A backyard pool is one of the best parts of an Australian summer. Keeping the water clear means using chlorine and other treatment products often. Those products are strong, and they need more care than most things in the garden shed. A little planning around where you keep them and how you use them goes a long way.
This guide covers safe storage, handling, spills and disposal for home pool owners. It draws on advice from WA Health and Fire and Rescue NSW. The rules are simple, but they matter. Most of them come down to keeping chemicals apart, dry and locked away.
Why pool chemicals need special care
WA Health describes pool water treatment chemicals as concentrated and toxic. It also warns they can react violently with many household chemicals and with each other. Fire and Rescue NSW says mixing them with other chemicals can make the mixture unstable. That reaction can give off poisonous fumes or even start a fire.
This is why a pool shed full of mixed products is a real risk. A leaking container of one product can reach another on the shelf below. A splash of water on the wrong product can also cause trouble. Good storage stops these things from meeting in the first place.
Where to store pool chemicals
WA Health advice on pool chemical storage says to keep them in a cool, dry area that can be locked. Fire and Rescue NSW pool chemical safety advice suggests a locked cabinet out of reach of children. It points out that children are curious and good climbers. A high shelf alone is not enough if a child can climb up to it.
The storage area should be well ventilated. Keep pool products away from petrol, kerosene, oil and grease. WA Health also says to keep them away from liquid detergents, acids, alcohol, cleaners and soap powders. Even small amounts of water near stored chlorine can be a problem.
Liquid products are best kept in a plastic crate. WA Health says this contains leaks and stops chemicals from mixing if one spills. It is a cheap step that makes a big difference. A separate crate for each product keeps things simple.
If you are planning a new pool area, think about storage early. A lockable, shaded and dry spot near the pump equipment is ideal. It is worth including in the plans with the same care as fencing and paving. Our article on landscape design non negotiables covers other practical points to settle at the start.
Containers and labels
Fire and Rescue NSW says to keep chemicals in their original containers with clear labels and intact seals. Do not move a product into a drink bottle or an old tub. Do not reuse empty pool chemical containers for anything else. Inspect the storage area and the container seals regularly.
WA Health suggests buying only as much as you can use before the date on the container. Bulk buys can seem like good value. Yet old stock sitting in the shed for years is one more thing that can leak or mix. Smaller amounts bought as needed are easier to store safely.
Handling chemicals when you treat the pool
Read the label before you buy a product, so you understand its use and its hazards. Fire and Rescue NSW suggests choosing the least dangerous product that will do the job. That advice matters most in homes with young children. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions every time, even for a product you have used for years.
Protective gear is part of the job. Fire and Rescue NSW recommends gloves, safety goggles, long sleeves and long trousers. It only takes a gust of wind to blow granules or splashes back at you. Closed shoes are also sensible around the pool equipment.
Dosing the pool is the part of the job that needs the most care. Take your time and do not rush it. When you are ready to start, keep these points in mind.
- Always add the chemical to water. Never pour water onto the chemical.
- Use a clean, dry scoop of plastic, metal or porcelain, with a separate scoop for each product.
- Never mix different chemicals together.
- Only prepare the amount you need for the job.
- Keep children and pets well away while you work.
Fire and Rescue NSW says to stop using a product straight away if you notice certain symptoms. These include a skin rash, headache, breathing trouble, nausea or eye irritation. Move away from the area and get fresh air. Seek medical advice if symptoms do not settle.
The ground around the pool equipment matters too. A hard surface is easier to clean if granules or liquids spill. Our guide to alfresco floor finishes looks at outdoor surfaces in more detail. Keep in mind that some finishes can mark if strong chemicals sit on them.
What to do if there is a spill or splash
WA Health says to wash any chemical off your skin or clothing straight away with plenty of water. If chemical gets into an eye, flood the eye with clean running water. Then see a doctor or go to hospital without delay. Do not wait to see if the eye feels better.
For a spill on the ground, WA Health advises diluting it with water and disposing of it in the garden. Spilt chemicals and water testing samples should never be put back into the pool. Fire and Rescue NSW adds that you should follow the safety directions on the product label. Never pour pool chemicals down drains, toilets or gutters.
If someone has a burn, swallows a chemical or breathes in fumes, get medical help at once. The Poisons Information Centre can also give advice by phone. Keep the product label handy, as it lists what the chemical contains. That information helps doctors and poisons staff give the right advice.
Disposing of old or unwanted chemicals
Over time most sheds collect half empty tubs and products you no longer use. Fire and Rescue NSW suggests contacting your local council about disposing of old or leftover chemicals. Do not pour them down the drain, the toilet or the gutter. Your council can tell you the right way to get rid of them in your area.
A yearly clear out of the pool shed is a good habit. Check dates, look for swollen or cracked containers and remove anything you no longer need. It is also a good time to check that the lock on the cabinet still works. If you are tidying the garden at the same time, our piece on using mulch in a landscaped garden has ideas for the beds.
Keeping the pool area safe and pleasant
A tidy equipment area makes the rest of the pool surrounds easier to enjoy. Keep chemicals well apart from where people sit, eat and relax. Avoid storing them under outdoor benches or near the barbecue. Our article on choosing garden furniture has tips for setting up the space around the water.
If you are ever unsure about a product, ask for help. WA Health suggests talking to a trained local pool and spa technician or your pool chemical supplier. The environmental health team at your local council is another good contact. They can explain local disposal options and answer questions about safe use.
Frequently asked questions
Can I store chlorine and pool acid together?
No. WA Health says pool chemicals should not be stored with acids and should not be mixed together. Keep each product in its own crate, well apart from the others. Label the crates so nobody mixes them up.
Is it safe to add water to pool chlorine in a bucket?
No. Both WA Health and Fire and Rescue NSW say to add the chemical to water and never pour water onto the chemical. Follow the label for exact amounts. Use a clean, dry scoop for each product.
What should I do with a chemical spill on the pavers?
WA Health advises diluting small spills with water and disposing of them in the garden. Never return the spilt product to the pool, and check the label for any extra directions. Rinse the area well afterwards.
How do I get rid of old pool chemicals?
Contact your local council. Fire and Rescue NSW recommends this for old or leftover chemicals. Do not tip them down drains, toilets or gutters.
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. If you or someone else is hurt by a pool chemical, seek medical help straight away or speak with a doctor or qualified health professional.
