When it comes to pool maintenance, all that’s ever really talked about is how to make sure that your pool waters stay crystal clear. But one thing that’s often overlooked is how to properly store your pool chemicals. There are many dangers involved with storing your pool chemicals incorrectly. That’s why below is a list of 5 things you should avoid when it comes to storing your pool chemicals so that you never have to worry about harming yourself or others.
1) Storing Them in Sunlight and Humidity
The first thing you should avoid when storing your pool chemicals is storing them in a place that is sunlit and/or humid. Many pool owners are not aware that pool chemicals can react badly to sunlight and humidity and could cause potentially hazardous fumes. Even the smallest quantity of water to these chemicals can cause dangerous accidents. The best place to store your pool chemicals is far enough away from your pool and in a place that is dry and out of direct sunlight. You should also aim to store them in separate containers with the lids tightly shut.
2) Storing Them in a Room With no Ventilation
Since storing your pool chemicals in direct sunlight and humidity can cause dangerous fumes to develop, storing them in a room with no ventilation will worsen the issue. If you store all of your pool chemicals in the same place, it’s important for that area to have a proper ventilation system. Should the chemicals be combined in some sort of accident, ventilation won’t prevent the fumes from occurring, but it will prevent them from accumulating and getting worse.
3) Not Reading the Product Label
Different chemicals require different storage needs, so it’s really important to read all of their labels. For example, oxidizers (like calcium hypochlorite) and acids (such as muriatic acid) should never be stored next to each other. That’s because if oxidizers come into contact with an acid, the chemical reaction will produce chlorine gas. High exposure to chlorine gas can lead to violent coughs, nausea, headaches, chest pain, corneal burns, and more. Because mixing chemicals can cause nefarious effects, certain tips on storing your pool chemicals properly include:
- Never stacking your containers
- Never storing chemicals above your head or on the ground — doing so leaves you at greater risk of spillage.
- Never storing liquids above powders or solids
- Never storing them where a child or animal could access them
4) Storing Chemicals Next to Flammable Materials
If your pool chemicals are stored in a shed, it’s important to consider whether or not flammable materials are stored with them too. Although storing them according to their product labels will help in minimizing hazardous occurrences, keeping them away from flammable materials will give you peace of mind should a spilling accident arise.
5) Reusing Chemical Containers
Some people will prefer to use their own storage containers when they buy pool chemicals, but this is never recommended. It’s always better to keep chemicals in their original containers, so as to reduce the risks associated with reusing containers or even switching containers. It’s also good practice to wash out the containers once you’re done with them, and then disposing of it. Switching containers presents a huge risk, as you can unknowingly be mixing the remnants of the previous container with the new one. In that same vein, it’s also recommended you use different tools for each of your pool chemicals. When handling these chemicals, never forget to wear protective equipment such as goggles, long sleeved shirts, gloves, and footwear.
If you’ve followed these guidelines, but would like to take extra precautions, ask a pool expert. Your pool expert can show you in everything you need to know when it comes to pool maintenance so that you yourself can become and expert and take safety precautions. Doing so will ensure that you keep all of your loved ones safe and will give you peace of mind so that you can enjoy the pool season worry-free!
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