Make sure that any outdoor storage of pool chemicals is as far away from your pool as possible and in a dry, covered area. Humidity or even small amounts of pool water can cause chemical reactions that could lead to dangerous fumes. Choose a location with ample ventilation for storing pool chemicals.
As long as the climate you live in doesn't get extremely hot in the summer, storing pool chemicals outdoors is a possibility. Just make sure they're protected from the elements including direct sunlight.
Your pool chemicals should always be stored in a cool and dry environment, to prevent them from becoming defective or dangerous. Typically, pool owners will stash their chemicals in an outdoor shed or garage.
Pool chemicals should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Garages are generally not the best place to store pool chemicals unless they are locked in a storage bin or cabinet. Oxidizers and strong acids corrode metal and can cause heavy rusting of pool, electrical, and other equipment stored in the room.
For mostly cold climates, similar rules apply for winter pool chemical storage. While pool chemicals store better in cold temperatures than hot, you should still plan to bring the chemicals indoors to a well-ventilated area until the frost thaws.
Find a Temperature-Controlled Space
The best place to start is by finding a cool, dry place to store them. Although the garage or laundry room seems like an obvious choice, it may be unsafe to keep pool and spa products near gasoline or heat. High temperatures can warp the bottles, which may then cause them to leak.
Algaecides stored in cool, dry and indoor locations will remain potent for up to five years, though direct sunlight and temperatures above 75°F (24°C) will reduce shelf life; temperatures at or below freezing (at or below 32°F or 0°C) can ruin it.
"It is important to keep pool chemicals dry. Store them in separate containers with lids in a locked shed away from the house and pool." The State Fire Marshal wants homeowners to ensure their pool chemicals are being stored safely, as any moisture or container left opened could pose serious health risks.
Yes on storing outside. I keep mine in a plastic deck box by the pool with a lock on it.
The storage site should be cool, dry and well-ventilated, such as in a basement. Never leave chlorine tablets in the direct sun, even in a covered bucket, because the heat will accelerate the degrading process of the tablet and its ingredients.
There is no harm in using liquid chlorine after storing it through the winter, but it will be less effective than when initially purchased. Pool chlorine comes in different forms with differing levels of stability.
Liquid Chlorine has the shortest shelf life of all your pool chemicals, losing up to 50% or half of its potency six months from when it was first opened and up to 90% after a year.
If you have any pool chemicals in liquid form, they will only last up to two months before they begin to become ineffective.
Chlorine is a common disinfectant that is widely used in swimming pools and leisure centres. Chlorine should not be stored with ammonia, acetylene, benzene, butadiene, hydrogen, any petroleum gases, sodium carbide or turpentine.
Muriatic acid should be stored outside. It has a relatively long shelf life regardless of temperature, does not freeze, and can be left outside in the winter. Even when in closed sealed containers the fumes from muriatic acid can rust metals in the room around it.
Dispose of Muriatic Acid by Pouring It Into Your Pool
Definitely don't dispose of it by pouring it down the sink. Instead, store the acid in a cool, dry ventilated area in the plastic container it came in. When pH levels are too high, use muriatic acid to lower the pH level and get it back down to 7.4-7.6.
Tom: Yes. It is the best place. Even if it's a swimming pool or a septic, if it's salt, if it's any kind of harsh chemicals, and especially chlorine tabs, they need to be in a water- tight container outside. You wouldn't have to lay it in the bright sun, but if he can put it in a shaded area, you'll be fine.
The ideal location to keep the chemicals is in a locked chemical container in a well-ventilated location outside in cool weather.
Liquid Chlorine
Sodium Hypochlorite, or chlorine bleach is a comparatively unstable form of chlorine, in that it can lose up to 50% potency within the first 6 months, and 90% within one year. If subjected to hot or cold temperatures or direct sunlight, degradation occurs more quickly.
Do not allow chlorine tablets, pellets or flakes to get moist or wet, as they will start to emit highly corrosive and toxic chlorine gas! Do not attempt to transport moistened chlorine tablets, pellets or flakes – you may not survive the trip!
Finally, while pool chemicals are less sensitive to cold temperatures than too hot, most will lose some of their potency if they freeze. Thank you for the great season, and we look forward to seeing you again next spring.
Liquid chlorine and granular shock have the same active chemical that sanitizes your pool, what changes is the strength and the way you use it. Liquid chlorine is less costly, unstabilized and comes in liquid form. Granular shock is stabilized and comes in a solid form that dissolves in your pool.
So if you buy liquid shock, be aware that it only lasts one to two months at the most before it starts to lose effectiveness. While many swimming pool chemicals stay good for years if stored correctly, some pool-maintenance supplies expire more quickly.
Shock is liquid or granular chlorine. You should add one gallon (or one pound) of shock per 10,000 gallons of pool water every week to two weeks. During hot weather or frequent use, you may need to shock more frequently.
It is safe to swim once your chlorine levels are around 5 ppm or after 24 hours. It is always best to test first! Muriatic acid can create a hot spot of acid in the water that could potentially burn or irritate your skin. It is best to wait 30 minutes after adding it to your pool.