Chemical Storage and Safety
Pool chemicals in general are safe if properly stored and handled. Some chemicals should not be stored together and others should only be stored outdoors.
All chemicals should be kept in locked boxes out of the reach of children.
Separate Chlorine Products and Muriatic Acid
If chlorine and muriatic acid is mixed it will create dangerous gas. The two chemicals should never be stored where they can possibly mix.
Chlorine
All chlorine products should be stored in a well ventilated area.
Liquid Chlorine
Liquid chlorine should be stored in a cool area. See Breakdown of Bleach Over Time by Storage Temp for the effect of storage temperature on liquid chlorine.
TriChlor Tablets
If TriChlor tablets in a closed container gets wet it can generate a toxic level of chlorine gas. Open the container in a well ventilated area, preferably outdoors.
The dissolving tablets can also create a highly acidic mix.
Dichlor
Cal-hypo
Calcium hypochlorite has strong oxidizing properties — that means it readily yields oxygen or readily reacts to oxidize combustible materials, so you have to be careful with how you store and handle it.[1]
It is stable when stored in a cool, dry, ventilated area and not contaminated by other chemicals such as acids or easily oxidizable materials. Calcium hypochlorite, in the solid form, shall not be mixed with other pool chemicals including other chlorinating agents. Partially empty packages must not be consolidated, as this could result in dangerous mixing with incompatible dry chlorinating agents having a similar appearance.
CAUTION: If mishandled, improperly stored or contaminated, calcium hypochlorite products can become unstable and dangerous, as is the case in general with chlorinating agents. Fire, explosion and/or evolution of toxic gasses could result, depending on the nature and amount of the contaminant.
Muriatic Acid
Muriatic acid should be stored outside. Even when in closed sealed containers the fumes from muriatic acid can rust metals in the room around it. If stored in a garage the vehicles and metal shelves can rust due to the muriatic acid fumes.
Calcium
When mixed with water calcium can become very hot. Calcium should not be stored where it can become wet.
Other Chemicals
Stabilizer, baking soda, algaecides, and other chemicals require no special safety precautions or storage. If in doubt ask on the Forums.
