Follow Best Practices for Using and Storing Pool Chemicals
Maintaining a pool requires regular application of chemicals to keep the water clean, clear and balanced and to keep your pool equipment working efficiently. As useful and necessary as pool chemicals are, they require careful handling and storage to keep your family safe.
Pool Chemical Instructions
Start by reading the product label:
- Learn all precautions and steps for correct use.
- Learn about any necessary safety gear.
- Learn what to do if someone comes in contact with the chemical.
- Learn how to store the chemical properly.
- Learn how to clean up spills.
- Learn how to dispose of the chemical, if necessary.
Follow all the instructions as you use, store and dispose of the pool chemicals.
General Pool Chemical Practices for Safe Use
The product instructions are your guide for specific precautions for using any chemical, but here are some general tips for safety:
- When working with pool chemicals, keep children and pets clear of the area.
- Keep chemical containers closed until it’s time to add the products to the water.
- Use the specified safety gear such as the proper cleaning gloves and eye protection.
- It’s a good idea to wear long sleeves, long pants and closed-toe shoes when using pool chemicals.
- Make sure you have good ventilation when working with the chemicals.
- Make sure application tools — scoops, measuring cups, etc. — are dry and clean before contacting the chemical. Don’t allow the chemicals to mix in the application tools.
- Don't use an application tool for different chemicals.
- Add the chemicals to water, don’t pour water onto the chemicals.
- Add the chemicals carefully to reduce the risk of them splashing onto your skin or face.
- Don’t mix chemicals unless the instructions say to do so.
- Don’t add an old chemical to a new container of the chemical.
- Don’t reuse old chemical containers.
- Dispose of chemicals according to the product instructions and local regulations.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after working with the chemicals.
Pool Chemical Storage
Plan your storage location before purchasing pool chemicals and follow any local ordinances related to chemical storage. Always read the manufacturer instructions to learn specifics on how to store pool chemicals. Here are some general tips to help you store pool chemicals safely.
- Keep chemicals in the original containers.
- Check chemical containers for damage and close the containers tightly before storing them.
- Store chemicals out of the reach of children and pets. Consider storing the chemicals in a locked shed or cabinet.
- Make sure the storage area is cool, dry and has good ventilation. It should protect the chemicals from moisture, water, temperature extremes, sunlight and open flames.
- Keep the chemicals away from windows and doors as well as light switches, outlets and breaker boxes.
- Keep containers off of the floor to reduce risk of contact with water. Keep them at eye level or below so you can read the labels, reach containers easily and minimize the risk of knocking them over.
- Don’t stack chemical containers.
- Some pool chemicals, such as chlorine and muriatic acid, and some types of chemicals, such as dry and liquid products, shouldn’t be kept in close proximity to each other. Check your product labels for specifics.
- Store pool chemicals away from other chemicals or products that are reactive, flammable or that produce fumes.
Do Pool Chemicals Expire?
Pool chemicals lose effectiveness over time. Using chemicals that don’t have full potency makes it difficult to sanitize and balance your pool. In many cases it’s a good idea to purchase only enough of a chemical for one or two seasons. However, pay attention to dates on the packaging. Shelf life varies widely depending on the chemical. For example, here are some estimates of the effective lifespans of common pool chemicals:
- Liquid pool chlorine expires or loses effectiveness after only a few weeks.
- Granular pool chorine can last up to five years if you protect it from moisture.
- Unopened pool chlorine tablets can last up to three years.
- Algaecides can last up to five years if you store them correctly.
- pH balancers can last two to three years if you don’t expose them to outside air.
These are general estimates and best-case situations. The storage conditions for the chemicals impacts their shelf life and effectiveness. Exposure to air, light, extreme temperatures and moisture shorten the effective lifespan of pool chemicals. Storing them in the original containers according to the instructions gives them the longest effective lifespan. Some bagged chemicals, such as chlorine granules, might even dissolve the packaging if you don’t store them properly.
Even if a chemical remains effective, container labels might fade or detach over time. Make sure your chemicals are properly labeled.
Disposing of Pool Chemicals
As with use, safety and storage, pool chemical labels have directions for proper disposal. Contact the waste management authority for your area if you have any questions. You may need to take some chemicals to a designated household hazardous waste site for disposal.
If you need to transport pool chemicals for disposal, make sure the containers are tightly closed and in good condition. Keep chemicals separated as you would when storing them and wear safety gear when handling the chemicals.
Keep Your Pool in Top Shape
Maintaining a pool takes effort, but the work is rewarding. From starting the season to closing down your pool for the year, we’ve got information to help you keep your pool clear, balanced and fun:
- Pool Chemicals Buying Guide: Learn how to use pool chemicals and get more tips on safety.
- How to Open Your Pool: Get step-by-step instructions for getting your pool ready for swim season.
- How to Maintain a Pool: See what you need to do to keep your pool clear and clean throughout the season.
- Why Is My Pool Water Green? How to Get Rid of Pool Algae: Get tips for dealing with different types of algae.
- How to Chlorinate a Pool: Learn how to sanitize your pool with chlorine.
- How Do You Shock a Pool?: See how to boost free chlorine levels with pool shock.
- Saltwater Pool Maintenance and Care Tips: Learn how to keep your saltwater pool sanitized and balanced.
- How to Winterize Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools: When it’s time to close down the pool for the winter, these tips help prepare you for next year’s pool season.