Matt Gohlke

Pool chemicals are necessary to keep pool water clear, sanitized and safe. However, if they are misused or mishandled, they can be dangerous. The following are a few simple guidelines that will ensure the safety and well being of family and friends.

Handling chemicals

Always read the label. It contains important information on the proper application, handling and storage of the chemical you are using.

Never do the following:

* Mix chemicals. An uncontrolled reaction such as fuming, fire or explosion could occur. Always add chemicals to the pool water separately and to different areas of the pool.

* Overdose your pool. Use the exact amount specified. Make sure your pool volume is accurate.

* Add the water to the chemical when dissolving or diluting. Always add the chemical to the water.

* Inhale fumes or allow products to get in your eyes, ears, nose or mouth. In the event of accidental contact, follow emergency advice on the product label and call your doctor or local poison control center.

* Smoke around chemicals, as some chemical fumes can be highly flammable.

* Allow children to handle chemicals.

* Use one measuring container for all products.

Always make sure to:

* Clean up spills as soon as they occur and dispose of the material safely. Dispose of all chemicals according to label directions.

* Store chemicals safely and out of the reach of children. Keep your chemicals in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from other household or garden chemicals and petroleum products.

* Keep chemical product containers tightly closed when not in use.

Sometimes chemicals are purchased for a pool and never used. It is not smart to have chemicals that are not being used stored at your house. Many common pool chemicals can be toxic, corrosive, flammable or caustic, and can be dangerous to both people and the environment when discarded incorrectly.

The following are methods to properly dispose of old or unneeded pool chemicals:

* Use them in your pool. Although you might have to purchase another chemical to counteract the effect of the old chemical, it is still a very effective way to rid yourself of the old or unneeded chemical.

* Give the old or unneeded chemical to another pool owner. Water from one pool to another varies, as does the chemicals required to balance the pool water. You might have a friend or neighbor who could use the product in their pool.

* Take the old or unneeded chemical to a pool company. Most pool companies will accept old or unneeded pool chemicals if the container is still in good shape. The pool company can usually use the chemical, or if not, can properly dispose of the chemical.

* Use the city of Denton’s household chemical collection program. Denton residents are fortunate to have a very good household chemical collection program and solid waste department. According to the city’s Web site, residents can have pool chemicals (and other household chemicals) collected on their normal collection day by giving notice 48 hours in advance. Swimming pool chemicals included in the program are: alkaline additives, pool chlorine, pool cleaners, muriatic acid and shock treatments.

Call 940-349-8787 for more information or visit www.cityofdenton.com, click on “for residents” and then “recycling.”

You can be assured that the chemicals are reused, recycled or disposed of properly by the city.

Pool chemicals are necessary to keep a pool safe, but we must respect the fact that they can be dangerous if not handled or disposed of properly.

MATT GOHLKE, certified building professional, is the owner of Gohlke Pools and a member of the National Spa & Pool Institute, Aquatech (a society of pool building professionals), Better Business Bureau and an authorized dealer of Bioguard and Baquacil. His firm has received many national awards, certifications and recognitions in the swimming pool industry. Mr. Gohlke may be reached at 940-387-7521.