Having the right product at the right time just when you need it is very important to all swimming pool lovers. However, this means that the products are stored at your home.
Are you looking for tips to store these items easily and safely? You have come to the right place!
Properly Storing Pool Chemicals: How and Why?
Chemicals designed for pool use are meant to be diluted in a large amount of water, so in their concentrated form they can be hazardous if they are spilled on a hard surface, made contact with, ingested, and/or if their vapors are inhaled.
Knowing where to store pool chemicals is equally important. Since they are concentrated substances, these chemicals are best stored in a secure area with controlled access. Finding a safe place that pets and kids can’t access is ideal.
By handling swimming pool chemicals with care and respect, you can minimize risks while ensuring the substances remain potent enough to keep your pool water clean.
Five Tips for Storing Pool Chemicals:
1. Avoid Exposure to Sunlight and Humidity
When considering where to store pool chemicals, the best storage locations are areas out of direct sunlight. Pool chemicals react poorly to sunshine and heat, and require a dark, cool environment to control for any potential reactions.
Make sure that any outdoor storage of pool chemicals is as far away from your pool as possible and in a dry, covered area. Humidity or even small amounts of pool water can cause chemical reactions that could lead to dangerous fumes.
2. Provide Plenty of Ventilation
Choose a location with ample ventilation for storing pool chemicals. In areas with little airflow, dangerous fumes can quickly accumulate if chemicals do start to react. Ventilation is even more important when multiple pool chemicals are stored in close proximity to each other, as certain chemicals may cause hazardous reactions when combined.
3. Be Attentive to How You Store Different Chemicals
It might seem logical to stack different chemicals on top of each other, but haphazardly arranging your pool chemicals is not advisable. Storing pool chemicals requires careful attention to the product label instructions for each pool chemical. Keep in mind to not store chlorine products close to acids.
Once you have designated a secure storage location, take care to never store any chemicals on the floor or above your head. This reduces the risk of items falling or spilling. In addition, don’t stack liquid products above powdered ones due to risk of a hazardous reaction.
4. Keep Chemicals Away From Flammable Items
Outdoor storage areas for pool chemicals should be situated away from anything flammable. Keep any gas-powered equipment, like your lawnmower, in a completely different location. The storage site should also be away from sources of heat, like an outdoor fire pit or grill.
5. Do Not Reuse or Switch Containers
Reusing pool chemical containers or transferring chemicals to another container is never recommended as it can create a dangerous situation. When storing pool chemicals, always use the original containers with their labels clearly legible. Each container was designed for the specific storage requirements of the product it contains, so it is never advisable to switch containers.
Even if you’re handling the same type of chemical, mixing a new batch of a chemical with a leftover batch of the same chemical can lead to a reaction from the older residue, or create fumes. Make sure to use separate tools and measuring items for each chemical and keep these instruments clean. When you’re ready to begin mixing your pool chemicals, wear long sleeves, pants, eye and closed-toed shoes that fully protect your feet from spills.
Keep Everyone Safe With Proper Pool Chemical Storage
Keep our list of tips in mind as you store and use different pool chemicals during pool season and beyond. Properly handling and storing pool chemicals is also an important part of keeping your pool ready when you are.
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