"Rust Buster" Why do I need a sacrificial zinc anode in my salt pool? In a salt pool, any time you have different types of metals (i.e. stainless steel, copper, etc.), you essentially create a battery. There will be some amount of current that flows between the different metals. That current is comprised of electrons that are provided by one of the metals. That metal will sacrifice fragments of itself in the form of metal ions to the pool water, which is a process called electrolysis. Metal erosion and the discoloration of plaster are negative impacts caused by electrolysis. The most effective way to slow down the process of electrolysis is to use a sacrificial zinc anode on your pool rails. Zinc is a metal that will sacrifice its metal ions in pool water at a faster rate than other metals. The zinc anode will take the brunt of the beating and corrode more quickly than other metals. The zinc ions will not discolor the pool plaster. The sacrificial zinc anode will provide some protection against your 1.90" outer diameter stainless steel pool rails and ladders and slow the corrosion rate down for your stainless steel rails and ladders. Place the zinc anode in the water near the ladder bumper or the escutcheon for maximum effect. The zinc anode should be replaced when approximately half of the anode has eroded away. Inter-Fab sacrificial anodes are easy to install.... 2 bolts... 2 minutes. Just go to inter-fab.com and view a comprehensive assembly and installation video. Made in the United States. No warranty due to the fact that they will erode.