How to Safely Storing Pool Chemicals
Safely storing pool chemicals is crucial to maintaining a fun and hazard-free pool environment. Pool chemicals are vital to keep your pool water sanitised, clear and free of contaminants. However, they can pose risks if not stored properly. Many pool chemicals naturally break down over time if not used by a certain date. Proper storage, packaging, and labelling can contain broken-down chemicals and prevent unnecessary risks.
Most pool chemicals are effective substances that work well in your swimming pool. However, if handled improperly, they can cause burns other injuries, and even explode. Pool chemicals are meant to be diluted in a large amount of water. In their concentrated form, they can be dangerous if spilled on a hard surface, come into contact with skin, are ingested, or if their vapours are inhaled. Handling these chemicals with care and following safety guidelines is important.
It is crucial to know the appropriate place to store pool chemicals. As these substances are hazardous, it is best to keep them in a secure area with limited access, which a lock or keypad can control. It is ideal to find a safe storage place inaccessible to pets and children. We have compiled five tips on how to store pool chemicals properly to make pool maintenance easier.
5 Tips on How to Store Pool Chemicals
1. Avoid Exposure to Sunlight and Humidity
When thinking about where to store pool chemicals, choosing a location that is not exposed to direct sunlight is important. Pool chemicals can react negatively to sunlight and heat, so they need to be kept in a cool and dark place to avoid any potential reactions.
It's also essential to ensure that the outdoor storage area for pool chemicals is located as far away from the pool as possible and is covered to keep the chemicals dry. Even a small amount of humidity or water from the pool can cause chemical reactions, which could create dangerous fumes.
2. Provide Plenty of Ventilation
When storing pool chemicals, selecting a location with proper ventilation is important. In places with insufficient airflow, harmful fumes can accumulate quickly if the chemicals begin to react. Good ventilation is particularly crucial when you have multiple pool chemicals stored in the same vicinity, as certain chemicals can have a dangerous reaction if they come into contact with one another.
3. Be Attentive to How You Store Different Chemicals
It is not advisable to haphazardly arrange pool chemicals by stacking them on top of each other, even if it might seem logical. Storing pool chemicals should be done with careful attention to the product label instructions for each pool chemical. Material Data Safety Sheets (MSDS) are included with each pool chemical upon purchase and should be referenced with care. It is important to always keep oxidisers and acids far away from each other.
After designating a secure storage location, never store any chemicals on the floor or above your head. This will reduce the risk of items falling or spilling. Also, avoid stacking liquid chemicals above powdered ones, which can cause a hazardous reaction.
4. Keep Chemicals Away From Flammable Items
When storing pool chemicals outside, it is important to keep them away from anything that can catch fire. It is recommended to store gas-powered equipment, such as a lawnmower, in a different location. Additionally, the storage site should be far from sources of heat, like an outdoor fire pit or grill.
5. Do Not Reuse or Switch Containers
It is never recommended to reuse pool chemical containers or transfer chemicals to another container, as it can create a dangerous situation. Always use the original containers with their labels clearly legible when storing pool chemicals. Each container is designed for the specific storage requirements of the chemical it contains, so it is never advisable to switch containers.
It is important to note that even if you're working with the same chemical, mixing a new batch with a leftover one can cause reactions due to the older residue or create fumes. Therefore, it is advisable to use separate tools and measuring items for each chemical and keep them clean. Before you start mixing your pool chemicals, make sure to wear long sleeves, pants, and enclosed shoes that protect your feet from spills.
It is important to keep in mind a few tips when storing and using different pool chemicals. Proper handling and storage of these chemicals is crucial for maintaining a clean pool. You can share this guide on proper pool chemical storage with other pool owners to help them stay informed as well. For more information on maintaining a hazard-free and clean pool, speak to your nearest pool experts.
