Corrosion remediation in water parks

Water parks are a symphony of steel and water. These parks are constructed with complex networks of metal structures, all designed to provide safety, support, and endless enjoyment. But, water, chlorine and the relentless march of time can cause corrosion, slowly eating away at these vital components.

As the industry’s premier coatings service provider, we play a pivotal role in mitigating rust, preventing corrosion, and ensuring that waterpark assets remain in top condition. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of corrosion in waterparks, exploring the reasons behind it, its impact, and, most importantly, the remedies.

Why Corrosion Matters:

Corrosion isn’t just an aesthetic issue. It poses a significant threat to the structural integrity of waterpark equipment and, ultimately, the safety of visitors. As metal components weaken due to corrosion, the risk of accidents increases. Therefore, preventing corrosion isn’t just about maintaining a waterpark’s appearance; it’s a critical safety concern.

The Culprits:

Understanding the enemies of water park structures is the first step in fighting corrosion effectively. Here are a few of the main culprits:

1. Water: Water might be the lifeblood of a water park, but it’s also one of the primary sources of corrosion. Continuous exposure to water can lead to rust and degradation of metal surfaces.

2. Chlorine and Chemicals: While chlorine is essential for water sanitation, it’s also corrosive. The chemicals used to maintain water quality can accelerate corrosion, especially if not properly controlled.

3. Sun and Weather: Outdoor water parks are exposed to the elements year-round. Sun, rain, and temperature fluctuations can all contribute to corrosion.

4. Wear and Tear: The high traffic and physical stress placed on water park structures can exacerbate corrosion, especially if protective coatings wear thin.

The Remedy:

Mitigating corrosion is a complex process that requires expertise and precision. Here are some key strategies and insights to help park operators maintain their water park assets:

1. Regular Inspections:

Reason: Early detection is key to preventing corrosion. Routine inspections allow you to identify issues before they become severe, saving time and money in the long run.
Data: According to the National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE), regular inspections can reduce the cost of corrosion-related damage by up to 25%.

2. Protective Coatings:

Reason: Protective coatings act as a barrier between metal surfaces and corrosive elements, preventing water and chemicals from making direct contact with the metal.
Data: Studies by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) show that properly applied coatings can extend the lifespan of metal structures by up to 50 years.

3. Water Quality Control:

Reason: Properly balanced water chemistry is crucial for preventing accelerated corrosion caused by aggressive water and chemical imbalances.
Data: Research published in the Journal of Corrosion Science and Engineering indicates that maintaining optimal water chemistry can reduce the rate of corrosion by 30% or more.

4. Maintenance:

Reason: Regular maintenance not only ensures the aesthetic appeal of water park structures but also helps identify and address corrosion at an early stage.
Data: The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) reports that water park operators who invest in ongoing maintenance experience a 20% decrease in corrosion-related repair costs.

5. Expert Consultation:

Reason: Collaborating with corrosion remediation specialists ensures that water park assets are protected using the latest technologies and industry best practices.
Data: A survey conducted by the Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC) found that partnering with experts can reduce corrosion-related incidents by as much as 40%.

Water parks are a sanctuary of joy, where memories are made, and laughter fills the air. To keep these aquatic wonders safe and in peak condition, addressing corrosion is not just a good idea; it’s a necessity.

“Busch Gardens Tampa Bay partnered with Baynum Solutions to repaint two of our most popular attractions here in the park (Cheetah Hunt and Montu). The Baynum team did a fantastic job completing the projects on-time and delivering the final product with the quality expected. The Cheetah Hunt project specifically provided an additional challenge in that the team had to coordinate work schedules and access to various sections of the track through our Serengeti Plain. The Serengeti Plain is home to large portion of the park’s zoological collection. This encompassed working closely with the park’s Zoological team to ensure worker and animal safety while maneuvering high reaches and equipment through various animal areas. Communication with Baynum Solutions throughout the entire process made the overall project a success. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay looks forward to working with Baynum Solutions on future projects.”

— Erick Elliott | Vice President, Engineering & General Services , Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Read more testimonials