Pool Maintenance: How to Use Chlorine Safely

Here at Anta Plumbing, we're seeing a sure upsurge in calls for pool maintenance and pool repairs. It would seem that our clients are gearing up for a sunny summer in their pools. With that in mind, we're also getting lots of questions about how to maintain a pool, and about the best ways to use and store chlorine. So without further ado - let's dive right in! (pun intended!)

While people who don't like the smell of chlorine, and those who have sensitive skin use bromine instead of chlorine, the latter remains the most popular choice for pool owners to kill bacteria. Chlorine is the cheapest and the easiest pool sanitizer, but it is also a potentially dangerous chemical. Therefore, you must be cautious when using and storing chlorine. The correct usage and storage methods can help safeguard you from accidentally creating a chemical bomb.

Two Types of Chlorine

Clients often ask which type of chlorine is best, so to make it easier for you to make the decision, let's look at the pros and cons of granular and tablet chlorine.

Pros and Cons of Granular Chlorine

Pros and Cons of Tablet Chlorine

Safe Chlorine Storage Rules

➔ Store your chlorine in a cool, dry place away from children and pets. Choose a storage place where you can control access to it.
➔ Store chlorine above liquids, because spills could cause reactions and possibly, explosions.
➔ Store chlorine away from pool acid. The two work great in a pool, but accidental mixing could cause an explosion.
➔ Do not store granules and tablets together, as they are incompatible.

Safe Chlorine Usage Rules

➔ Wear gloves when you work on your pool to prevent getting chlorine onto your skin. If it still touches your skin, be sure to wash it off immediately using fresh water.
➔ If some chlorine is spilled, use whatever you can in your pool and flush the area well. It is not safe to leave granules on the patio, on the floor or the pool area.
➔ Empty chlorine containers should not be re-used. Rather rinse the containers in your pool before sending it for recycling.

Expert Tip: During pool maintenance, you should always look out for cracks and water leaks. If your pool pipe is damaged, you should see water seeping up towards your lawn, or you should note wet areas rising from below the patio floor. Call Anta Plumbing right away to prevent property damage.