Pool Safety: How to Properly Store Pool Chemicals

Protect yourself and your family from pool chemicals by learning about their proper care and storage. Learn more in this pool safety guide.

There are around 10 million residential pools in the United States. 

Pools are enjoyed by children and adults alike, but many people don't know the dangers that come with having a pool in the backyard. Most are familiar with and are aware of the dangers of drowning, but what about the implications of pool chemicals? 

If not stored properly, pool chemicals can cause a lot of harm. They are not only hazardous to children but adults as well. 

As a homeowner with a pool, it's important to know the dos and don'ts of storing pool chemicals. We know pool upkeep can be a lot, so we've put together this guide for all the homeowners out there. 



Keep reading so you and your family can continue to live safely in your home.

Store Away From Humidity and Sunlight

All pool chemicals should be kept in cool, dark places. Heat and humidity can cause chemicals to undergo chemical reactions. This can be harmful to you when you open up the container to use it. 

For example, when chlorine is exposed to high heat and sunlight, it can form chloramines. The chemical will then be less effective at killing bacteria and other harmful particles. 

Chemical degradation is another issue that arises if the products aren't stored properly. Some pool chemicals can even become explosive when exposed to sunlight for long periods of time. 

Well Ventilated Area

Whether you're storing your chemicals in a shed, storage unit, or closet, you must ensure that the area is well-ventilated. You don't want chemical fumes to build up in the room or closest. 

If there is no ventilation, the gasses will accumulate and create a dangerous environment. Another benefit of storing your pool chemicals in a well-ventilated area, is you won't have to worry about heat and humidity building up. 

The room or storage area will be more temperature controlled if it has proper ventilation. 

Avoid Stacking

You may be tempted to stack your pool chemicals to save room in your storage closet, but it's vital that you don't. It can create a dangerous environment for anyone entering the room. 

If the closet or shed gets shaken in any way, for example, in a big storm, the chemical could tumble and spill out. If a powder and a liquid chemical mix, it could cause a reaction. This could make it unsafe for you and your family, as the fumes can seep into your home. 

Keep Away From Flammable Items

As you probably know, many chemicals are flammable. The last thing you want is a fire in or close to your home. 

If you keep your grill or gas-powered mower in your shed, be sure to place your pool chemicals somewhere else. You don't want to risk an explosion. 

Never Reuse Containers

You may be tempted to reuse or repurpose your chemical containers. While most of the time it's encouraged to reuse items to save on waste, this is not one of those times. 

You should never reuse an empty container, even if you clean it. You never know what particles have been left behind that could be hazardous or reactive. 

Transferring chemicals from one container to another should also be avoided. Be careful when mixing the same product as well. If you're trying to save space and combine two containers of the same chemical, there could be an unforeseen issue. 

The older batch should have an altered composition, which could cause a problem when mixing the new batch. It's best to use the entire container and then dispose of it as per the instructions.   

You should also try to keep the label legible. This way, if you have any concerns or aren't sure how to dispose of the bottle, you can refer to it. If the labels are unreadable, be sure to call professional pool cleaners. 

Check On Your Chemicals

In the off-season, when you aren't using our pool, it can be easy to forget about your pool chemicals. Out of sight, out of mind. However, it's a good idea to check on them to ensure there haven't been any spills. 

Similar to keeping your chemicals away from extreme heat, you should always keep them stored away from freezing weather. While many chemicals can't freeze, they may become diluted. 

Look at Expirations Dates

It may surprise you, but even pool chemicals have expiration dates. Just like you wouldn't eat expired food in your refrigerator, you shouldn't use old chemicals in your pool. 

Chlorine and other chemicals have specific shelf lives. They can become less effective over time and you don't want to risk bacterial growth in your pool because you used old cleaning solutions. 

If stored properly, many chemicals can last between three and five years. If you're unsure when you bought them, check the label. There will be exact instructions on how to take care of your chemicals, how to store them, and when to throw them out if they haven't been used. 

Pool Chemicals Safety Tips

Owning a home with a pool is a luxury that not everyone gets to experience. As a pool owner, it's your responsibility to know how to safely use and store your pool chemicals.

We know you have a lot of other tasks to do and responsibilities as a homeowner. We understand it can be difficult to keep track of everything, and we hope this guide has helped you. Now that you know how to keep your chemicals stored, you can rest easy at night knowing your household is safe. 

For more information and to stock up on more pool supplies and chemicals, reach out to LayorCare Pool & Patio and send us a message here. No matter what you need, we've got you covered.