🧯 How to Handle Pool Chemical Spills Safely

Spilling pool chemicals can be scary—but with the right steps, you can manage it safely and prevent harm to people, pets, and your pool. Whether it’s a splash of acid or a bag of chlorine, here’s what to do (and what not to do).

🚨 First Things First: Safety!

✅ DO:

• Wear gloves, goggles, and a mask if available.

• Ventilate the area if indoors or in a shed.

• Evacuate the area if there’s a strong smell or visible fumes.

• Treat all spills with caution—even small amounts can be dangerous.

❌ DON’T:

• Mix chemicals (especially acids and chlorine—it can create toxic gas).

• Use a vacuum or hose to clean up dry spills.

• Wash chemicals into drains or lawns.

• Ignore it—dry spills can be reactive for days if left untreated.

🧂 How to Handle Dry Chemical Spills (e.g. Chlorine, Stabiliser, Alkalinity Up)

1. Isolate the area and keep people/pets away.

2. Put on safety gear (gloves, mask, and goggles).

3. Scoop up dry material with a plastic scoop or dustpan—never use metal.

4. Place it in a clean plastic container with a secure lid.

5. Do NOT return spilled chemicals to the original container.

6. Dispose of it according to local hazardous waste regulations or bring it to Pool Perfectionists for advice.

💧 How to Handle Liquid Spills (e.g. Pool Acid, Liquid Chlorine)

1. Ventilate and evacuate the area immediately.

2. If the spill is small:

   • Wear PPE and use absorbent material (like kitty litter or soda ash) to soak up.

   • Neutralise acid spills with baking soda or soda ash—slowly and in small amounts.

3. Carefully collect the neutralised material with a non-metal scoop and dispose of in a plastic container.

4. For large spills or strong fumes, call emergency services (000) or your local council’s hazardous waste line.

🧽 Cleaning Up After the Spill

• Once you’ve removed the material, rinse the area lightly with water and allow it to dry.

• Keep the area well ventilated for several hours.

• Wash your hands and gear thoroughly.

🧑‍🔬 When to Get Help

Call a professional or local hazardous materials team if:

• You feel dizzy, nauseous, or develop skin or eye irritation

• The spill involved more than 500ml or 500g

• Multiple chemicals were spilled together

• The spill occurred in water or near drains

🛒 Prevention Tips

• Store chemicals in original containers with labels intact

• Keep them in a cool, dry, ventilated area

• Use measuring scoops dedicated to each chemical

• Never store acids and chlorine side by side

• Keep a spill kit handy (gloves, baking soda, scoop, bucket)

🤝 Need Help or a Spill Kit?

Pool Perfectionists stocks spill kits, chemical storage bins, and safety gear to keep your backyard safe. Drop by for expert advice or chat with us online—your pool’s safety is our priority.