What Is AISI 316 Stainless Steel?

AISI 316 is AISI 304's composition with roughly 2-3% molybdenum added. Molybdenum strengthens the steel's passive layer against chloride ions, significantly improving resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion.

For this reason, pools using salt chlorination, thermal/spa facilities, coastal projects and any environment with high chloride or salt concentration should specify AISI 316. It typically costs 15-25% more than AISI 304.

Across SNY Pool's range — inlet/vacuum nozzles, main drain grilles, ladders and more — many products are offered in both 304 and 316 grade as separate SKUs; which one to choose depends directly on the pool's water chemistry (fresh, salt, or thermal).