When considering where to store pool chemicals, the best storage locations are areas out of direct sunlight. Pool chemicals react poorly to sunshine and heat, and require a dark, cool environment to control for any potential reactions.
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.
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.
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.
The container should be away from heat sources, such as heaters or heating pipes. It should also be in a ventilated area where fumes cannot collect. Keep the chlorine tablets away from the garage or anyplace that may have exhaust fumes.
Chlorine is a common disinfectant, 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 and turpentine.
The most common pool chemicals are inherently incompatible with each other, so be sure to keep them apart. ... Store pool chemicals outside the home or attached garage; a locked stand-alone shed is recommended. Lock your storage area to keep children, pets and unauthorized users out.
Chemicals should always be stored somewhere completely dry and very cool, especially in the warm summer months. Be sure to keep the storage area clean of spills to avoid possible cross-contamination. When using some chemicals which are known for oxidizing, a chemical reaction can occur if not handled properly.
When Is It a Good Idea to Store Chemicals Outside? Well, actually never. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) you should reduce or eliminate outdoor storage of toxic materials to prevent loss and possible releases during a major storm event.
Granular Chlorine
For longer term storage, re-pack into zip-loc freezer bags or buy Chlorine Granules, sold in buckets. Properly stored, pool shock has a shelf life of over 5 years.
All pool chemicals, aside from unstabilised liquid chlorine, are good for up to three to five years as long as they're stored in a cool and dark place away from sunlight and they're packed in air-tight containers. Granular chlorine can be re-packed to extend its shelf life.
Can Pool Chemicals Be Stored Outside? If you live in an area where the temperature is moderate, without extremes of heat or cold, then it's fine to store pool chemicals outside. However, if your climate is subject to extremes, indoor storage may be preferable to prevent chemicals from reacting to heat or freezing.
Yes on storing outside.
The freezing point depression of a 12% Sodium Hypochlorite solution (which also has 9.4% salt due to the manufacturing process of chlorine) is 15.3C or 27F so the freezing point is -15.3C or 5F.
A tightly sealed bucket kept in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area will keep chlorine-based chemicals stable for longer. Doing this, along with keeping them away from direct sunlight and water can allow tablets to last well over five years.
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!
Re: wet chlorine tablets
You could use the lid to hold the tablets in the bucket while you pour off the water, then put the bucket in a dry place like a garage until the tablets dry out (out of reach of children). Then you can use them. Handle them with rubber gloves (as you would normally).
Seal chemicals in the original containers and keep them clearly labeled. Lock chemicals in a dry, well ventilated area away from other chemicals. Keep them out of the reach of children! Wear gloves, safety goggles, long sleeves and provide ventilation when handling chemicals.
Separate Chlorine Products and Muriatic Acid
If chlorine and muriatic acid is mixed it will create toxic chlorine gas. The two chemicals should never be stored where they can possibly mix.
Only mix muriatic acid in a glass or acid-resistant plastic container. Always store muriatic acid in the container it came in. Keep a supply of baking soda or garden lime nearby in case you need to quickly neutralize muriatic acid.
It Should Not Be Done Together
This is because when you mix chlorine and algaecide together, it renders both of them useless. Hence, you should first shock the pool and wait for the chlorine levels to fall below 5 PPM.
Wait times for adding pool chemicals
The wait times between adding pool chemicals is usually around 10 minutes each, as that is also sufficient time for the chemicals to mix in the water. Users also under normal conditions can swim roughly 10 minutes after adding chemicals.