Swimming Pool Chemical Safety Tips

Using swimming pool chemicals is an absolute must for a clean, healthy pool, but while they work to keep the water safe and free of bacteria and other potentially harmful germs, they pose a significant risk if they are not stored or used properly.

The following sections will provide guidelines and recommendations on how to store pool chemicals, and will also provide tips on how to take properly handle them in order to reduce the risk of injury and accidental poisoning.

Chemical Storage

One of the first things to consider is where you will be storing your pool chemicals. You want to ensure that they are stored in an area with ample ventilation and adequate lighting for reading labels to avoid dangerous chemical mix-ups. It’s a great idea to include spill containment features, also known as secondary containment, in the design of your chemical storage area. Spill containment features are used to prevent any chemical leaks or spills from mixing with any other substances, which may create toxic fumes. Be sure to provide adequate security features to the space you will be storing your chemicals in order to keep children and animals out of harm’s way.

Pool chemicals should be stored below 95° F/35° C and in conditions recommended by the manufacturer.

Protect stored chemicals from getting wet.

• Do not store pool chemicals directly on the floor where they could potentially get wet. Place chemical containers on shelves.
• Store pool chemicals away from doors and windows as these are the two most common points of entry for water.
• Always keep pool chemicals covered with waterproof material.

Other recommendations include:

• Store different types of pool chemicals separate from each other. Don’t stack incompatible chemicals (especially liquids that may leak) above or below one another.
• Store pool chemicals in original, manufacturer’s-labeled containers.
• Protect pool chemicals from heat sources, flames and other potentially flammable substances.

Chemical Handling

Before using any type of pool chemical, be sure to read the full manufacturer’s instructions, recommendations, and warnings. If you ever come across an un-labeled container, it is better to be safe and discard the chemicals, rather than taking a chance and guessing what it is. Be sure to keep children and animals at a distance when handling pool chemicals.

Other important recommendations include:

• Use caution when opening containers to avoid splashing chemicals on exposed skin or other nearby chemicals.
• Never mix individual pool chemicals together or with any other substance.
• Do not mix different types of chlorine products together.
• Do not mix fresh and old chemicals together, even if they are the same product, as the chemical composition may become altered if expired.
• Dedicate equipment such as scoops and buckets to only one pool chemical and never use for any other pool chemical.
• Make sure you are only using dry equipment in your pool chemicals.
• Do not pre-dissolve solid pool chemicals or dilute liquid pool chemicals.
• Always wash your hands after working with pool chemicals.

It’s also a smart idea to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and safety goggles when treating your pool. If there is ever a pool chemical spill, be sure to respond to it immediately.

About the Author: The Pool Guy Store provides discount pool supplies for above ground, in ground, and commercial swimming pools. For more information on products and services, please visit www.thepoolguystore.com.