Pool chemicals play a significant role in preventing contamination. But do you know that pool chemicals can be dangerous if you don’t store them correctly?
These chemicals pose hazardous risks if ingested, spilled on the floor, or inhaled. Hence the need for proper storage.
Learn where and how to store pool chemicals appropriately.
Where To Store Pool Chemicals
Always keep pool chemicals in cool, dry places that are well-ventilated. Don’t store pool chemicals in garages unless you lock them in a cabinet or storage bin. As pool chemicals can speed up metal rusting.
Ensure the chemicals are in a safe place where children and pets cannot reach. Never store oxidizers in poorly ventilated areas or near gasoline to avoid exposure to harmful vapors or toxins. These vapors can affect homeowners, workers, and their loved ones.
How To Store Pool Chemicals
Use the following safety tips to store your pool chemicals.
Avoid Extreme Humidity and Temperatures
Don’t store your pool chemicals exposed to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. These temperatures can cause harmful reactions when you open them. Store your pool chemicals in a dark and cool place to prevent potential degradation.
Do not store your pool chemicals near the swimming pool. And ensure that the outdoor storage is well covered and dry. Small amounts of water or humidity can result in a chemical reaction. Leading to hazardous fumes.
Store the Pool Chemicals in a Well-ventilated Area
As a pool owner, ensure you store the pool chemicals in a place with a lot of ventilation or ample air. Keeping the chemicals in a poorly ventilated area without proper airflow can cause harmful fumes to start accumulating if these chemicals react.
Ventilation is vital when storing multiple pool chemicals close to each other since various chemicals vigorously react when mixed. Keep chemical containers in an upright position, and the lids closed tightly. It’s advisable to place the chemical containers on flat surfaces.
Store Your Pool Chemicals Far From Flammable Items
Ensure you keep your pool chemicals far from anything flammable in your outdoor storage locations. The storage area shouldn’t be used to store any gas-powered equipment, such as your lawnmower.
All heat sources, such as outdoor grills or fire pits, must be away from the storage area. Do not smoke when handling the pool chemicals.
In addition, do not store your pool chemicals near paints, glue, herbicides, fertilizers, grease & oils, turpentine, and other household cleaners. Separate your pool chemicals from these items to prevent risks of co-mingling that can lead to dangerous fumes.
If you accidentally spill the chemical, make sure you clean it immediately. Please don’t return the spillage into the container or place it in the garbage.
Be Keen on How You Keep Your Pool Chemicals
Do not stack your pool chemicals haphazardly. You must store the pool chemicals according to the product label directions. Each pool chemical comes with a Material Data Safety Sheet (MSDS). You should carefully read it before storing or using the chemicals. Never store acids and oxidizers together.
After securing a safe storage area, be sure no chemicals are stored on the floor or over your head. This storage technique lowers the chances of things dropping or spilling.
Avoid stacking liquid chemicals on top of powdered chemicals to avert a potentially dangerous reaction.
Never Switch or Reuse Containers
It’s not advisable to transfer chemicals from one container to another. Each chemical container has specific storage requirements that you have to follow strictly.
Never use an empty container again. Ensure you use the original containers until they are empty, then discard them.
Even if the chemical is the same, you should use caution when mixing new and old batches since it can cause a reaction, creating fumes. Older pool chemicals may differ from current ones and can react when mixed. Ensure you use different measuring items and tools for every chemical.
Close the Containers When Not in Use
Remember to close container lids anytime you are not using pool chemicals. Tightly closed lids lower the risk of chemical spillage.
Never use your hand, arm, or an item that you need for other purposes to mix the pool chemicals.
Instead, wear a mask, gloves, goggles, and an apron whenever you handle swimming pool chemicals. Always have a stick, pole, or board nearby.
Make sure you wash your hands with soap after handling any chemicals. It’s advisable not to add water to chemicals as it can cause splashing and spillage. The ideal method is adding chemicals to the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about using and storing pool chemicals.
Will swimming pool chemicals blow up?
It’s good to handle every pool chemical with great care since some chemicals are volatile. Do not mix liquid chlorines and chemicals since this reaction can cause an explosion. If you are unsure how to store your pool chemicals, consult the manufacturer, the vendor, or a pool professional.
How long should I use a pool chemical?
You must use all swimming pool chemicals within two pool seasons. However, oxidizers such as bromine, chlorine, and sanitizers should be used in one pool season. Ensure you don’t use any product with terrible odor, badly discolored, or separated.
Can I store my pool chemicals on the counter?
It’s not advisable to keep swimming pool chemicals on the counter because sunlight can affect them and cause a reaction. Pool chemicals are also known to lead to metal corrosion that can destroy items in the room. Store your chemicals in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area.
Final Thoughts
Pool chemicals contain harmful substances that can pose a health concern if inhaled or touched with bare hands. Proper storage of pool chemicals is crucial as it can help prevent accidents and injuries to your loved ones. Ensure you protect yourself anytime you are handling these chemicals by wearing Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).
Do not buy pool chemicals in bulk as they lose potency even with proper storage. Most importantly, keep these chemicals where your pets and children can’t reach.
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