Pontoon Aluminum Cleanup....

[SolomonMan]

All,
Quick Question about the Aluminum Pontoons....Mine (new to me) has considerable amount of Algae/Water Mineral Growth on the Pontoon itself. We are talking between 1/8 and 1/4 inch. This algae mass has harden (dried) the complete length of the pontoon (24 ft) and is thicker in the back.

I first tried to scrub it off with a green Brillo and water/Soap and did not even phase it. I tried soaking and a soft plastic putty knife no luck. I pulled out my 3000 PSI power washer with the aggressive tip (after trying the other tips first) and it finally began to come off.

So after about hour or so I was able to clean one side of one pontoon.....So the final product currently is metal with a slight green tint and a occasional missed spot of algae.

I am looking for something that will remove the green tinting and shine the pontoons back up. Looking for Suggestions and once I get it back to clean how to maintain it that way going forward...Suggestions (Cleanup and Maintenance)?

Thanks,
Chris

 

[Jeep Man]

Check out a post by chrismarion from May 12. It's a few pages back. He had the same issue and seems to have come up with the best solution.

 

[SolomonMan]

Jeep Man,
Thanks for the tip on the other Post.....I am in the exact same scenario.....
I believe mine is limestone deposit...The pontoon spent its entire life (24 years) in a limestone quarry/lake.

I was wondering if a strong acid...Aircraft Aluminum cleaner or something along those lines would work....My biggest fear is my trailer is brand new (2014) and am afraid that the acid would harm the finish/carpet of the trailer. I would like to find something with Hydrochloric Acid that I could confirm the foaming.

The 3000 PSI power washer seemed to remove a large amount but the rest may take something stronger which will require the pontoon to be dry docked on stands.

Thanks for all the help!
Chris

 

[LittleRiverMotorsports]

Go to NAPA and buy a Gal of Aluminium Brightner and a spray bottle. Just bought mine and had to do the same thing. When you spray the stuff on, you DO NOT leave it on but about 15 seconds. IT works that fast. Hose it off is all you have to do. If you leave it on any longer it will turn your aluminium white. Its acid, and it will take your breath away so do it out in the open , and your better off to do it on a windy day and be down wind of where your straying. Also do about 4 to 5 foot only at a time. Will work in anything Aluminium. I do my rims on the cars but only leave it on about 10 seconds.

 

[pmassey31545]

Go to NAPA and buy a Gal of Aluminium Brightner and a spray bottle. Just bought mine and had to do the same thing. When you spray the stuff on, you DO NOT leave it on but about 15 seconds. IT works that fast. Hose it off is all you have to do. If you leave it on any longer it will turn your aluminium white. Its acid, and it will take your breath away so do it out in the open , and your better off to do it on a windy day and be down wind of where your straying. Also do about 4 to 5 foot only at a time. Will work in anything Aluminium. I do my rims on the cars but only leave it on about 10 seconds.

What he said. The only draw back is there will be no shine. But they will be very clean. I used muriatic acid then the Aluminum Brightener--got mine at O'reillys.