How to Safely Use Swimming Pool Chemicals

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By jhkcpa
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Safely Use Swimming Pool Chemicals

Proper chemical treatment and chemical balance are two important parts in making a safe water environment for the enjoyment of a pool by the whole family. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, injuries from pool chemicals are responsible for as many as 5,200 emergency room visits a year. The safe handling of pool chemicals is of utmost importance in protecting yourself and your guests and love ones.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Safety glasses
Protective gloves
Breathing masks

Step 1

Know how many gallons of water are in your pool and refer to the chemical manufacturers recommendations for chemical amounts to be added to your pool size. The basic calculations for pool gallons of water are as follows: Rectangular and square pools are Length x Width x Average Depth x 7.5, Kidney, Oval or Round pools are Length x Width x Average Depth x 5.9. The average depth is calculated by adding the number of feet at the deep end and the shallow end and dividing by 2. An example is the deep end is 6 feet and the shallow end is 3 feet, then the average depth is (6+3)/2 = 4.5.
Step 2

Make sure you are wearing the proper safety attire depending on which chemicals you are handling. Read and follow the recommendations and instructions listed on each chemical container. At a minimum, always wear safety glasses when handling any chemical. When appropriate, wear protective gloves and breathing masks in addition to the safety glasses.
Step 3

The following are basic tips on handling pool chemicals safely:
1. Always prepare chemicals in a well ventilated area.
2. Always follow the manufactures instructions as to the amount of the chemical to be added to the swimming pool making sure that excessive amounts are not being added.
3. If the manufacturers instructions call for the chemical to be mixed or diluted in a bucket of water, always add the chemical to the water and not the water to the chemical. Most chemicals are poured directly into the pool and not mixed prior to adding but remember, always follow the manufacturers written instructions on the container.
4. Store chemicals in a secure, cool, dry and well ventilated area that is out of the reach of children and pets.
5. Never mix chlorine products with each other and NEVER, EVER mix chlorine with acid.
6. Always wash your hands and any exposed skin immediately after handling any pool chemical.
7. Always dispose of your empty pool chemical containers properly. Never reuse them for other purposes.