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How To Properly Store Your Swimming Pool Chemicals

February 8th, 2010 No comments

If you’re the owner of a swimming pool then the chances are great that you know all about the benefits of swimming pool chemicals. They’re one of the most necessary accessories that a pool owner will have as they take care of the harmful bacteria which build up in the water naturally. Without these chemicals doing their work against the pool algae and moss, pools wouldn’t be enjoyable to swim in. But one of the more popular questions regarding this topic isn’t always what these chemicals can accomplish. Instead, people are curious as to how they should be storing the buckets of chlorine and other similar items when they’re not being used.

Many of the chemicals purchased to clean your pool water is hazardous materials which can cause burns and skin irritation if handled without protective material. Given the fact that some buckets can become damaged and leak out the contents, it is incredibly important to make sure you store swimming pool chemicals in places that children and pets can’t get to. Somewhere out of reach in a garage would be an ideal place so the family dog doesn’t open the container and perhaps eat the contents. Sorry Fido, I know it looks good, but it’s poison.

swimming-pool-chemical-storage-cabinet

These contents are also incredibly flammable which means an explosion could easily occur if excessive heat were placed upon the chemicals. This means that you must never store the buckets and bags outside on your deck to lie in front of the summer heat. It is important to understand that not only does the risk of the sun make it dangerous, but these chemicals are also corrosives which can destroy your deck. The concentration levels dictate how much damage can be done, but most brands will contain a high enough percentage to ruin whatever materials it touches.

One must keep the buckets which contain the chemicals very tightly sealed so nothing spills out and harms someone or something. They must be kept in a cool enough area so that a heat factor won’t be an issue in aiding a harmful situation.

An incredibly important thought to realize is that the chemicals in certain brands and types of pool cleaners will be acids and some will be oxidizers. It should be noted that when these chemicals come in contact with each other they will create a chlorine gas which can be very harmful to those around. For this reason it is highly advised that these chemicals be placed in storage areas far enough away from each other that this won’t ever be an issue. In addition to keeping certain chemicals at a distance from each other, it is also a good idea to never store liquids directly above the powder material as the mixing of the two could be very dangerous. Keeping potentially deadly reacting items away from each other is one of the most important aspects of properly storing swimming pool chemicals.

It is also a great idea to remember to wear safety gear when handling these, such as protective goggles, special gloves and a mouth cover to prevent inhaling harmful fumes. It is also important to never mix in any type of liquid with the chemicals as even water could directly cause a dangerous reaction. Due to the flammable nature of these products one should obviously never smoke or handle any lighters or matches around then. Washing your hands after dealing with them is also a must.

While this list is very detailed and contains a large amount of helpful safety information, it should be noted that additional information can be found on the writings of the chemicals you buy. It is possible that additional special instructions and precautions are to be used when dealing with said chemicals and one should take these as serious as possible to prevent injury.


Storing swimming pool chemicals is a very serious matter that must be given the appropriate amount of consideration in order to be as safe as possible. If you remember the facts and suggestions listed above than I am sure you’ll have nothing but safe dealings with these products.