As the weather starts to warm up, the Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) is urging pool owners to take extra care when storing their pool chemicals this summer.

Chemicals used for chlorinating swimming pools are highly reactive and could start a fire, cause chemical burns or release toxic gases if they come into contact with other chemicals.

MFS Community Engagement Officer Angelo Mastripolito says pool chemicals should be stored away from each other and other chemicals or combustibles in the shed.

“It’s not only when treating your pool that extra caution has to be taken, but also when deciding where to store these chemicals in your shed.”

“Always store chemicals in their original containers with clearly visible use-by-dates. Most chemicals have common symbols labelled on containers, however you should not rely on the presence of these symbols to determine if a product is hazardous,” he says.

Granular pool ‘chlorine’ (calcium hypochlorite) may start a fire if it comes into contact with fuels (e.g. petrol), oils, brake fluid or detergents. It also reacts with acids to release the toxic gas chlorine, so must be stored separately from acids such as pool acid (hydrochloric acid).

“The different types of pool chemicals - granular pool ‘chlorine’, liquid pool ‘chlorine’ and pool chlorine tablets - should not be mixed or used together. Some combinations are incompatible and may cause fires or explosions”.

“All chemicals should be kept out of reach of children and stored away from windows and doors to avoid the potential for an unwanted reaction.” 

“As these chemicals can give off toxic fumes, it is important to ensure you are in a well-ventilated area when using them. Consider having an A:B:E dry powder fire extinguisher and a first aid kit within in reach in case of a spill or leak.”

For more information, please access the MFS Home Fire and Safety Fact Sheet on Hazardous Materials on the MFS website.