Ensure the safety of yourself and those around you
If you own your own pool, chances are the day it’s open and ready for use is one of excitement for children and adults alike.
Visions flash through your head of many summer days spent lounging poolside in the company of friends and family. Yes, a pool can help making lasting memories, but they can also be dangerous. In addition to taking precautions to prevent slip and fall accidents and drowning, you must also be cautious when adding chemicals to your pool.
According to the Michigan Department of Community Health, numerous injuries are reported each year as a result of improperly mixing or applying pool chemicals. Injuries sustained can be minor, or major, such as first and second degree burns and respiratory failure.
To ensure the safety of yourself and those around you, follow these pool chemical safety tips:
Safe Storage
Store chemicals in a cool and dry location, away from direct light, flammable materials, water, children and pets.
Safe Handling
Read and carefully follow product directions before use. Be sure to wear appropriate safety equipment, such as gloves, goggles and mask. Do not mix different chemicals. Clean up any chemical spills immediately. Dispose of deteriorating or unwanted chemicals safely by contacting your local household hazardous waste disposal facility.
Adjusting Chemical Levels
Before making a chemical adjustment, make sure to test the water. If an adjustment is needed, protect yourself by wearing recommended safety equipment. One of the most important things to remember is to always add pool chemicals to water; never add water to pool chemicals, as it may cause an explosion. Dissolve solid chemicals (tablets, powders, or granules) in water before adding to pool water.
In Case of Exposure
If chemical gets on the skin, remove contaminated clothing, wash the skin with running water and call poison control at 800-222-1212. If chemical gets in the eyes, flush them with running water and call poison control. If the person exposed has difficulty breathing, move them to fresh air and call poison control.
And of course, in the case of an emergency, call 911!