A refreshing swim in the backyard or community swimming pool often quenches the hot days of summer. Many pools are treated with chemicals to prevent unwanted bacterial growth. Exposure to chemicals in swimming pools can happen to pool owners during routine maintenance or to those just wanting to enjoy a swim.
Typical Pool Chemical Exposure Scenario
Picture a container of chlorine tablets or granules; the container is stored outside near the pool. It sits for hours in the heat of the day, with direct sunlight beating down on it. The heat causes the chemical inside to expand, so when someone opens the container, a “poof” of the strong chemical escapes, often into the face of the user.
This poisoning is unexpected but avoidable.
You can prepare yourself and your family for the unexpected.
Victims of this kind of exposure often complain, “It feels as if my lungs are on fire!” It is frightening when it’s difficult to breathe. The sudden onset of symptoms may also include coughing, gagging, choking, and a burning sensation in the nose and airway.
First aid steps need to be taken immediately!
First Aid
For most healthy people, this is a situation that can be handled at home by the specially trained nurses and pharmacists at the Missouri Poison Center. Immediately, move away from the chemical and get to fresh air. Next, call the experts at the poison center for further treatment advice, which will depend on your unique exposure and specific chemical(s) involved.
Pool Chemical Safety Tips
- Pool chemical safety begins with transportation – do not let the chemicals stay in a hot car for too long. The pool store should be the last stop on your errand list. Unpack them as soon as you arrive home and store them properly.
- Keep children and pets out of the area when using chemicals.
- Never walk away from any product that is out, open, and in use.
- Use recommended protective equipment such as safety glasses, gloves, or masks when handling hazardous products.
- Maintain good ventilation when working with the chemicals, preferably opening the container outside.
- Pay attention to the wind when placing powdered products into the pool. There can be severe side effects to inhaling powdered chemicals or “pool shock.” If it is too windy, wait until later.
- Add the chemical to water, not the other way around.
How to Store Pool Chemicals
- Store pool chemicals in a COOL, DRY, WELL-VENTILATED area, away from other household products and garden chemicals.
- Tightly cap or seal containers before you put them away and wash your hands after handling the products.
- Designate measuring spoons/scoops for each product. Never place wet scoops back into any chemical container.
- Never mix chemicals of any kind. An unexpected and uncontrollable reaction may occur.
- Store products in the original container, up and out of reach, in a locked cabinet or location if possible.
- Clean your storage area of products that are no longer in use and dispose of them properly. Buy enough to do the job and dispose of the remainder as instructed on the product label.
Maintenance Tips
Maintaining a safe swimming pool goes hand in hand with responsible pool chemical use. Routinely inspecting pool equipment and chemical storage areas ensures everything is in good working order and reduces the risk of exposure. Checking for leaks, making sure containers are properly labeled and sealed, and confirming that the storage area is well-ventilated and shielded from direct sunlight are all part of the process.
When using chemicals in swimming pools, always use the correct amount and avoid mixing incompatible substances to prevent dangerous reactions and pool chemical injuries. Regularly test and adjust the pH levels of your pool water to prevent outbreaks of recreational water illnesses.
Most Importantly—
Call the Missouri Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away if you suspect a poisoning has occurred. Post the phone number by each phone in your home and program the phone number into your cell phones. Call any time of the day or night if you have a question or need help.
No call is too big or too small, just call.
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Frequently Asked Questions
No, it’s not safe. Heat builds up quickly in a parked car, which can cause chlorine to release fumes or react. Always make the pool store your last stop and unpack chemicals right away.
Pools commonly use chlorine, bromine, algaecides, pH adjusters, and shock treatments. These help keep the water clean and safe but must be handled carefully to avoid harmful exposure.
No, that’s a myth. There’s no chemical added to pools that turns color when someone urinates. Still, it’s best to keep pools clean by encouraging bathroom breaks.
Yes, but it’s not just the chemicals. Red eyes are usually caused by chloramines, which form when chlorine mixes with sweat, oils, or urine in the water. You can read more on this process in our more detailed blog on chlorine in swimming pools.
Most pool algae isn’t dangerous, but it can be a sign of poor maintenance. Some types may irritate the skin or harbor harmful bacteria, so it’s best to treat it right away.
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