Corrosion Protection for Water Slides, Pools, and Aquatic Facilities

Corrosion Protection for Water Slides, Pools, and Aquatic Facilities

Why Aquatic Environments Accelerate Corrosion

For owners and designers, selecting a corrosion protection system that delivers long-term durability while minimizing maintenance is critical to the lifecycle performance of these facilities.

Although swimming pools and waterparks may appear similar to typical freshwater environments, the presence of chlorine and elevated humidity creates unique corrosion conditions.

Chlorinated water contains dissolved chemicals that increase the conductivity of the water, allowing electrochemical corrosion reactions to occur more easily. As water evaporates from pools and splash zones, chlorinated moisture can also settle on nearby steel surfaces. Even when components are not directly submerged, this moisture can contribute to corrosion.

High humidity levels further intensify the problem. Indoor aquatic facilities often operate in warm environments with elevated humidity levels, creating a consistently damp atmosphere that encourages corrosion. Steel surfaces may remain wet for extended periods, allowing corrosion reactions to continue over time.

Frequent splashing and wet-dry cycles also contribute to corrosion. Water slides, wave pools, and splash features continuously expose surrounding structures to moisture, while chemical residues can accumulate on metal surfaces.

Protecting Steel in Aquatic Facilities

Because aquatic environments can be highly corrosive, protective coatings play a critical role in extending the service life of steel components. Coating systems must resist both continuous moisture exposure and the effects of chlorinated water.

Hot-dip galvanizing provides durable corrosion protection for many aquatic facility applications. During the galvanizing process, steel is immersed in molten zinc, creating a metallurgically bonded coating that protects the steel from corrosion.

The zinc coating serves as a barrier between the steel and the surrounding environment while also providing sacrificial protection. If the coating becomes damaged, zinc continues to protect the exposed steel by corroding preferentially to the base metal.

In many aquatic environments, corrosion products that develop on the zinc surface can form a protective scale that slows further corrosion.

Where Galvanized Steel Is Used in Aquatic Facilities

Hot-dip galvanized steel is commonly used throughout pools, waterparks, and aquatic facilities in applications such as:

  • water slide support structures
  • pool handrails and ladders
  • shade structures and architectural steel
  • maintenance platforms and access stairs
  • fencing and perimeter structures
  • equipment supports and utility structures

These applications benefit from the durability of galvanized coatings, particularly in environments where frequent maintenance or repainting may be difficult.

Designing for Long-Term Durability

In addition to selecting appropriate coatings, proper design practices can help extend the lifespan of steel in aquatic environments.

Allowing for proper drainage and avoiding areas where water can collect are important design considerations. Steel components should also be designed to promote airflow and allow moisture to evaporate whenever possible.

In some cases, duplex coating systems that combine galvanizing with paint or powder coating may be used to provide additional corrosion protection in particularly aggressive environments.

Aquatic Facility Projects Using Galvanized Steel

Several aquatic facilities have successfully used galvanized steel to provide durable corrosion protection in high-moisture environments.

The Northside Swim Center incorporates galvanized structural steel throughout the aquatic complex, helping protect exposed steel components from continuous moisture and splash exposure.

At Camp Barnabas, galvanized steel supports accessible aquatic recreation features designed for durability and minimal maintenance in an outdoor water environment.

These projects demonstrate how galvanized steel can provide reliable corrosion protection in facilities where moisture, chemicals, and heavy use place significant demands on structural materials.

Long-Term Performance in Aquatic Environments

Aquatic facilities require materials capable of withstanding constant exposure to moisture, chemicals, and fluctuating environmental conditions. By selecting durable corrosion protection systems and designing structures with long-term performance in mind, project teams can help ensure steel components remain safe and reliable for decades.

Hot-dip galvanized steel continues to provide dependable corrosion protection in many aquatic applications, helping pools and waterparks maintain the structural durability required to support safe and enjoyable recreational environments.

AZZ Galvanizing and Plating – Milwaukee Delivers Trusted Plating Solutions Across the Upper Midwest

AZZ Galvanizing and Plating – Milwaukee Delivers Trusted Plating Solutions Across the Upper Midwest

The facility features large-capacity kettles for hot-dip galvanizing, fully automated plating lines, and an experienced team focused on consistency, speed, and quality. These capabilities allow the operation to handle everything from structural steel and large assemblies to small parts and high-volume plating runs.

With advanced process control and automated systems, the Milwaukee location ensures tight tolerances and repeatable results across both galvanizing and plating applications. Zinc, nickel, and specialty finishes are processed efficiently, while integrated material flow and racking systems keep turnaround times fast. This combination of technology and expertise makes it possible to serve a wide range of industries with complex project needs and demanding timelines.

Strategically located in the Upper Midwest, the facility plays a critical role in AZZ’s North American network. Customers benefit from local support backed by the strength of a national operation, gaining access to trusted metal finishing solutions that stand up to the harshest environments. To learn more or discuss your next project, call us at 414-645-3250.


Now Offering Trucking Services at Our Edmonton Facility, Serving Western Canada

Now Offering Trucking Services at Our Edmonton Facility, Serving Western Canada

With our new branded trucks hitting the road, you’ll start seeing our commitment to quality and reliability in motion. These eye-catching vehicles represent more than just AZZ—they represent a streamlined, professional experience from pickup to delivery.

Our trucking services are designed to simplify logistics, reduce total transportation costs, and help you stay on schedule. From the moment your materials leave your facility to the time they return galvanized and ready to go, we prioritize quality, consistency, and care every step of the way.

We also offer flexible scheduling options to meet your specific project needs, no matter how tight the timeline.

Trust AZZ for integrated galvanizing and transportation services backed by dependable coverage across Western Canada. Call AZZ Galvanizing – Edmonton today at 780-468-6868!

AZZ Metal Coatings Wins Five Excellence Awards at Annual American Galvanizers Association Conference

AZZ Metal Coatings Wins Five Excellence Awards at Annual American Galvanizers Association Conference

We’re proud to announce that AZZ earned five awards at this year’s Annual Conference:

🏆 Bridge & Highway – “FARM Bridge Program Project”
AZZ Galvanizing – St. Louis
The FARM (Feasible, Accelerated, Resilient, and Modular) Bridge Program is transforming rural infrastructure by streamlining the delivery of small-scale bridges using modular construction techniques. This award-winning project exemplifies the program’s mission to deliver cost-effective, quickly deployable, and long-lasting solutions for underserved communities.

🏆 Electrical Utility & Communication – “Modular On-Grade Bull Towers”
AZZ Galvanizing – Chelsea
Fabricated for modular deployment on remote sites, these on-grade “Bull Towers” offer essential support for electrical and communications networks. Hot-dip galvanizing was chosen for its proven resilience in extreme outdoor environments and for its ability to meet stringent service-life expectations.

🏆 Recreation & Entertainment – “Bucktown Bird’s Nest Learning Pavilion”
AZZ Galvanizing – Baton Rouge
Perched along the scenic shoreline of Metairie, Louisiana, the Bird’s Nest Pavilion is a sculptural blend of nature and engineering. Designed as a space for community gathering and learning, its galvanized frame, handrails, and staircase provide lasting strength and corrosion resistance in a demanding coastal environment.

🏆 Water & Marine – “Candle Lake Control Structure Upgrades”
AZZ Galvanizing – Saskatoon
Located near a popular campground in northern Saskatchewan, the Candle Lake Control Structure manages water levels and flow into the Torch River. Originally built in 1977, the structure was upgraded for improved safety, functionality, and resilience. Hot-dip galvanizing was selected for all steel components, including platforms, stairs, and hoist structures, offering long-term corrosion protection in a high-use, weather-exposed environment.

🏆 Lifetime Achievement Award – “Harley Davidson Museum”
AZZ Galvanizing – Joliet, AZZ Galvanizing – Dixon
A lasting symbol of American craftsmanship, the Harley Davidson Museum stands as a testament to the power of preservation through galvanizing. Since its construction in 2008, the museum’s exposed steel components have withstood the elements with virtually no need for maintenance, earning it this prestigious recognition.