Download Pool Tip #10: Pool Chemical Accidents/Poisoning (PDF format, 26KB)

First aid procedures for all situations include providing immediate and temporary aid to someone who has been injured, and preventing any further injury from occurring. Don’t panic. Remain calm and in control of the situation. Make sure the injured person is out of immediate danger, and that you are not endangering yourself, then call 9–1–1 for assistance if warranted.

Treatment depends on whether the chemical accident was as a result of the injured person having gotten chemicals on his skin or in his eyes, or whether he inhaled or swallowed the chemical.

Pool Chemicals on the Skin

Symptoms include itching, swelling, or pain. Chemical exposure may result in serious burns or tissue damage. Treat by rinsing the affected skin with fresh water for at least 15 minutes. If chemicals were spilled on the person’s clothes, remove the contaminated clothing to prevent further injury.

Pool Chemicals in the Eyes

Symptoms may include pain, a burning sensation, tearing eyes, and inability to see clearly. Treat by rinsing the eyes with fresh water for at least 15 minutes. Put a patch over both eyes, and transport the injured person, lying down, to the emergency room.

Pool Chemicals Inhaled

Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and respiratory distress. The person may stop breathing. Get the person away from the chemicals and to a place where they can immediately breathe fresh air. Provide rescue breathing if necessary.

Pool Chemicals Swallowed

A person who swallows pool chemicals will probably be nauseated, vomiting, have abdominal pain, and diarrhea. They may have dilated or constricted pupils and a distinctive breath odor. There may be tissue damage or burns especially around the mouth. Convulsions may occur and the person may lose consciousness. Treat for poisoning. Call your local Poison Control Center. Read the warning label on the chemical container and follow the directions provided by the manufacturer. Give the injured person plenty of water to drink, but only if directed to do so, and only if the person is conscious. Do not induce vomiting.

To prevent pool chemical accidents from occurring in the first place, know what you’re handling. Read the warning labels and MSDS sheets provided by the manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for handling, storing, transporting, and applying pool chemicals. Limit access to only those persons trained to properly and safely handle the chemicals. Keep pool chemicals away from children. Wear appropriate personal protective gear when handling chemicals. Keep chemicals in their properly labeled, original containers. Don’t smoke when you’re around pool chemicals. And, know what to do if an emergency does occur.