Issue: Pool closing—Some pool owners will add the balance of their chemicals to the pool prior to the arrival of the service technician or before lowering the water level themselves for fall pool closing.
In practice: This scenario can be avoided through education. Chemicals should only be added to the pool water after it has been drained. Algaecides should not be added to the pool two weeks prior to closing and chlorine should not be added for several days prior to closing.
Interestingly, the fine for discharging pool water that fails to meet storm sewer limits is issued to the homeowner, even if the work is performed by a pool service company.
Issue: Weekly backwashing—Backwash water being pumped onto the street must be filtered; the chlorine neutralized and must meet storm sewer use limits.
In practice: Placing a tablet(s) into the flow of the discharged water can neutralize chlorine. Neutralizing an entire pool for the purposes of backwashing is not recommended.
Issue: Repairs—Adding granular chlorine to neutralize the pool and remove all chlorine.
In practice: This practice can also be used for repairs to pools requiring draining, i.e. painting, liner installation, etc.
Issue: Dechlorination safety—Sodium sulfite tablets and granular sodium sulfite are the most commonly used chemicals to neutralize chlorine.
In practice: When handling sodium sulfite tablets, one must wear a dust mask, rubber gloves and eye protection. Like most pool chemicals, it is important not to breathe in fumes or get into the eyes, skin or clothing. All pool chemicals must be kept away from children and pets. Dechlorination products should be kept away from oxidizers like chlorine or petroleum as fires or explosions may result.
| EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES |
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| In the event you or someone you work with comes in direct contact with a pool chemical, keep in mind the following basic first aid procedures. Eyes: Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, holding lids apart to ensure flushing of the entire eye surface. Seek medical attention. Skin: Wash with plenty of soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing and footwear. Wash clothing before reuse. Footwear should be decontaminated before reuse. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist. Inhalation: Get the person out of the contaminated area to fresh air. If breathing has stopped, resuscitate and administer oxygen if readily available. Seek medical attention. Ingestion: Induce vomiting, seek medical attention. Never give anything by mouth or induce vomiting if a person is unconscious or having convulsions. |
Erwin Just is co-owner of CanNova Industries. He is the Inventor of JUSTFLO™ Dechlorination Products for swimming pools. A 25-year veteran of the pool repair industry, he is certified in Best Management Practices (BMPs) for the safe handling of swimming pool discharge water, and a member of the Pool & Hot Tub Council of Canada (PHTCC). He can be reached via e-mail at ejust@cannovaindustries.com.
