It is always important to remember to be safe when maintaining your pool, especially when handling chemicals. Also, you want to be sure to safeguard your friends and family as well as protect your property, and using common sense is a key factor is pool safety. Here are a few pool maintenance safety tips.

Maintenance of Pool Pumps, Filters and Other Mechanical Parts

Aspects of pool ownership that need to be monitored include maintenance of pool pumps, filters and other mechanical parts. Because these pool devices are electric, they can cause injury or death if not used carefully.

• Extension cords should never be used around a pool or spa.
• Never enter the water when a utility pump is running.
• An aluminum vacuum handle should never be put into the pool.
• Never swim in your pool or hot tube during an electrical storm.
• Pool chemicals and chlorine should be stored in a locked area and kept out of the reach of children and pets.

Everyone who owns a pool knows the importance of care and maintenance. One of the major issues is that a non-treated and improperly cared for pool can be the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects that can carry diseases to your family.

Also, if you do not keep up with your pool cleaning and maintenance, the water can become a breeding ground for bacteria and algae as well, which can make your family ill if it is ingested or gets into the skin through an open wound.

Some pool tragedies occur when people are trapped by suction drains. To prevent this from happening, never use a pool or hot tub with a missing or broken drain cover. A Safety Vacuum Release System can be installed that can automatically shut off the pump if a drain gets blocked. It is also important to get your pool inspected on a regular basis by a professional who can pinpoint possible hazards. The cut-off switch should be plainly marked for the pool pump and make sure everyone knows to hit the switch as soon as someone is trapped. Many entrapment incidents involve hair getting trapped in a drain, so keep long hair away from the suction fitting drain cover. This can be done by pinning up long hair or wearing a swim cap.

Chemicals

If not handled properly, pool and hot tub chemicals can cause chemical burns. They can also present a health hazard if inhaled. Proper safety precautions should be followed at all times. Pool chemicals are meant to be dissolved in large quantities of water. If mixed with small amounts of water or mixed improperly, they can cause injuries, dangerous vapors, or damage to the property in the form of a fire. Over time, certain chemicals used in swimming pools will break down, even if they are kept dry, with negative consequences.

When storing pool chemicals, care should be taken to avoid spilling on the pool deck or the ground. It is important to be mindful of the environmental consequences of choosing to use these products, as you don’t want them contaminating the soil or the ground water.

One should read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on all packaging carefully. It is important to be familiar with emergency procedures in the event that a chemical spill or accident occurs, so you will be able to act quickly.

Storing Chemicals

• Chemicals should be kept out of the reach of children and pets.
• Store chemicals in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
• Chemicals should be stored in their original containers. Do not use contents of unlabeled containers.
• Containers should always be kept closed when not in use.
• Be sure that the storage area is well ventilated.
• Oxidizers and acid should never be stored near each other. If oxidizers come in contact with acids, they will release chlorine gas.
• Avoid storing liquids above powders or solids. Do not stack containers.
• Do not store materials or chemicals above your head.
• Pool chemicals should not be stored near gasoline, fertilizers, herbicides, grease, paints, tile cleaners, turpentine, or flammable materials. This is especially crucial when pool chemicals are stored in sheds or small storage rooms.
• Do not resuse containers.

Handling Chemicals

• When handling chemicals, you should always read and follow the chemical’s instructions to ensure safe use of chemicals.
• Appropriate protective equipment and clothing including gloves, footwear and eyewear should be worn.
• Chemicals should be handled in a well ventilated area.
• Separate, clean metal or plastic measuring cups should be used for each chemical to transfer or measure chemicals. Never use wood scoops.
• Protect chemicals from moisture and water—such as a cup of water or coffee. Even putting the wet scoop back in the pay may cause a reaction.
• Always dilute chemicals by adding water when applicable. Never do this the other way around, unless the container’s label instructs you to do so.
• Different chemicals should never be mixed together.
• Spilled chemicals should not be put back into their containers.
• Do not smoke when handling chemicals.
• Do not expose to heat or flames.

In Case of Emergency

Eyes

If chemicals come into contact with your eyes, flush them out immediately with water for 15 minutes and seek immediate medical attention. Also, see instructions on the chemical packaging.

Skin

If chemicals come into contact with your skin, flush them immediately with water and seek immediate medical attention.

Inhalation

If you have a burning sensation in your nose or throat, feel dizzy, nauseous or vomit, and/or have difficulty breathing while handling chemicals or after handling chemicals, you should get fresh air immediately and seek immediate medical attention.

Ingestion

Call the poison center immediately if any pool chemicals are swallowed. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so.

Fire

Do not use a “dry chemical” fire extinguisher if a fire breaks out. Only large amounts of water should be used. Leave the area and call the fire department if you can’t extinguish the flame immediately.

Chemical Spills

Any chemical spills should be cleaned up immediately according to the manufacturer’s directions. Contact the fire department immediately if a violent reaction has occurred, and they will instruct you on steps to take until their arrival, if any.

These are just a few pool maintenance safety tips. For more information contact us here at Paradise Oasis Pools with the link below!