Got Pool Chemicals?
What do you do when you want to get rid of these products? The best way is to use them up or give them to someone who can use them. If you can't use them or give them away, take them to the San Joaquin County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facility.
The most common pool chemicals are highly reactive and/or corrosive, and capable of causing fires and releasing toxic vapors if improperly handled or stored. Pool chemicals may become a serious hazard, especially when they become wetted by a small quantity of water or when they are disposed of in the trash or improperly mixed with other chemicals or reactive or organic materials.
HHW Re-Use Room
If the products or items dropped off at the HHW are: 1) useable, 2) not a banned product and 3) are full enough to make it worthwhile, our hazardous materials specialists will place them in the HHW Re-Use Room, where other county residents who can use these products can take them home FREE of charge. Why waste a perfectly good product by placing it in the trash when someone out there can re-use it? You can feel good about helping the environment and helping people save a few bucks.
There is NO COST for San Joaquin County residents to drop off these materials at the HHW Facility for proper disposal.
PLEASE DO NOT PLACE THESE ITEMS IN THE GARBAGE!
Tips on how to play it safe when dealing with pool chemicals
EPA Safety Alert: Swimming Pool Chemicals: Safe Storage and Handling
When handling pool chemicals:
- READ THE LABEL to identify the hazards and follow instructions carefully. If there is anything you do not understand, ask your pool chemical supplier for help.
- Keep all chemicals out of the reach of children and pets.
- Containers should always be kept closed when not in use.
- Use separate, clean metal or plastic measuring cups for each chemical to transfer or measure chemicals. (Scoops should not be made of wood.)
- Wear appropriate protective equipment and clothing including gloves and footwear.
- Protect chemicals from moisture and water. Even putting the wet scoop back into the pail may cause a reaction.
- Always add the chemical to the pool water – never the other way around (never add water to the chemical) unless instructed to do so on the container label.
- Never mix chemicals unless instructed to do so on the container label.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling chemicals.
Tips for safe storage:
- Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Store chemicals in the original containers.
- Be sure your storage area is well ventilated.
- Never store oxidizers and acids near each other. Oxidizers will release poisonous chlorine gas if they come in contact with acids.
- Do not store liquids above powders or solids. Do not stack containers.
- Do not store materials or chemicals above your head.
- Do not store pool chemicals near gasoline, fertilizers, herbicides, grease, paints, tile cleaners, turpentine, or flammable materials. This is especially important when pool chemicals are stored in sheds or small storage rooms.
- Do not reuse containers. Wash out the container when empty and then recycle or dispose of it.