Swimming Pool Chemical Safety

WRITTEN BY GARY SMITH, APARTMENT BUILDING MANAGEMENT WORKERS COMPENSATION SELF INSURED FUND

Swimming pool chemicals include various kinds of disinfectants and sanitizers to control the growth of algae and bacteria in the pool water. They may also be used in hot tubs, spas, wading pools, and whirlpools. The most common is chlorine which usually comes from chlorinating agents that release chlorine when they are dissolved in the water. The chlorine-based disinfectants may be called chlorinating liquid, dry chlorine or liquid chlorine.

There are two main types of chlorinating agents – inorganic and organic.  Organic and inorganic chlorinating agents are not compatible with each other. Many incidents occur when the same scoop or pail is used for both chemicals without cleaning them or when adding one product after the other or in the pool chlorinator. Mixing or cross-contamination of these chemicals can form an explosive mixture.

Swimming pool chemicals can also be oxidizers and corrosives. Oxidizing materials have the ability to react chemically to oxidize combustible materials. To be an oxidizer, the material itself provides oxygen that combines chemically with another material in a way that increases the chance of a fire or explosion. This reaction may be spontaneous at either room temperature or may occur with slight heating. Oxidizing liquids and solids can be severe fire and explosion hazards. Some pool chemicals can also be corrosive, which means they can attack and chemically destroy body tissues on contact, and can also damage or destroy metal.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) or product labels should be consulted for the specific effects on tissues or metals and for procedures to follow in cases of spills or splashes.

Tips for handling chlorinated swimming pool chemicals
DO
• Read entire product label or MSDS and follow instructions carefully.
• Always complete appropriate training or education.
• Use separate, clean plastic measuring cups for each chemical.
• Wear appropriate protective gear, such as safety glasses and gloves.
• Protect chemicals from moisture and water – such as a cup of water (or
coffee!). Even putting the wet scoop back into the pail may cause a reaction.
• Always add the chemical to the pool water – never the other way around (never
add water to the chemical) unless instructed to do so on the container label.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after handling any chemicals.
• Use or handle chemicals in well ventilated areas only.

DO NOT
• Do not use contents of unlabeled containers.
• Do not mix different chemicals together.
• Do not put spilled chemicals back into their containers.
• Avoid touching undiluted chemicals with hands.
• Do not smoke when handling chemicals.
• Do not expose to heat or flame.
• If fire breaks out, do not use dry chemical fire extinguisher.  Only use large amounts of water. If you cannot extinguish the flame immediately, leave area and call fire department.

Tips for safe storage of pool chemicals
• Secure chemicals away from children and pets.
• Store chemicals in their original containers; keep closed when not in use.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
• Be sure storage area is well ventilated. In high temperatures, vapors may
build up inside containers. Nose and throat irritation or more serious
respiratory problems may result if inhaled.
• Never store oxidizers and acid near each other. Oxidizers release chlorine gas
if they come in contact with acids.
• Do not store liquids above powders or solids; do not stack containers.
• Do not store materials or chemicals above head-level.
• Do not store pool chemicals near gasoline, fertilizers, herbicides, grease,
paints, tile cleaners, turpentine, or flammable materials. This is especially
important when pool chemicals are stored in sheds or small storage rooms.
• Do not reuse containers.

Sources:
Environmental Protection Agency – Safe Storage and Handling of Swimming Pool Chemicals; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Pool Chemical Safety; Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety – Swimming Pool Chemicals.

This entry was posted in May 2012. Bookmark the permalink.