Pontoon docks are a popular choice for waterfront homeowners as they provide a stable platform that is less susceptible to waves and wind.
However, one of the most unsightly things that can happen to your pontoon dock is the growth of barnacles. Barnacles are small, hard crustaceans that attach themselves to surfaces in salt water. While they may look harmless, barnacles can cause damage to your pontoon dock and boat. Therefore, it is important to regularly remove barnacles from a pontoon dock to protect it and your boat from damage.
Today, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to remove barnacles from a pontoon dock. This guide will touch on the importance of eliminating barnacles, the best methods for removal, and products that can assist in the removal process.
The importance of removing barnacles from a pontoon dock
Barnacles can attach themselves to a pontoon dock and grow, eventually causing damage to the dock. The dock may not be able to adjust with the tides as it should, leading to structural damage. This occurs because barnacles attach themselves to pontoon piles, a vital component of a pontoon. The dock moves up and down the piles with the changing tides. However, if the rollers on the pile brackets cannot glide freely up and down the piles, the dock can become bound up on the pile, resulting in either the pontoon becoming suspended on the pile or submerged under water as the water level goes up with the tide and the pontoon can’t. When this occurs, the pontoon system is put under immense structural pressure and can result in damage to the pile brackets, concrete pontoon deck, and pontoon aluminium framework.
Barnacles can also cause problems for boats and other docking vessels by potentially causing damage. When barnacles attach themselves to fenders, which are used to provide cushioning between the boat and the dock, the boat ends up rubbing against the rough barnacles. This friction is bound to cause surface scratching to a boat but can also lead to more significant damage that needs repairs.
Removing any barnacles that might attach to a pontoon dock is important to prevent such issues.
Removing barnacles is easy and only requires a firm brush and some elbow grease if the barnacles are caught early enough However, it’s important to do it regularly to keep your pontoon dock in good condition. If there are many barnacles on the dock, getting them all off might take a while, but it’s definitely worth it in the end.
The best method for removing barnacles from a pontoon dock
There are various ways to remove barnacles from a pontoon dock, but some methods are more effective than others.
Use a Pressure Washer
One popular method for removing barnacles from anything is to use a power washer. This is a quick and easy way to remove barnacles, but it can also damage the pontoon dock if not done carefully. Power washers are high-pressure machines that shoot water at a very high velocity, so use them with caution.
You may need to repeat this process several times to remove all of the barnacles.
Use a Little Elbow Grease
You will need a scraper and some vinegar to remove barnacles from your pontoon dock the old fashion way. The vinegar will help loosen the barnacles from the dock’s surface so they can be scraped off more easily.
To remove the barnacles, wait for the tide to change, so the barnacles are exposed. Then, simply soak a rag in vinegar and apply it to the affected area. Let it sit for a few minutes, then use the scraper to scrape off the loosened barnacles. Repeat this process until all of the barnacles have been removed. Once they are gone, you can rinse off the vinegar with fresh water and enjoy your clean dock!
Use a Chemical Barnacle Remover
If you have no luck with the above methods, several environmentally friendly, biodegradable products on the market can help you remove barnacles quickly and easily. Starbrite Boat Bottom Cleaner/Barnacle Remover is one such product. However, be warned; you don’t want to use these items on fenders as they can eat through the fender, causing damage. Chemical barnacle removers are only recommended for use on pile brackets.
Chemical barnacle removers typically contain strong acid such as oxalic or phosphoric acid that dissolves the barnacles’ shells.
To use one of these products, simply apply it to the affected area and wait for the barnacles to detach. Once they have been removed, be sure to rinse the area thoroughly with fresh water to neutralise the chemicals. With a little diligence, you can keep your pontoon dock free of barnacles all season long.
How to prevent barnacles from forming in the first place
Barnacles are a common nuisance for boat owners, as they can attach themselves to the hull of a vessel and pontoon docks. They can also be difficult to remove once they’ve taken hold. Fortunately, there are a few things that boat owners can do to prevent barnacles from forming in the first place. Perhaps the most effective measure is keeping the pontoon’s fender and piles clean.
This can be accomplished by scrubbing them with a brush or power washer regularly, using a tile scraper, crowbar or the back side of a shovel.
Tips for cleaning a pontoon dock after removing the barnacles
Once you have removed barnacles from your pontoon dock, you will notice they leave behind a circular calcium foundation known as a husk. To remove the husk, carefully use a scraper to remove the remainents of the barnacle.
With the barnacles completely removed, it’s now just a matter of being diligent with pontoon dock maintenance to prevent them from returning. As barnacles love dark and dirty environments, it’s essential to keep the pontoon as clean as possible. This means regularly brooming the pontoon regularly to remove any dirt or debris that accumulates on the surface.
If you’d rather leave this to the professionals, then Micks Marine Maintenace is the team to turn to. We have more than two decades of experience in pontoon dock maintenance and can make your pontoon look new in no time.
Contact us today for a free quote by calling 0431 778 468.
Conclusion
If you have a pontoon dock, you may eventually be dealing with barnacles. Barnacles are small crustaceans that attach themselves to surfaces to filter food from the water. While they are mostly harmless, they can cause damage to your pontoon dock and boat.
Barnacles can attach themselves to fenders and piles, damaging boats and prohibiting docks from gliding up and down the pile, resulting in catastrophic damage. Therefore, it’s important to know how to remove barnacles from a pontoon dock. There are various methods, including manual removal, pressure washer, and chemical barnacle removers.
With a bit of diligence, you can keep your pontoon dock free of barnacles all season long. Remember to regularly scrub the pontoon with a brush and clean any dirt or debris that accumulates on the surface.
Micks Marine Maintenance has specialised in pontoon dock maintenance for over 20 years. We can make your pontoon look new in no time – contact us today for a free quote by calling 0431 778 468.