Your LakeEze dock ladder is more than just a convenience; it's a smart investment in safe, effortless water access for your entire family, including the kids, grandparents, and even your beloved furry friends. Engineered with patented EzePull technology, a gentle 42-degree incline that mirrors the rise and run of your home stairs, and premium custom aluminum, this modern ladder design transforms lakeside living into an elevated waterfront experience. To help you protect your purchase, maximize its longevity and performance, we’ll guide you through 5 essential dock ladder maintenance tips to keep your dock accessory rust-free and looking and functioning like new.
Why Maintenance Matters for Your LakeEze Dock Ladder?
At LakeEze, we build our dock ladders for unmatched longevity and life on the water. Featuring high-strength 6061 T6 aluminum frames and marine-grade stainless steel hardware and brass nuts, every component is selected for premium performance and corrosion resistance. While our exclusive alloys set a new standard for rust prevention in the harshest of water environments, consistent care is still key to preserving your ladder's aesthetic appeal, functionality, and warranty coverage.
What Causes Dock Ladder Wear and Tear?
Even the most robust materials can face challenges. Here’s what can lead to dock ladder wear:
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Saltwater Exposure: While LakeEze aluminum alloys naturally resist oxidation, saltwater environments can accelerate corrosion if not rinsed and maintained regularly.
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Algae, Barnacle, and Dirt Buildup: Organic buildup creates slippery surfaces, traps moisture, and can lead to discoloration or surface damage if not cleaned off promptly.
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Boat Impacts: Unforeseen collisions from watercraft or floating debris can dent or scratch your LakeEze dock ladder, compromising its protective finish and potentially shortening its lifespan.
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Chemical Exposure: Substances like pool treatments, fertilizer runoff, and industrial contaminants can speed up corrosion and affect metal finishes on your lake ladder.
Proactive care, such as rinsing after saltwater use, storing the ladder in the upright position and out of the water when not in use, and routine cleaning, amplifies the inherent advantages of LakeEze’s high-quality aluminum alloys, helping your ladder deliver years of waterfront adventures.
5 Simple Steps to Keep Your LakeEze Dock Ladder Rust-Free
Keeping your LakeEze dock ladder in peak condition is easier than you think. Just follow these five simple steps to ensure lasting performance and peace of mind:
Clean Your Ladder Regularly With Gentle Supplies.
Always use a soft-bristle brush and mild detergent, such as Dawn, to remove any algae and dirt buildup. If you find tougher stains or mild discoloration, using a Scotch Brite pad in circular motions is effective and won’t scratch the finish. When possible, opt for eco-friendly cleaning products to help protect the lake environment. Avoid wire brushes, steel wool, and abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the non-skid UV-resistant finish.
Store Upright When Not In Use.
It’s recommended that your ladder be left in the upright position and resting on the dock during periods of nonuse to prevent algae, barnacles, and dirt buildup, and to protect it from accidental boat impacts when the dock isn’t being monitored. For added stability and extra peace of mind during harsh weather, you can also secure the handrail to your dock with a bungee cord or rope if needed.
Rinse After Saltwater Use.
If your lake connects to saltwater or you’re in a brackish environment, rinse your ladder thoroughly with some fresh water after each use. Saltwater accelerates corrosion, but a quick rinse washes it away before it can cause problems.
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Pro Tip: For ultimate protection in saltwater, upgrade with our LakeEze Universal Zinc/Saltwater Add-On Kit. The zinc washer acts as a sacrificial shield, corroding about 100 times slower than standard metals to safeguard your ladder’s hardware, even if the base metal is exposed. This superior protection helps extend the life and appearance of your LakeEze ladder, season after season.
Lubricate Moving Parts for Effortless Operation.
Our industry-leading EzePull spring mechanism makes raising and lowering your ladder effortless, requiring only 40-60 lbs of pull force, depending on whether you have the 5-Step or 6-Step version. To maintain this ease of use, apply marine grease occasionally to the spring housing if lifting becomes difficult. This keeps the operation smooth and reliable across thousands of load cycles.
Complete a Quick Monthly Check-Up.
It’s always a good idea to perform a monthly inspection of your LakeEze dock ladder to check:
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That all bolts and hardware are snug.
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If there are any signs of wear or damage, replace worn parts promptly.
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Remove any debris from glass-filled nylon perforated steps to maintain a safe, non-slip surface.
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Confirm that the ladder inserts and removes smoothly from the water and stores upright without issue.
Ready to Protect Your LakeEze Dock Ladder?
Your LakeEze dock ladder is built to last, but a little care goes a long way in preserving its beauty and functionality for years to come. By following these simple maintenance tips, you ensure your ladder remains rust-free, stable, and ready to enhance every adventure out on the lake.
Shop LakeEze today to explore the lake ladder or Flexsteps, discover our UV-resistant step color options, and add zinc protection—your waterfront deserves nothing less.
