Powder coating for preservation?!

Hello ladies, I know there may already be threads that relate to the problem I have but, I've spent time looking and can't seem to find an answer. So my question is this- I have an old top loading (7yrs+) 50mm Chrome X-pole and it lives in my garage/makeshift studio. Over the winter I didn't think about protecting it from the cold and In certain areas of the pole, bubbling and rust has started to appear :-( Its still usable (a little rough in places) but I'm concerned that this will continue to worsen especially as its getting closer to winter again. I looked at the idea of powder coating a while back for grip issues but now I'm thinking that it will help preseve my pole from the elements and getting any worse which may mean it would last longer. I have hyper-hydrosis so sweaty hands has always been a problem for me anyway. I'm thinking it may help kill two birds with one stone, so to speak! Please help?!