrosion resistance in the heat-affected zones.

WHY, IN ADDITION TO USING AISI 316L STAINLESS STEEL SKIMMERS, DO WE PERFORM AN ADDITIONAL, COSTLY ELECTROPOLISHING TREATMENT?

Electropolishing provides numerous and significant advantages to components made of AISI 316L stainless steel, improving both their surface properties and their durability and suitability for demanding applications.

• Increased corrosion resistance: Electropolishing selectively removes a thin surface layer of metal, eliminating impurities (such as non-metallic inclusions or welding residues) and leaving a surface enriched in chromium and nickel. This promotes the formation of a more uniform, compact, and stable chromium oxide passive layer, which better protects the metal from corrosive agents, including chlorides.
• Extremely smooth surface and reduced porosity (mirror finish): Unlike mechanical polishing, which can create micro-grooves or embed abrasive particles, electropolishing produces a very smooth, non-porous surface free of micro-cavities. This reduces microbial and bacterial adhesion, making the component ideal for applications in high-hygiene sectors (food, pharmaceutical, medical).
• Improved hygiene and cleanability: The lower surface roughness (Ra) greatly facilitates cleaning and sterilization operations, reducing maintenance time and costs.
• Superior aesthetic appearance: The process provides a bright, glossy, and uniform finish (mirror effect), highly valued in architectural or high-end design applications.
• No mechanical stress: As an electrochemical rather than a mechanical process, electropolishing does not introduce residual stresses or surface deformations into the component.

In summary, electropolishing enhances the already excellent intrinsic properties of AISI 316L stainless steel, making it even more high-performing, durable, and hygienic for use in swimming pools.