How to Use, Handle, and Store Pool Chemicals

Pool chemicals are used to treat pool water and keep them sanitized. They are needed for the maintenance of your pool. However, these chemicals, also used in spas, hot tubs, whirlpools, and wading pools, should be used and kept with caution because they can cause chemical burns if they’re mishandled. They can also be hazardous to the health once inhaled. These are the reasons why safety precautions regarding their use and storage exist.

Having said that, the preventive measures below should be followed at all costs.

USING POOL CHEMICALS

• Pool chemicals should be dissolved in substantial amounts of water. Adding them to small quantities of water or mixing them incorrectly may cause threatening vapors, injuries, or fire, which can damage your property.
• Check the expiration date or shelf life of the chemicals. These chemicals will eventually break down even if they’re kept dry, which can cause harmful consequences. Others have a long shelf life––so long that you might use it all up before it expires––such as granular chlorine. However, chlorine in liquid form do not have a long shelf life. Make sure you check the label so as to avoid unfavorable outcomes.
• Use them with quality pool cleaners to make sure that your pool is safe from contaminants. Pool cleaners and chemicals work hand in hand to keep your pool water sanitary every after use.
• Make sure the environment is safe before using the chemicals. Refrain from spilling them on the ground or the pool deck. You don’t want to contaminate the soil and water.
• Be cautious when storing the chemicals. The storage of chemicals is discussed further below.
• Ensure that you’ve read all the instructions of your pool manufacturer before using the chemicals. Carefully follow the directions on the package of the chemicals too.
• Read emergency procedures in advance. You might need them when an accident or chemical spill happens. It’s better to know beforehand.

HANDLING POOL CHEMICALS

Do’s:

• Handle them in a well-ventilated place.
• When measuring chemicals, use a clean plastic or metal measuring cup for each chemical.
• Wear the recommended outfit when using them. That includes proper eyewear, footwear, and gloves.
• Dilute the chemicals when necessary by adding them to water, not adding water to the chemicals, unless the chemical’s container labels say so.
• Keep them from moisture and water.

Don’ts:

• Put back spilled chemicals into their original containers.
• Combine different chemicals.
• Smoke while handling them.
• Expose them to heat or flames.

STORING POOL CHEMICALS

Do’s:

• Keep them in a cool, dry location where no direct sunlight can hit them.
• Ensure that the storage area is properly ventilated.
• Store them far from pets and children.
• Preserve them in their original containers.
• Close the containers properly when you’re not using the chemicals.

Don’ts:

• Transfer them to new containers with no label.
• Place the liquids above the solids and powders.
• Store the chemicals higher than your head.
• Stack containers.
• Keep them near fertilizers, paints, gasoline, herbicides, turpentine, grease, tile cleaners, and flammable materials, especially in small storage areas.
• Store acids and oxidizers close to each other. The latter will emit chlorine gas if they come in contact with the former.
• Reuse the empty containers.