Important Tips For Extending The Life And Use Of Your Floating Dock

When you have spent time choosing the right floating dock, it can be incredibly frustrating to later discover that its use and aesthetic appeal have been limited. If it has been damaged due to severe weather or a lack of adequate cleaning, your investment could be quickly made useless. Fortunately, it is easier than you might think to maintain your floating dock, so that it can be safely and effectively used for many years.     

It is also important to note that the intended use and usability of your floating dock are not the same thing. Intended use refers to what you plan to use an item for. Usability refers to the items' ability to be safely used for that purpose. 

 Plan For The Usability Of Your Floating Dock

It is first necessary to remember that in general, the most important feature of a floating dock is always going to be how well it floats on the water. That is its primary function and any accessories that you choose should complement that. Its ability to float relates to its size, condition and use. 

Fortunately, one easy way to extend its usability and maintain its condition is to install a bumper that would go over all of its external edges. They protect your investment and can also help to prevent injuries for anyone getting on or off the dock. 

Consider The Intended Use Of Your Dock

As mentioned, the intended use of your floating dock is also important. One example is that they can be used to create a visual line to clearly identify where children or guests should stay. They are also used to store items that are used frequently in the eater and even as an option for resting.   

Regardless, they are not a one-size-fits-all purchase, so choose the right materials for the job your dock will do. Untreated wood may only last a few years before needing to be replaced while chemically treated wood will often last 40 years.

Metal is also a popular choice and you can choose from aluminum stainless steel and galvanized steel. To extend metal's lifespan, it can be coated, painted or even galvanized.

Clean The Dock And Any Accessories Frequently

Be sure to have any external parts of your floating dock that come into contact with the water cleaned and examined for damage regularly. It is usually best to hire a professional with diving experience to complete the task and to have it done on a regular basis. When there is no growth on the outside of the floating dock, it remains more buoyant.

Slight damage can quickly drown or further damage the unit, so make sure to have it done in accordance with the manufacturer's suggestions. If the deck seems unusually slippery or slimy, have it checked out immediately and do not use it until you are sure it is safe to do so.  

In conclusion, a floating dock is a valuable tool for creating a visual line of where your property starts and stops. It can also be used to make a visual line of where children can or cannot swim or travel past. Therefore, after investing in your new dock (from an outlet such as Dock Accents), you should always make sure that the unit will be safe to use and physically intact.