Pool Hoist Rust – The Hidden Danger You Can’t See
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Pool hoists are essential for accessibility and safety, but what if your trusted equipment is hiding a secret? Many pool hoists contain mild steel, which, in warm and moist environments, can begin to deteriorate from the inside after a few years. This silent corrosion weakens the structure, creating a hidden hazard that could fail without warning. If you rely on a pool hoist, it’s time to find out if yours is secretly weakening from the inside.
The Hidden Risk Inside Your Pool Hoist
At first glance, your pool hoist may seem perfectly fine. However, the problem can sometimes lie beneath the surface. Mild steel, when exposed to constant moisture, can corrode internally. Since this damage happens inside the structure, it can go unnoticed until it’s too late. By the time visible rust appears, the hoist may already be dangerously compromised.
Why Does This Happen?
Moist Pool Environments Accelerate Corrosion – Poolside conditions, with water chemicals, high humidity and water exposure, speed up the breakdown of mild steel.
Internal Deterioration Is Invisible – Unlike external rust, internal corrosion remains hidden, weakening the hoist without any obvious signs.
Aging Hoists Become More Susceptible – After hoists are a few years old (and this exact time can depend on the factors mentioned in the above sentence), wear and tear make pool hoists particularly vulnerable to structural failure.
Lack of Regular Inspections – If your hoists are not checked thoroughly enough, internal corrosion may not be detected before it becomes a serious issue.
How to Prevent This Hidden Danger
The good news is that you can take proactive steps to ensure your pool hoist remains safe and functional:
Schedule Regular Inspections – Engage a qualified service and maintenance company to inspect your hoist for corrosion and potential hidden weaknesses. Only taking the pool hoist apart will you be able to see the whole rust on the inside and will show a full evaluation.
Invest in Corrosion-Resistant Hoists – Most Modern hoists made from stainless steel or aluminum offer better longevity in moist environments. There are however, some pool hoists that are still made from mild steel construction, so this is something to be aware of if you are looking to replace a hoist. This is something that Medaco can help you with. View our agreements here.
Replace Aging Hoists Before They Fail –Typically, most manufactures will say hoists have an average life span of 10/15 years when installed in standard settings. However, if they are installed in ‘high-risk’ environment ie a pool area, this timeframe is halved. Therefore if your hoist is approaching the 5-7 year mark, it’s most likely time to consider an upgrade.
Work with Experts to Choose the Right Equipment – Not all pool hoists are built the same. Ensuring you have a high-quality, durable model is key to long-term safety.
Medaco Can Help You Take the Right Steps
If you’re unsure about the condition of your pool hoist, Medaco can guide you through the process of assessing, maintaining, and if necessary replacing your equipment. Our team of experts can help you choose the safest and most reliable hoists, taking into account the ‘whole-life’ cost, to ensure maximum pool accessibility without the hidden dangers.
