How to Service and Maintain Your Pool Safely

Owning a pool can be a great source of fun and relaxation, but it also comes with responsibilities and risks. Servicing and maintaining your pool is essential to keep it clean, functional, and safe. However, if not done properly, it can also pose dangers to you and others.

Whether you’re performing routine upkeep or troubleshooting issues, observing proper safety precautions is crucial. You should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations, and use the appropriate tools and equipment. You should also be aware of the potential hazards and how to prevent or handle them.

In this guide, we’ll outline key safety measures to follow when servicing and maintaining your pool. By following these tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable pool experience for yourself and your family.

1. Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

One of the most important safety precautions when servicing and maintaining your pool is to wear appropriate PPE. PPE refers to any clothing or equipment that protects you from injury or illness. Some examples of PPE include:

• Goggles: Goggles protect your eyes from chemical splashes, debris, and UV rays. You should wear goggles whenever you handle pool chemicals, operate equipment, or work near the pool water.
• Gloves: Gloves protect your hands from chemical burns, cuts, and infections. You should wear gloves whenever you handle pool chemicals, operate equipment, or touch pool surfaces or water.
• Closed-Toe Shoes: Closed-toe shoes protect your feet from slips, falls, and injuries. You should wear closed-toe shoes whenever you work around the pool area, especially on wet or slippery surfaces.

2. Handle Pool Chemicals Safely

Pool chemicals are essential to keep your pool water clean, clear, and sanitized. However, they can also be dangerous if not handled safely. Pool chemicals can cause skin irritation, eye damage, respiratory problems, and even fire or explosion. To handle pool chemicals safely, you should:

• Read Labels and Instructions: Thoroughly read and adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines when handling pool chemicals. Follow the recommended dosage, application, and storage methods. Never use expired or damaged chemicals, and always use the measuring devices provided by the manufacturer.
• Store Chemicals in Their Original Containers: Store pool chemicals in their original containers, and never mix different chemicals together. Mixing chemicals can cause hazardous reactions, such as fumes, heat, or explosion. Keep chemicals away from heat, sunlight, moisture, and children and pets. Store chemicals in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, and label them clearly.
• Dilute Chemicals Safely: When diluting pool chemicals, add chemicals to water, never water to chemicals. This minimizes splashes and reduces the risk of chemical burns or inhalation. Use a clean and non-metallic container, and pour the chemicals slowly and carefully. Avoid breathing in the fumes, and rinse the container thoroughly after use.

3. Practice Safe Equipment Maintenance

Pool equipment, such as pumps, filters, heaters, and cleaners, are vital to keep your pool running smoothly and efficiently. However, they can also pose electrical, mechanical, or thermal hazards if not maintained properly. To practice safe equipment maintenance, you should:

• Power Off Equipment: Before maintenance or repairs, ensure power sources are off and equipment is properly disconnected. This prevents electrical shocks and accidents. Use a circuit tester to verify that the power is off, and lock or tag the power source to prevent accidental reconnection.
• Use Tools Properly: Employ suitable tools and handle them carefully to prevent accidents or injuries. Keep tools organized and in good condition to avoid trips, falls, or accidents. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations on how to use and maintain the tools. Wear PPE when using tools, and keep them away from children and pets.
• Inspect Equipment Regularly: Inspect your pool equipment regularly for signs of wear, damage, or malfunction. Look for cracks, leaks, corrosion, or loose parts. Replace or repair any faulty or worn-out equipment as soon as possible. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations on how often and how to inspect your equipment.

4. Secure Pool Area

Securing your pool area is essential to prevent unauthorized access, especially for households with children or pets. Unsupervised access to the pool can lead to drowning, injury, or damage. To secure your pool area, you should:

• Install Barriers: Install secure barriers, such as fences and gates, around your pool area. Ensure barriers meet local safety regulations, such as height, width, and spacing. Barriers should be at least four feet high, and have no gaps or openings larger than four inches. Gates should be self-closing and self-latching, and have locks or alarms.
• Secure Pool Covers: Secure pool covers, such as safety covers or nets, over your pool when not in use. Ensure pool covers are properly secured and in good condition to prevent accidental falls or entrapment. Regularly inspect pool covers for wear or damage, and repair or replace as needed. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations on how to use and maintain pool covers.

5. Educate Yourself and Others

Educating yourself and others about pool safety is vital to prevent accidents and injuries. You should always be aware of the potential risks and how to avoid or handle them. You should also provide ongoing education and training to keep everyone informed and prepared. To educate yourself and others, you should:

• Pool Safety Training: Ensure anyone servicing or maintaining the pool is adequately trained in safety procedures and emergency protocols. Provide ongoing education and training to keep everyone updated and skilled. Enroll in courses or workshops offered by reputable organizations, such as the American Red Cross or the National Swimming Pool Foundation.
• Emergency Preparedness: Understand emergency procedures, including first aid, CPR, and how to respond to pool-related emergencies, such as drowning or chemical exposure. Have a well-stocked first aid kit and a phone nearby at all times. Know the location and contact information of the nearest emergency services. Practice emergency drills and scenarios regularly.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Here are some of the most common questions that people ask about pool safety, and their answers.

What should I do if someone is injured while servicing the pool?

If someone is injured while servicing the pool, you should:

• Call for Help: Call 911 or the local emergency number immediately, and provide the details of the injury and the location of the pool. Follow the instructions of the operator until help arrives.
• Provide First Aid: Provide first aid to the injured person, according to the type and severity of the injury. For example, if the person is bleeding, apply pressure to the wound and elevate the injured area. If the person is unconscious, check for breathing and pulse, and perform CPR if needed. If the person is exposed to chemicals, flush the affected area with water and remove any contaminated clothing.
• Prevent Further Injury: Prevent further injury to the person, yourself, or others, by removing any hazards or obstacles from the pool area. For example, if the person is electrocuted, turn off the power source and disconnect the equipment. If the person is trapped under a pool cover, cut or lift the cover to free the person.

How often should pool equipment be inspected for safety?

Pool equipment should be inspected for safety at least once a year, or more often if recommended by the manufacturer or required by local regulations. You should also inspect your pool equipment before and after each use, and whenever you notice any signs of wear, damage, or malfunction.

Are there special considerations for servicing indoor pools?

Servicing indoor pools requires some special considerations, such as:

• Ventilation: Indoor pools need adequate ventilation to prevent the buildup of humidity, heat, and chemical fumes, which can cause health problems and damage to the pool and the building. You should install and maintain proper ventilation systems, such as fans, vents, and dehumidifiers, to ensure good air quality and circulation.
• Lighting: Indoor pools need sufficient lighting to ensure visibility and safety. You should install and maintain proper lighting systems, such as overhead lights, underwater lights, and emergency lights, to illuminate the pool area and the water. You should also check and replace any burnt-out or faulty bulbs or fixtures as soon as possible.
• Heating: Indoor pools need appropriate heating to maintain a comfortable and consistent water temperature. You should install and maintain proper heating systems, such as heaters, pumps, and thermostats, to regulate the water temperature and prevent fluctuations. You should also check and adjust the water temperature regularly, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations on how to use and maintain the heating systems.

Should I hire a professional for pool maintenance, or can I do it myself safely?

The answer to this question depends on your level of skill, experience, and confidence, as well as the type and complexity of the pool maintenance task. Some pool maintenance tasks, such as testing and adjusting the water chemistry, cleaning the pool surfaces and water, and replacing minor parts, can be done by yourself safely, as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions. However, some pool maintenance tasks, such as installing or repairing major equipment, handling hazardous chemicals, or dealing with electrical or plumbing issues, should be done by a professional, as they require specialized knowledge, tools, and licenses. You should always consult a professional if you are unsure or uncomfortable about any pool maintenance task, or if you encounter any problems or difficulties.

What safety measures should be taken when storing pool chemicals?

When storing pool chemicals, you should:

• Store pool chemicals in a cool, dry place that is well ventilated and away from direct sunlight. Pool chemicals can degrade or react when exposed to heat, moisture, or light, which can reduce their effectiveness and create safety hazards. You should also avoid storing pool chemicals near sources of ignition, such as flames, sparks, or electrical equipment¹².
• Always store pool chemicals in their original containers. Pool chemicals are packaged in specific containers that are designed to prevent leaks, spills, or pressure buildup. Putting pool chemicals into another container may inadvertently result in mixing and a chemical reaction. You should also label the containers clearly and keep them closed when not in use¹².
• Keep out of reach of children and animals. Pool chemicals can be harmful or fatal if ingested, inhaled, or contacted by skin or eyes. You should store pool chemicals in a locked or secured area, and educate your family and guests about the dangers of pool chemicals. You should also keep emergency contact numbers and safety data sheets (SDSs) handy in case of an accident¹².
• Follow product label directions for safe disposal. Pool chemicals should not be disposed of in the trash, down the drain, or on the ground, as they can contaminate the environment and pose a risk to human and animal health. You should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local regulations on how to safely dispose of pool chemicals or their containers. You should also contact your local hazardous waste collection facility or pool service company for assistance¹².
• Never reuse containers. Pool chemical containers should not be reused for any other purpose, as they may contain residues or traces of chemicals that can react with other substances. You should rinse the containers thoroughly before disposing of them, and recycle them if possible¹².

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Here are some of the most common questions that people ask about pool chemical storage, and their answers.

What are the best types of containers for storing pool chemicals?

The best types of containers for storing pool chemicals are the original containers that they came in, as they are designed to prevent leaks, spills, or pressure buildup. You should avoid using metal, glass, or plastic containers that are not intended for pool chemicals, as they may corrode, crack, or melt. You should also avoid using food or beverage containers, as they may cause confusion or accidental ingestion¹².

How should I store different types of pool chemicals?

Different types of pool chemicals have different storage requirements, depending on their properties and compatibility. You should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines on how to store each type of pool chemical. Some general rules are:

• Store oxidizers, such as chlorine and bromine, away from reducers, such as sodium bisulfate and sodium thiosulfate, as they can react violently and cause fire or explosion¹².
• Store acids, such as muriatic acid and sodium bisulfate, away from bases, such as sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate, as they can react and generate heat and gas¹².
• Store liquids below solids, and never above or beside them, as they can leak and cause a reaction¹².
• Store pool chemicals away from other household chemicals, such as cleaners, paints, or fertilizers, as they can react and create hazardous substances¹².

How much pool chemicals should I store?

You should store only the amount of pool chemicals that you need for the season, and avoid overstocking or hoarding. Storing too much pool chemicals can increase the risk of accidents, fires, or explosions, as well as the difficulty of disposal. You should also check the expiration dates of pool chemicals, and use them before they expire or lose their effectiveness¹².

Lessons Learned

Storing and handling pool chemicals safely is essential to prevent accidents and injuries, as well as to maintain the quality and safety of your pool water. You should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions, and use the appropriate personal protective equipment and tools. You should also secure your pool area, and educate yourself and others about pool safety. By doing so, you can enjoy a safe and enjoyable pool experience, and protect yourself, your family, and the environment.