There’s more to poolside safety than simply obeying the “Do Not Run” or “Swim at Your Own Risk” signs. Microcosmic dangers could be lurking under the translucent blue waters of your community’s favorite public watering hole. If not properly maintained, swimming pools provide conditions conducive to the spread of viruses and bacteria. The COVID19 pandemic has sent ripple effects through public recreation facilities, including swimming pools. Nowhere is safe from the disease’s surging effects. With swarms of people retreating to swimming pools every summer to beat the heat, we can’t always trust our neighbors to do the right thing for the common good. As a result, many rec centers must stockpile chlorine and other powerful chemical agents. But what about proper storage for pool and spa chemicals? As evident with a recent chemical fire, a lifeguard can’t be on duty 24/7 for dangerous, but necessary pool chemicals.
Storage Sheds Can Never Outlast Compliant Chemical Storage
While most outdoor swimming pools remain closed during the winter months, operators and managers must remain vigilant when storing dangerous chemicals, such as chlorine. Last week, firefighters in Avila Beach, Calif. made a mad dash to resort swimming pool in response to an early Thursday morning blaze. A fire at a storage shed required prompt action as the unit contained potentially dangerous pool and spa water chemicals. While chlorine doesn’t fall under the purview of flammable chemical classification, the potentially poisonous gas can react explosively or form explosive compounds with other chemicals. Fortunately, firefighters were successful in their efforts and no further action was required.
Simple run-of-the-mill storage sheds that can be purchased from one of the Big Box corporations will never suffice in storing dangerous chemicals. Unlike a U.S. Hazmat Storage fire rated building, these buildings are comprised of inferior building materials. None of these structures receive fire rated ratings and remain little more than a trivial stopgap in stop the overwhelming forces of fire and Mother Nature. Engineered from superior steel sheeting and reinforced with fire-forged welds, our chemical storage lockers provide year around protection for a host of pool and spa chemicals.
Pool and Spa Chemicals that Require Protection and Storage
If not properly stored and segregated, dangerous swimming pool and spa chemicals can cause inadvertent chemical reactions such as fire or poisonous gas byproducts that pose an immediate risk to guests and the surrounding streams and waterways. U.S Hazmat’s pool and spa chemicals storage lockers provide metal partitioned walls that guarantee chemical segregation so these chemicals are never allowed to mix.
- Chlorine
- Calcium hypochlorite
- Disinfectant products
- Carbon dioxide
- Sulfuric Acid
Prevent Environmental Protection with Proper Pool and Spa Chemicals Storage
Proper pool and spa chemicals storage involves more than personnel and site protection. As a recreational manager, you must also consider environmental protection. Many resorts and vacation hot spots love to construct swimming pools close to pristine beaches and unadulterated coastlines. And why wouldn’t they? This unique juxtaposition with nature is an effective lure for potential guests and beach goers. But because swimming pools continue to be constructed in proximity to pristine natural beauties, resort managers must provide superior pool and spa chemicals storage to prevent dangerous compounds from seeping and permeating into the natural world. Each U.S. Hazmat Storage locker is outfitted with with an innovative sump containment system that sits below the storage unit. In the event of a spill, any dangerous chemical is collected in the sump below until it can be safely extracted.