The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has compiled a thorough document of safe swimming pool chemical storage and handling tips. These tips will help protect human health and the environment by preventing pool chemical accidents.



Many pool owners are unaware of the possible hazards that swimming pool chemicals present to our homes and our lifestyles. The EPA recognizes that it is important for pool owners, pool facility employees and others to review these pool chemical safety tips and take the appropriate steps to minimize risk. Pool chemicals can cause poisoning, fires, explosions, toxic vapors and personal injuries.

• Pool chemicals must remain dry and in their original containers until ready for use. Under normal circumstances pool chemicals are intended for large quantities of water. Pool chemicals may become a hazard when they become wetted by a small amount of water.
• Store pool chemicals in a dry, well-ventilated place that is locked and out of reach for children and animals. Do NOT store pool chemicals where rainwater can reach them or where any groundwater may come into contact with them. Make sure there are no roof or window leaks, floor drain leaks or door leaks into the pool chemical storage area. Store pool chemicals away from doors, windows, water pipes, sprinkler systems and hoses.
• Avoid storing liquid pool chemical containers above containers of other incompatible pool chemicals.
• Do not mix old pool chemicals with fresh pool chemicals, even if they are the same type!
• Do not mix pool chemicals with unrelated materials or anything other than what is instructed on the pool chemical's label. Accidental improper pool chemical mixing can occur when using tools and equipment to handle one chemical that were used with a different chemical before being cleaned.
• Close pool chemical containers properly between each use and always keep them in their upright positions. Cover opened or damaged pool chemical packaging and set pool chemicals on shelves of pallets to keep the containers off the floor. Use waterproof covers on pool chemical packaging.
• Do not store pool chemicals near combustible or flammable materials such as gasoline, oil, paint solvents, oily rags, etc.
• Do not store or handle pool chemicals near ignition sources such as lawn mowers, motors, welding machines, etc.
• Use different designated containers for cleanup of spilled pool chemicals to avoid accidental mixing of the spilled substances. Immediately call your local hazardous waste disposal facility for more information on proper pool chemical disposal.

These safe swimming pool chemical storage and handling tips are for conditions that may arise during normal swimming pool maintenance operations and routines. Keep them in mind as you take care of your swimming pool to keep yourself, your home and the environment safe.