How to store and handle swimming pool chemicals correctly?
Chemicals are essential for keeping pool water clean, clear and healthy. But if stored or used incorrectly, they can pose a danger to health, the environment or the integrity of your equipment. Chlorine, pH+, flocculants and algaecides are powerful, sometimes corrosive, and handling them requires a minimum of precautions. In this article, you will discover the basic rules to follow in order to store them effectively, handle them safely and use them optimally. Because proper pool maintenance also means knowing how to manage your chemicals with rigour and common sense.
Choosing a suitable and secure storage place
The first rule for storing pool chemicals is to choose a dry, well-ventilated place, out of the sun and out of the reach of children and animals. A closed technical room, a lockable garden shed or a dedicated cabinet can do the job, provided they are kept away from sources of heat or flames. It is imperative not to store these products in a room where you store food, electrical equipment or tools that could create sparks. Some products, such as chlorine or multi-purpose cleaning pads, react strongly to humidity or prolonged exposure to air. Therefore, containers must be tightly closed after each use and labels kept intact to avoid any confusion. If possible, install shelves made of plastic or resistant metal, and avoid direct contact of buckets or cans with the floor. Good organisation also helps to avoid the always dangerous risk of accidental mixing of acid, chlorine and other oxidising products.Follow the handling instructions to avoid risks
Handling swimming pool chemicals requires special attention, even for experienced users. Before handling any chemicals, make sure you are wearing protective equipment: strong gloves, safety goggles, or even a mask for volatile powders. Always work in a well-ventilated area and avoid confined spaces. Never mix two different products, even if they appear to be similar (e.g. chlorine tablets + liquid chlorine). This could cause a dangerous chemical reaction or even an explosion. Use clean utensils that are only used for this purpose. When diluting, always pour the product into the water and not the other way round, especially in the case of acid. In the event of splashes on the skin or in the eyes, rinse thoroughly with clean water and contact a healthcare professional. Finally, follow the recommended dosages scrupulously. Overdosing a treatment does not make it more effective, but can damage the pool lining and make the water irritating or even dangerous. Careful handling ensures healthy water without jeopardising your safety or that of your loved ones. The main danger in the management of swimming pool chemicals lies in incompatible mixtures. Certain products, such as oxidisers (chlorine, peroxide, active oxygen) and reducing agents (acidic anti-algae, pH regulators), must never come into contact. These reactions can produce toxic gases or violent heat release. Even in small doses, direct contact can be harmful. It is also forbidden to transfer a product to another unidentified container. Always keep the original packaging, which includes safety instructions, emergency numbers and hazard pictograms. Also add products one after the other, allowing a waiting period between treatments. A good example: do not combine an anti-algae treatment and a flocculant in the same filtration cycle. If you use a robot such as the AquaSense 2 Pro from BEATBOT, remove it from the pool during powerful chemical treatments, so as not to damage the components. The golden rule is that it is better to take your time than to risk an unpredictable and dangerous reaction.Adopt good practices on a daily basis
Compliance with precautions is not limited to the occasional use of products, but is part of a sustainable maintenance routine. Get into the habit of regularly checking the pH, disinfectant and alkalinity levels using test strips or electronic testers. This allows you to adjust the products according to actual needs and avoid unnecessary excess. Prepare the exact dose to be used in advance rather than pouring 'by eye'. If you have children, avoid handling the products when they are near the pool. Use a stable transport bin to move the containers, and put away each product immediately after use. Also avoid opening several containers at once. Even if you use a robotic skimmer such as the iSkim Ultra from BEATBOT, which greatly improves surface cleanliness, chemicals are still essential to guarantee water disinfection. Good coordination between mechanical and chemical maintenance limits the number of interventions while prolonging the quality of the water.Managing expired or partially used products
Chemical products have a limited shelf life. If they are stored incorrectly or pass their expiry date, their effectiveness can be impaired or even nullified. In the worst case, they become unstable and dangerous. That is why it is essential to note the opening date on each package, especially for sensitive liquids or powders. Chlorine tablets, for example, lose their oxidising power if they have been exposed to air or moisture for too long. Never throw these products down the sink or in the environment. If in doubt, take them to a waste collection centre equipped to process household chemical waste. Never try to dilute them to 'finish the container' at all costs. To avoid waste, adapt your purchases to your actual frequency of use. It is better to buy a small fresh container each season than to keep a large canister half empty for three years. This ensures the effectiveness of each treatment while respecting safety instructions.Combine safety and efficiency for worry-free maintenance
Managing pool chemicals requires a good deal of rigour, but with a few simple steps, it quickly becomes routine. A well-designed storage space, careful handling, a clear knowledge of incompatibilities and regular checking of water parameters are all it takes to ensure safe maintenance. By following these principles, you not only extend the life of your equipment, but also provide a healthier swimming environment for your loved ones. The effectiveness of treatments depends as much on the right product as on proper use. And for those who want to lighten their maintenance load even more, a high-performance robot like the BEATBOT AquaSense 2 Ultra can perfectly complement your routine. Thanks to a synergy between automated technology and intelligent chemical maintenance, you can enjoy a spotless pool without the hassle or unnecessary risk. Because a well-treated swimming pool is a swimming pool that lasts... and makes you want to enjoy it to the full, all season long.Published on 07/04/2025
