Pool & Spa Chlorinators

Many products used in pools and spas are dangerous goods, the correct handling and storage is very important for the health and safety of you and your family.

Transporting of chemicals

When transporting chemicals in your car, make sure they are secured to prevent them from mixing in the event of spillage or an accident. Eg never carry chlorine and acid together in the boot of your car, keep them separate.

Storage of chemicals

Store chemicals in a way to prevent accidental breakage or leakage and keep them out of reach of children and pets. Ensure they are stored in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place, away from other chemicals, household and garden products, petrol and metallic objects. Make sure all chemicals are clearly marked so that you do not confuse labels and container colours.

Safe handling of chemicals

You should always use gloves and protective eyewear when handling chemicals. Always add chemicals to a bucket containing water – not the other way around. Adding water directly to a chemical is dangerous.

NEVER MIX CHEMICALS - this could lead to an extremely violent reaction (explosion!) and/or the production of toxic fumes. Even different chlorines can react violently when mixed.  Do not use the same bucket for diluting different chemicals. Never interchange measuring scoops between products.

Always read the instructions on the labels of pool or spa chemicals and other products and follow them carefully.

As a general rule, you are far better off adding small amounts of chemicals at a time whilst running the filter, and then testing the effects after several hours. Attempting large chemical changes by adding large amounts at a time can result in an imbalance in the water, which is more difficult to fix and maintain.

Have the filter pump running when you are adding chemicals to the pool water to ensure proper mixing and distribution. Always add maintenance products to the pool water separately and in different areas. Take care when putting product into the pool on windy days to prevent product blowing into your eyes or mouth and onto skin or clothes. Never inhale the fumes of the products.

Clean up any spills promptly. Small amounts can be hosed into the pool. Contact your local SPASA pool shop for advice on larger spills. They can also provide advice on the correct disposal of unused chemicals and containers.

In the event of accidental contact, or if the product is swallowed, follow the advice on the label and call your doctor and/or Poisons Information Centre (AU) 13 11 26 (NZ) 0800 764 766.

How to add salt to the pool

Salt sometimes contains mineral impurities and entrapped air, so it is important to take some simple steps to ensure the pool is not stained. Always run the filter pump prior to adding salt. 

1. Make sure pH is between 7.2 - 7.6. You may need to add acid before adding salt. This pH will keep any impurities dissolved.

2. Make sure the Chlorine level is no more than 3.00ppm. High Chlorine levels will oxidise mineral impurities in the salt, like Iron and Manganese, causing brown stains (The higher the Chlorine level, the darker the stain). They may also react with some minerals in the salt, causing green discoloration of the water.

3. Completely dissolve the salt by cutting the bag, pouring into the pool, and brushing until all dissolved.

4. If you have to add more than 2 bags, you should add 2 bags each day.

5. Disconnect the pool cleaner. It may suck up some salt crystals which would cause the salt chlorinator to turn off because of high salt. 

6. Occasionally the water may go cloudy after adding salt. This is due to air trapped in the salt which produces very fine bubbles and makes the water look cloudy. This will disappear in 24 hours.