STOW, MA – Summer is here, and with residents spending more time than normal at home this year, State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey is reminding pool owners to make sure their chemicals are handled and stored properly. “Pool chemicals can be dangerous when they become wet or are mixed with other chemicals,” said State Fire Marshal Ostroskey. “Make sure all chemicals are stored in a secure and dry area, and carefully follow all manufacturer’s instructions when using them,” he added.
“Local fire departments and state hazardous materials teams have responded to several emergencies involving pool chemicals already this year, and several people have required trips to the hospital as a result. A few simple precautions can be the difference between enjoying a relaxing afternoon by the pool and spending the day in the emergency room,” said Ostroskey. “Call 9-1-1 when you first suspect something is not right and get everyone outside into fresh air,” he added.
- In June, a state hazardous materials team responded to a home in Whitman, where a resident had caused several minor explosions by mixing two pool chemicals together. The resident sustained minor hearing damage because of the explosions.
- Earlier this month, a state hazardous materials team responded to a home in Agawam, where pool chemicals that were being mixed inside the home caused two people to go to the hospital. A very similar incident a few days later in West Bridgewater resulted in another person being transported to the hospital.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, more than 4,000 people nationwide visit the hospital with pool chemical related injuries each year.
Pool Chemical Handling Safety Tips
- Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions very carefully. Use gloves, eye protection, and masks as indicated on the packaging.
- Children should never handle pool chemicals, and even teenagers should not do so without constant adult supervision.
- Put a lid on chemical containers every time when you are done with them. When containers are left open, water can get in and react with the chemicals. Remember: powder in the water, not water in the powder.
- Thoroughly clean tools and equipment that were used to handle one chemical before using them with a different chemical.
- Spilled substances (from damaged containers or accidents) must be cleaned up and disposed of properly to avoid creating an inadvertent chemical reaction.
- Mixing chemicals can lead to a chemical reaction that may generate temperatures high enough to ignite nearby combustible materials. Mixing can also lead to the release of highly toxic and dangerous chlorine gas.
- Mix pool chemicals outdoors only in a well ventilated area.
Pool Chemical Storage
Proper pool chemical storage is important. Pool owners should review how they store their pool chemicals to identify and correct situations where chemicals could be intentionally or accidentally mixed. Make sure to:
- Separate incompatible substances. The most common pool chemicals are inherently incompatible with each other, so be sure to keep them apart.
- Avoid storing containers of liquids above containers of powders or other incompatible substances to prevent accidental mixing caused by leaking containers.
- Avoid mixing old chemicals with fresh chemicals, even if they are the same type.
- Use separate, designated scoops for each chemical. Handle only one chemical at a time and make sure that tools used with one substance are not used with another unless all residues are removed.
- Use separate, designated containers for cleanup of spilled materials to avoid inadvertent mixing of spilled substances. Consult your local hazardous waste disposal facility for more detailed information on proper waste disposal.
- Store pool chemicals outside the home or attached garage. A locked stand-alone shed is recommended.
- Lock your storage area to keep children, pets and unauthorized users out.
- Keep your storage area free of rags, trash, debris, or other materials that could clutter the area. Keep combustible and flammable substances away from the area.
Proper Chemical Disposal
Do not dispose of old pool chemicals in the trash or down the drain. Take old chemicals to a household hazardous waste collection day in your community or to a commercial hazardous waste facility. Since sodium hypochlorite (bleach) is the same chemical used in most water treatment facilities, check to see if your local plant will accept the chemical.
For more information about how to store and use pool chemicals safely, consult the following organizations:
U.S. Centers for Disease Control www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/aquatics-professionals/pool-chemical-safety.html
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/hazardous/hhwhome.htm)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency www.epa.gov/rmp/chemical-safety-alert-safe-storage-and-handling-swimming-pool-chemicals
