Pool Chemical Safety

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 owners or Facility Operators should be knowledgeable of 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. 

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