How to Store Pool Chemicals Correctly

Any good swimming pool owner knows it is important to learn how to test their pool chemical levels and apply new chemicals as needed in order to maintain a safe and clean pool environment. But too few think consciously and carefully about how to safely store those chemicals. Improper storage can not only limit the effectiveness of many chemicals, but also create serious safety hazards including exposure to toxic fumes, chemical burns, or even explosions.

For these reasons and more, it’s best to follow guidelines suggested by home swimming pool maintenance companies and pool chemical manufacturers on chemicals needed for pools, and how to properly store them. 

Store Pool Chemicals in a Cool, Dry, Well-Ventilated Place

Your first priority when storing pool cleaning chemicals is to keep them dry. Make sure that they are sheltered from rain as well as humidity and general moisture. Many unfinished, uninsulated storage sheds are inadequate for this purpose because they can collect humidity during the summer.

Although pool chemicals are designed to ultimately get wet when they are placed in a pool, water can cause issues when it touches stored chemicals. When pool chemicals encounter moisture, it can quickly affect the chemical properties. Some oxidizing chemicals, including calcium hypochlorite or “shock” powders, can react to water by generating high temperatures or toxic fumes. Others may be rendered completely ineffective.

For all these reasons and more, think carefully about the storage facility you choose for your chemicals. It should have insulated walls and be well-ventilated, with a thermostat and humidity monitor at minimum. Ideally, it will be temperature and humidity controlled. Also, ensure that the storage area remains locked to ensure that children or other parties not trained to use the chemicals do not come into contact with the substances. 

Read Pool Chemical Labels Carefully, and Mind Shelf Life

All pool chemicals are accompanied by guidelines for storage and use. Even though these warning labels and recommendations can get quite wordy, it is in the best interest of your health and safety—not to mention the condition of your pool—to heed every word.

On a typical bottle or jug of pool chemicals, you will find storage recommendations and warnings based on temperature, as well as “use by” or expiration dates. These dates are not arbitrary, and it’s important to pay close attention to these dates because they are the result of rigorous testing by the manufacturers. Manufacturers can only ensure the efficacy and safety of your chemicals up to a certain time period. Past this time period, the product may be no longer effective, and using it may even have unpredictable or dangerous consequences.

Dispose of all expired chemicals properly per your municipal area’s waste guidelines and laws.

Store Pool Chemicals in Original Containers, and Do Not Mix

Just like expiration dates, the containers your swimming pool chemicals come stored in have been tested to ensure that they will not react with the chemicals over time. Certain plastic can deteriorate, which can lead to unpredictable results as the composition of the plastic contacting the chemicals changes. Therefore, leave the chemicals in the container you have bought them in.

If the container has been damaged, you can contact the manufacturer or an experienced swimming pool maintenance service company for advice on how to transplant them.

Another important safety tip is to never mix chemicals when storing, even to consolidate old bottles and new bottles of the same type of product. Yet again, the results can be unpredictable or even dangerous.

Keep Chemicals Away From Sources of Heat, Flammable Objects

A final important note about pool chemical storage is that you should take care to keep pool chemicals away from anything flammable, such as gas-powered equipment, as well as any sources of heat, like an outdoor grill. Keeping these items stored separately limits the chances that an interaction will occur, which could be disastrous for your home as well as the people who live there. 

Get Hassle-Free Swimming Pool Upkeep with Pinnacle Pools

If you’re a do-it-yourself person, we hope our tips have helped you understand the importance of properly storing pool chemicals and what to pay attention to. Properly storing and handling these chemicals is crucial for keeping your pool clean and safe all year round. For more information on how to maintain your pool and keep it ready for fun, contact an experienced Atlanta pool service company like Pinnacle Pools. Contact us today with your questions or to receive expert maintenance for your residential pool: 770-945-6360