While pool chemicals are necessary to destroy pathogens and maintain a clean swimming environment, mishandled chlorine and other pool chemicals are the cause of thousands of injuries and emergency room visits each year. Learn how to avoid toxic disasters and keep your swimming pool and spa area clean, safe and the refreshing source of fitness and relaxation it's supposed to be.
After reading this list, check out the list of Pool Chemical Safety Do's.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has released a new study stating chemical pool injuries account for more than 5,000 ER visits each year.
DON'T Increase Chemical Treatments to Compensate for a Dirty Pool
Remember: more or extra is not better.DON'T Mix Chemicals or Chlorine Products
That includes acid and other substances.DON'T Dispose in Trash or Sewer
Any spilled or unused chemicals should be disposed of according to the instructions on the label.DON'T Store Liquids Above Solids
Being above the solids, the liquids could spill on them, creating a toxic mix.DON'T Allow Chemicals to Come in Contact with Oil, Grease, Acid, Etc.
Again, a bad mix. Also don't let chemicals contact organic material.DON'T Smoke in the Vicinity of Pool Chemicals
This includes where the chemicals are stored or used. It seems like this would be a no-brainer, but people get pretty casual and self-permissive in their own surroundings and may forget to put out their cigarettes.DON'T Use Other Cleaning Compounds When Cleaning Up Chemical Spills
You accidentally sloshed some chlorine on the pool deck. Please don't clean it up with another cleaning solvent. Again, that don't-mix-chemicals rule.
