Call Poison Control or 911 if you or someone is in danger. This may include chemicals in the eye, on skin, or directly inhaled chemical dust or vapors.
Pool chemicals are used to help protect swimmers by disinfecting water and killing germs that may cause disease. However, if used or handled improperly, pool chemicals can be harmful. Pool chemicals can injure people when mixed together or when appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is not used when handling them.
Pool chemicals may include:
- Chlorine
- Bromine
- Salts
- Acids or Bases
- Compressed gas
- Sanitizers and Disinfectants
Pool chemicals can cause injury to:
- Skin
- Eyes
- Respiratory tract
- Digestive system
Pool chemicals can come in contact with people by:
- Direct contact
- Inhalation
- Dust
- Contamination of food or drink
Pool operator should know how all of the chemicals used and stored onsite. If you have any questions about the chemicals used at a pool, ask the owner or operator. Facilities should have written procedures on how to handle chemicals safely and trained staff.
Click on the tabs below to learn more about Chemical Safety.
Chemical Handling
- Always read the manufacturer's instructions on the label.
- Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as directed on the chemical label.
- PPE may include:
- Safety glasses or goggles
- Face shield or mask
- Gloves
- Apron
- PPE may include:
- Only mix chemicals as directed on the manufacture's label.
- Many pool chemicals are incompatible with each other.
- Improper mixing can cause fire, explosions, or toxic gas.
- Even old chemicals mixed with new chemicals can react.
- As chemicals get old, they degrade and change their chemical composition.
- Don’t mix old chemicals with new chemicals, even if they are labeled as the same kind.
- Add chemicals to water - not water to chemicals.
- Improper mixing can result in a reaction and may cause toxic gas, fire or an explosion.
- NEVER add pool chemicals when the pool is in use, and only add them poolside as directed by the product label.
- Designate tools per chemical - Do not use the same scoop for different chemicals. It might cause a reaction!
- When in doubt, call your pool maintenance professional!
Chemical Storage
- Store chemicals in secure location away from children and pets. Keep chemical storage room doors labeled and locked.
- Store chemicals in a cool, dry location and away from direct sunlight. Watch out for rainwater, leaks, wet floors, sprinklers, high humidity or anything else that might cause chemicals to get wet.
- Never store liquid chemicals above dry chemicals.
- Make sure the area where chemicals are stored is well ventilated.
- Store chemicals in their original containers. Do not reuse containers.
- Make sure chemical containers are in good condition and are not damaged, broken or leaking.
- Make sure chemical containers are properly labeled.
- Don’t store chemicals with other equipment (lawn mowers, leaf blowers, etc.).
- Never store liquid chemicals above dry chemicals.
- No SMOKING in chemical storage areas or while using chemicals.
Chemical Safety Equipment
- Read chemical labels prior to use.
- Make sure you have all of the equipment described on the label prior to using chemicals.
- Always have personal protective equipment (PPE) available for use.
- Practice using PPE.
- Make sure PPE fits, is clean and in good condition.
- PPE may include:
- Safety glasses or goggles
- Face shield or mask
- Gloves
- Call Poison Control or 911 if you or someone is in danger. This may include chemicals in the eye, on skin, or directly inhaled chemical dust or vapors.
Chemical Clean Up
- Try not to spill chemicals. If you do, take extra care to make sure they aren’t mixed with other chemicals, trash or debris during cleanup. If they are accidentally mixed, it could cause a reaction.
- Follow cleanup instructions outlined on the chemical labels.
- Use proper materials and equipment for cleanup. This may include absorbent pads, absorbent granules or other chemical specific materials.
- Make sure there are proper clean up materials stored nearby.
- Have EMS/Fire/Emergency Response contact information posted near chemical storage areas. Know your location and the chemicals used when calling for assistance.
- When in doubt, call your pool maintenance professional!
- If in an emergency, Call 911.
Emergency Plan
- Have a plan for emergencies.
- Make sure your family and friends know the emergency plan.
- Know who to call and how to notify them of where you are:
- In the event of an emergency, Call 911.
- Provide your name and address for emergency response.
Resources
-
Visit the CDC Pool Chemical Safety
webpage for more information. -
Read the EPA Safety Alert “Safe Storage and Handling of Swimming Pool Chemicals” (2001)
. -
Read the EPA Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention Advisory on SWIMMING POOL CHEMICALS: Chlorine
. -
Watch the Chlorine Institute and the American Chemistry Council pool chemical safety video
.