Safe Handling & Storage of Pool & Spa Chemicals

INTRODUCTION

Ultra Modern Pool & Patio is committed to the safety of their customers – and this includes the safe handling and storage of pool and spa chemicals. Following are some guidelines to help you handle and store chemicals with the least risk of danger. Please read carefully and keep this brochure handy for future reference.

REMEMBER: CALCIUM HYPOCHLORITE, TRICHLORO/DICHLORO, BROMINATING COMPOUNDS, LIQUID BLEACH AND PEROXIDES ARE INCOMPATIBLE WITH EACH OTHER.

These pool & spa oxidizers and sanitizers are incompatible, in their concentrated form, with most other chemicals used in pool water treatment (i.e. filter cleaners, clarifiers, algaecides, tile cleaners, and muriatic acid). Even if small amounts of these chemicals are mixed accidentally during storage or use, a chemical reaction can occur that will give off irritating, toxic or noxious fumes; or may result in a fire. Therefore, it is important to follow safe handling and storage guidelines in order to prevent mixing of one chemical with any other.

Some common chemicals that are incompatible with these pool and spa oxidizers and sanitizers are listed in Table 1 to the right. NEVER mix these chemicals together.

READ the label and/or material safety data sheet (MSDS) for each chemical. They contain important information on product use, hazardous ingredients, health hazards, first aid, fire and explosion data, spill and leak procedures, and other special precautions for safe handling and storage.

ALWAYS use a CLEAN, DRY CUP OR SCOOP to measure pool and spa chemicals. Any contamination on the cup may result in a chemical reaction with toxic fumes or a fire.
Always use a clean, dry cup or scoop to measure pool & spa chemicals. Any contamination on the cup may result in a chemical reaction with toxic fumes or a fire.

Always use a clean, dry container to carry these chemicals from storage to the pool.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES & HANDLING MINOR SPILLS OF POOL & SPA CHEMICALS

ALL spills, even very small spills, of pool and spa chemicals can lead to an emergency situation; therefore, they must be cleaned up immediately.

TABLE 1

· Paints, Oils, Greases

· Gasoline, Kerosene

· Ammonia

· Household Cleaners, Waxes, Polishes

· Acetic Acid (vinegar)

· Algaecides (quats)

· Floor Sweeping Compounds

· Solvents

· Fertilizers (reducing agents)

· Laundry Bleach

· Laundry Detergent

· Dishwashing Detergent

· Glass Cleaners

· Muriatic Acid

· Alcohols

· Phenols, Ethers, Amines

· Glycerine

· Peroxides

If there is any evidence that a chemical reaction has begun (i.e. smoking, bubbling, hissing, very strong odor) or if there is ANY evidence of a fire, evacuate the area immediately and call the fire department! DO NOT use dry powder fire extinguishers on a pool and spa chemical fire — they will not work! The fire department should deluge the fire with water only!

When any pool or spa oxidizer material spills:
Clear the area of people not involved with the clean-up;
Provide ventilation;
Mark the area so that no other person can enter;
Be sure that no contaminant is present;
Be sure there is clear, safe access from the area to the outside.
Call the fire department or Bio-Lab, Inc. 1-800-998-7946 (x513) for assistance if needed.

DO
Wear protective gear (safety glasses, rubber gloves, etc.)
Provide ventilation, and a safe access from the area.
Use ONLY CLEAN, DRY synthetic fiberbrooms, shovels, scoops and containers.
Separate the spilled material from original container.
Keep all spilled material out of sewers or streams.
Call Ultra Modern Pool & Patio (316-722-4308) or Bio-Lab, Inc., (1-800-998-7946 x513) for procedures to handle or neutralize larger spills.
NOTE — very small amounts of clean, spilled material may be put into your pool water. Check water chemistry to avoid imbalance.

DON’T
Use a vacuum cleaner to pick up spilled material.
Throw spilled material into the trash or dumpster.
Put spilled material back into the original container.
Use dirty, unwashed straw brooms, shovels, scoops or containers.
Use floor sweeping compounds.
Put un-neutralized spilled material into sewers or streams.
Use EXTREME CAUTION when attempting to clean-up any spill of pool or spa chemicals that may have incompatible chemicals mixed together. Using the same safety precautions listed here, isolate the spilled material in a clean, dry container away from other stored chemicals, preferably outside the building or shed. Call the manufacturer for disposal instructions. If any evidence of a fire occurs, evacuate the area immediately and call the fire department immediately.

STORAGE REQUIREMENTS
Keep the storage area dry, cool & well ventilated, away from heat or open flame.
Separate incompatible chemicals by solid shelving, solid walls or partitions, large open space or aisles and intervening inert materials.
Do not smoke in storage areas or when handling chemicals. Pool & spa sanitizers and oxidizers can be ignited by a lighted cigarette or match.
Never store liquids above oxidizers.
NEVER store oxidizers directly on the floor.
Rotate your stock — first in – first out.

PHONE NUMBERS:
Bio-Lab, Inc. 1-800-998-7946 (ext. 513)
LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT PHONE #: 911
Rocky Mountain Poison Control: 1-877-800-5553

Download a printable PDF: BUL-700-SAFE HANDLING & STORAGE OF POOL & SPA CHEMICALS

Copyright ©2001 ULTRA MODERN POOL & PATIO, INC.
Bulletin #700