10. What precautions should I take in handling/storing pool care products?

It’s smart to be aware of the potential hazards associated with chemical products in general. As with any chemical product, the first and foremost rule is to read the label carefully and follow the directions exactly.

Handling

Here are some important basics for the proper handling and use of pool care products:

• Always wear rubber gloves and protective eyewear when working with pool care products.
• Open product containers in a well-ventilated area. Point the lid of the container away from your face while opening.
• Always use the exact dosage specified on the label by the manufacturer.
• Never mix any product with another (granular, tablet or liquid) before adding to the pool. Mixing together products that do not have the exact same chemical ingredient can produce chemical reactions that can lead to a possible fire or explosion.
• When pre-dissolving or diluting granular or liquid products in a bucket, fill the bucket with water first. Add chemicals to the water. Never add water to the chemicals.
• Always add different products to the pool separately.
• Always use a separate, clean scoop for each product. Don’t interchange scoops or use a wet scoop. Replace cap or lid securely on the proper container.
• Don’t allow products to come in contact with your face and eyes. Do not breathe any fumes or product dust.
• If products come in contact with your skin or clothes, always brush off any excess and wash the area thoroughly.

Storing

Here are some important basics for the proper storing of pool care products:

• Always store pool products in a cool, dry area separate from other products such as fertilizers, motor oil, grease or paint. Mixing these common items with some pool products can cause the release of hazardous gasses, fire, or even an explosion.
• Always keep all pool care products tightly sealed in the original container and away from children.
• Keep pool products away from heat and open flame. Do not smoke in pool storage areas or when handling pool products.
• Never store any liquid products directly over or directly next to dry pool products (1" and 3" tablets, granular chlorinators, shock products).
• Keep liquid acid (muriatic) and liquid chlorine products away from each other and away from all shock products and chlorine-based products.
• When separating your pool care products, use lawn furniture, walls, plastic buckets, shovels, rakes, lumber, other inert items or empty space (at least 3 feet) as a buffer zone between products.
• Always store calcium hypochlorite-based products separate from all other pool care and garden chemical products. To determine if the product contains calcium hypochlorite, read the active ingredient section on the front of the product label.

The chart below provides guidelines for the proper storage of Pool Time® pool products. These guideline do not necessarily apply to the storage of other brands of pool care products. If in question, contact the product manufacturer.

(For more information, go to Product Safety.)

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This analysis is designed for use only with the Pool Time® brand products named in this computerized water analysis printout, and is correct to the best of RWP, Inc.'s knowledge. RWP is not responsible for any use of this printout with products other than the Pool Time ® brand products named in this printout, and use of this printout with other products could result in improper or incorrect treatment of the pool water.