Tips for Proper Pool Chemical Storage

Pool chemicals are the magic behind the pool operation. They keep your water sparkling and maintain a pleasant environment for swimmers. Did you know there are important guidelines for storing pool chemicals? Take steps now to educate yourself and create an environment that you and your family will enjoy for years.

Here are some tips about where and how to store pool chemicals.

Where to Store Your Pool Chemicals

In addition to knowing how to store pool chemicals, it’s also important to understand where to store them. First, identify an area with proper pool chemical storage ventilation requirements such as an outdoor shed. Because pool chemicals should never be placed in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, where you place that shed is important. If you live in a hot and humid area, place the shed in a shady spot away from the sun’s heat. If the temperatures in your area fluctuate from hot to cold, look for an indoor storage area instead. For mostly cold climates, similar rules apply for winter pool chemical storage. While pool chemicals store better in cold temperatures than hot, you should still plan to bring the chemicals indoors to a well-ventilated area until the frost thaws.

Tips for Storing Your Pool Chemicals

Once you’ve decided on an area to store your swimming pool chemicals, the next step is figuring out how to store them. The best place is a pool chemical storage container such as a hard plastic bin that has a tight-fitting lid. Use several of these bins to separate chemicals that should never be mixed (keep reading for more info on this). Additionally, store them off the ground but not above your head. Be sure to check your locale’s pool chemical storage regulations to determine whether there are other rules you must follow.

Watch Out for Little Swimmers

When storing your pool cleaning chemicals, be sure to think about children and pets. The chemicals should be out of reach for small hands and pets. Be sure to clean up any spillage that curious pets (or kids!) could get into.

Find the Perfect Spot

The area you choose for your pool chemical storage should be out of direct sunlight and should be dry and cool. That means you shouldn’t store the chemicals next to a heat source or an area that gets wet.

Close Containers when Not in Use

If you aren’t immediately using the chemical, the best practice is to close the chemical container when not in use. This will help to prevent accidental spillage!

Do not Reuse Containers

Although it may be tempting to reduce, reuse and recycle, in this case it is not a good idea to reuse empty chemical containers. The recommended best practice is to carefully dispose of your chemical containers when empty according to local jurisdictional requirements.

Store Them Carefully

When placing your containers on the shelves, avoid stacking them. Liquids should never be stored above dry pool chemicals. That way, if the liquids spill, they won’t mix with the dries. You should also store the pool chemicals so that they are not above your head but still out of reach of youngsters. This will help prevent accidents and spillage.

Wash Your Hands

After handling any type of swimming pool chemical, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly. You don’t want chemical residue to be left over on your hands!

Keep These Far Away

Keep in mind that if you are storing your chemicals in an outdoor shed, that’s where you store many of the things on this list. Make sure to separate these items during storage so they have no chance of co-mingling.