How to Store Pool Chemicals Safely
Keeping the chemicals in your pool balanced is an essential part of pool ownership. If you’ve been thinking about getting a pool, or you want to learn how to better care for your existing pool, then you’ve probably been wondering how you should properly handle these chemicals. Here is a brief overview of how you should store pool chemicals, in order to best care for your pool and protect your family from harm.
Types of Pool Chemicals and Their Storage Needs
Pool chemicals come in a variety of types each requiring careful handling to prevent accidents or degradation.
- Chlorine, in the form of tablets, granules, or liquid, is highly reactive and should always be kept dry and separated from other chemicals.
- pH adjusters, like sodium carbonate or muriatic acid, are corrosive and should never be stored near chlorine or flammable substances.
- Algaecides and shock treatments can be flammable or reactive, so storing them in a well-ventilated area is important.
Knowing these differences helps you organize your storage and reduces the risk of harmful reactions while keeping your pool water balanced and safe.
How to Properly Store Pool Chemicals
Aside from knowing where to store these chemicals, you should also know how to store them properly in order to prevent spills or an accidental chemical reaction. Firstly, make sure that your chemicals are stored in their proper, original containers with nothing else. These containers should not be stacked on top of one another, especially liquids over solids in case a leak occurs.
Additionally, ensure that your storage area does not contain gasoline or other flammable chemicals. Keep these pool chemicals out of reach from animals and small children and not within close proximity of each other. If you follow these simple steps, you don’t have to worry over an accident occurring in the space where you store your pool chemicals, and you can continue to care for your pool.
Organizing Your Storage Area
An organized chemical storage area not only improves safety but also makes pool maintenance easier.
- Use clearly labeled containers with the chemical name and purchase date.
- Keep incompatible chemicals separated such as acids and chlorine, to prevent accidental reactions.
- Shelving or bins designed for chemical storage can prevent containers from tipping over or leaking.
- You can also group chemicals by frequency of use, keeping frequently used products easily accessible and less often used items stored higher or toward the back.
Storing Chemicals Throughout the Seasons
Your pool chemicals should always be stored in a cool and dry environment, to prevent them from becoming defective or dangerous. Typically, pool owners will stash their chemicals in an outdoor shed or garage. In Florida, you typically don’t have to worry about temperatures in the wintertime dropping so low that the chemicals in these outside storage units are affected.
However, when the weather and changing seasons bring about waves of heat and humidity, you need to keep an eye on your storage space. It is important that you store pool chemicals out of the sunlight in order to keep the temperatures inside of the containers from rising. When this happens, pressure can build up and harmful vapors can release, which is not something you want to happen.
How to Properly Store Pool Chemicals
Aside from knowing where to store these chemicals, you should also know how to store them properly in order to prevent spills or an accidental chemical reaction. Firstly, make sure that your chemicals are stored in their proper, original containers with nothing else. These containers should not be stacked on top of one another, especially liquids over solids in case a leak occurs.
Additionally, ensure that your storage area does not contain gasoline or other flammable chemicals. Keep these pool chemicals out of reach from animals and small children and not within close proximity of each other. If you follow these simple steps, you don’t have to worry over an accident occurring in the space where you store your pool chemicals, and you can continue to care for your pool.
What to Do When There’s a Spill
Unfortunately, accidents still happen despite our best efforts to prevent them. Spills can occur, which can cause a chemical reaction, releasing those harmful vapors we mentioned earlier. If you spot a spill, make sure that there is not a chemical reaction occurring. If there is, evacuate the area and contact your local fire department for assistance.
However, if there is not a chemical reaction, you can safely clean up the spill yourself. Make sure that you put on the proper safety gear, googles and rubber gloves, before sopping up the spilled liquid or powder. Use clean rags or a small dustpan to contain the mess and dispose of them in an unused, clean container. After reassuring that no reaction will occur, you can properly rid of the container.
Signs Your Pool Chemicals Are Degrading
Even with proper storage, pool chemicals can lose effectiveness or become unsafe over time. Some warning signs include:
- Crystallization or clumping of powders, which can indicate moisture has entered the container.
- Discoloration or unusual odors, signaling that the chemical may have changed composition.
- Leaking or damaged containers, which can lead to dangerous spills.
If you notice any of these signs it’s safer to dispose of the chemicals according to local guidelines rather than risk an accident or damage to your pool. Regular inspection of your chemical storage area ensures you catch issues before they become serious.
Keeping You and Your Family Safe Around Pool Chemicals
Handling pool chemicals requires precautions beyond storage:
- Always wear gloves and goggles and consider a mask when working with powders to avoid inhalation.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby if flammable chemicals are present and make sure a first-aid kit is accessible in case of accidental contact.
- Make it a habit to educate everyone in your household about chemical safety, especially children who may be curious about the storage area.
Let Tampa Bay Pools Help You Maintain a Safe and Beautiful Pool
Caring for a pool involves more than just keeping the water clean. Proper chemical storage and handling is essential to protect your family and your investment. The experts at Tampa Bay Pools can guide you through every step of pool ownership. They provide personalized advice for building a new pool, upgrading your current setup, or safely storing and using pool chemicals.
Our team can help you:
- Choose the right storage solutions for your chemicals
- Maintain balanced water and a safe swimming environmentSelect energy-efficient and low-maintenance pool systems
- Troubleshoot common pool issues and answer all your questions
With years of experience serving the Tampa Bay area, we understand the unique challenges of pool ownership in Florida. Our expert guidance can help you enjoy your pool safely and stress-free, so you can focus on relaxing, entertaining and making the most of your backyard oasis.
To learn more about pool ownership and how to properly store pool chemicals, contact your local pool experts, Tampa Bay Pools. We are happy to help answer any questions you may have about building and maintaining your dream pool.