Pool Chemistry Basics Page 1

WARNING

YOU MUST STRICTLY FOLLOW all Chemical Manufacturer’s Instructions when STORING, HANDLING or DISPENSING SWIMMING POOL CHEMICALS. FAILURE TO OBEY THIS WARNING can RESULT in SERIOUS BURNS, PERMANENT INJURY, DEATH OR FIRE.

1. STORE IN A COOL, DRY PLACE – Keep them away from chemicals and equipment used for garden and lawn maintenance, such as lawn mowers, mower and tractor fuel and lubricants, organic pesticides, solvents, paint and fertilizers. Try using a lockable steel cabinet labeled “Pool Chemicals Only,” to prevent access to small children.

2. FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS – When using any chemical, follow label use instructions. Labels for disinfectants have been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Federal Insecticide Rodenticide Fungicide Act (FIRFA). To misuse or to use the disinfectant for other than its intended use is a violation of this act. Beware of torn or faded labels. WARNING – NEVER put chemicals directly into the skimmer or filter even if directed by the chemical manufacturer (See instruction 3 below concerning applying chemicals to pool water).

3. APPLY DIRECTLY TO THE POOL WATER – The chemicals should be applied directly to the pool water, either in a suitable feeder or distributed across the surface of the pool, not directly into your filter or skimmer! This procedure aids the circulating system to produce a uniform distribution of the dissolved chemical throughout the pool in the shortest period of time.

1. AVOID MIXING POOL CHEMICALS – Do not mix any combinations of pool chemicals either accidentally or intentionally. Use CLEAN SCOOPS – ONE of EACH CHEMICAL is ADVISED – and avoid combining material from “old” and “new” containers. When preparing water solutions for feeder application (such as disinfectant or soda ash) pour the chemical slowly into the appropriate quantity of water, stirring constantly to provide mixing and dilutions.

2. DISPOSE OF WASTES IN A SAFE MANNER –Sweep up and dispose of or wash to the sewer any spilled disinfectant or pH adjustment chemicals. Follow local regulations about disposal. Since they are intended for use at low levels in water, they usually can be sent to the sewer with copious quantities of water. Do not put floor sweepings of disinfectant chemicals in containers with wastes such as paper, rags or other burnable substances. Wash out empty disinfectant containers and follow local regulations for their proper disposal.

accidents. If the fire department is unsure how to handle a chemical spill or fire, they may call the Chemical Transportation Emergency Center (CHEMTREC)

1. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF – Do not inhale dust form the chemicals used around the pool. If necessary, use proper protective devises for breathing, eye protection and handling. Promptly wash off any residues which get on your skin.

If you have any questions regarding safe handling, storage or use of pool chemicals, contact the manufacturers. They are quite willing to help.

In a small store or residence, similar segregation precautions should still be followed, even if there are fewer products. ONE IMPORTANT GUIDELINE is NOT TO STACK DIFFERENT CHEMICALS on TOP of ONE ANOTHER.