Safe and Proper Use of Swimming Pool Chemicals

When it is the season for swimming, pool owners face the demanding task of cleaning the pool. Part of this task is maintaining the proper balance of swimming pool chemicals; otherwise, the water may cause a number of problems such as eye irritation, cloudy water, and corrosion of metal fittings, scale formation, wall stains, and others.

There are numerous swimming pool chemicals and each performs a specific task. For example, algaecides are products used to prevent or destroy algae. The most common chemical used to sanitize water is chlorine. It effectively controls algae and bacteria buildup. The ideal range of chlorine is 1 to 3 ppm (parts per million). Bromine is another water sanitizer used as alternative to chlorine. The ideal range for this chemical is also 1 to 3 ppm. There are sanitizers used to shock treat the pool, which kills contaminants caused by organic waste such as sweat, oils, and lotions and etcetera.

When handling swimming pool chemicals, safety should be your top priority. Always read the product’s label directions carefully and follow them. If you are not sure about something, do not make a guess. Call your pool chemical dealer instead. Avoid inhaling or ingesting swimming pool chemicals. Point the product away from you when you are opening it so you do not inhale the fumes.

Never mix swimming pool chemicals or they may react and cause fire or explosion. Add one pool chemical to the pool at a time. Use different plastic scoops for each chemical.
Swimming pool chemicals can be highly flammable so keep them away from any source of fire, which also means never smoke around these products. You should add the chemical to the water and do not try adding water to the chemical to avoid splashing. Use a dry scoop when applying chemicals.

If you will be applying swimming pool chemicals in powder form, be extra careful because they can easily get into your mouth or eyes. Hence, make sure you wear rubber gloves and safety goggles when applying any type of chemical to your pool.

Prepare a cool dry storage for your swimming pool chemicals, which should be out of children’s reach. Do not keep them in the same place with other chemical products. Make sure to seal the containers tightly after each use. Check your yard for spills, clean up any right away and always follow proper disposal of swimming pool chemicals.