Pool Chemicals and Safety

What comes to mind when you think about pool safety? If you’re like most people chances surely are that this implies injuries or deaths caused by foul play or lack of supervision. Yes, this is a significant aspect of pool safety and it should be taken very seriously, but how about what goes into your swimming pool? Have you ever considered the risks associated with pool chemicals?

Often, chemical injuries occur from the improper handling of chlorine. While we don’t want to frighten anyone, we do want to stress the importance of proper handling when it comes to chlorine. If water is added incorrectly to chlorine it can produce a chlorine gas which could cause sickness or in extreme cases, death. The good news is, however, with some simple safety tips, you can easily avoid dangers linked to pool chemicals.  Typically injuries occur because residents are simply not educated when it comes to the proper handling of swimming pool chemicals.

Here are some basic safety tips we suggest you practice when handling pool chemicals:

When handling all swimming pool chemicals, be sure to carefully follow the directions when it comes to when and how to add chemicals to your swimming pool. This is the most common source of injury; failing to educate oneself on the chemicals prior to handling them.

Injuries caused by chlorine typically include burns to the lungs, hands, face, and eyes. To avoid such risk, always be sure to use Personal Protective Equipment. Wearing goggles, protective and chemical resistant gloves, as well as masks will safeguard you from breathing in these gasses or exposing your skin to burns.

When opening any pool chemical container, always do so in a ventilated area and outdoors in the open air. Fresh air assists tremendously with ventilation for the chemical container being opened. Remember to open it away from you, so that any harmful gasses are released in the opposite direction, again to reduce any chance of injury.

Always verify that when you add any approved chemicals to your swimming pool that you measure the correct amount before placing it in your pool. When you add more than what’s necessary, you run the risk of potential chemical burns which may occur while swimming. It is highly recommended that you dilute granular chlorine (shock) before placing it in the swimming pool. The easiest way to do so is with a clean residue-free bucket. Simply place the bucket outside in the sun for a few hours, then add water until it’s reached just over half way. Now you can add your pre-measured granular chlorine (shock) to the bucket of water. Stirring the water in the bucket will help to dilute the chlorine quicker. Carefully and slowly, empty the diluted chlorine from the bucket into the swimming pool, ideally in the deep end.

Treat your pool water safely with these handy tips, and you’ll experience no issues when it comes to chemical safety; having said that, we suggest that you turn to professionals for expert service and knowledge. We at Blue Diamond Pools have the experience and know-how to safely assist you with correct pool safety; in fact, part of our pool opening process includes checking the water chemistry and verifying that it’s stabilized.

Contact our professional team anytime, if you have questions or concerns when it comes to caring for and maintaining your swimming pool.  Call (705) 726-3403.