Time to get out the Reciprocating Saw?

[DavidD]

Thanks for the feedback Waste! Though I don't have a SWCG, I do keep around 3200 ppm of salt in my pool. Excellent observation regarding the corrosion. As I stated, this year was the worse and the first thing I tried was water, obviously to no avail. I assume all pools are the same but not only do I have Aluminum cups & Stainless Steel Rails, but everything is bonded together with copper wire! So I guess we not only have 3 dissimilar metals but maybe even some low voltage current? Either way, I'm going to not only grease and caulk next year but will try painting of the cups as well. Thanks again.

Dave

[joenj]

I don't think painting the rails or cups would be a good idea. The ground bonding is to prevent an electric shock to someone touching a rail that may have gotten HOT,electrically.

[DavidD]

Excellent point Joe. I seemed to have forgotten what the grounding was for

Dave

[CrisL]

Although I have never tried it, maybe a little anti-seize or anti-galling compound spread on the rails will work. Some of these compounds are specifically made to prevent stainless steel from seizing when in contact with other metals.

[Poconos]

Something to remember about grounding in this particular case, and from a practical viewpoint....the only way a ladder can get 'hot' is if something contacts it from above like a bare wire on an extension cord. If you're working like this you shouldn't be in the water. Even with paint, grease, or anything else, you should still get continuity through the anchors or whatever they're called, that tighten the rails in place. grounding things 'underground' are a different issue because of voltage gradients that can exist in the earth.
Al