Last Updated on October 21, 2021
If you are new to owning a swimming pool, you may be wondering how to store pool chemicals. You might be tempted to buy different containers to hold the chemicals but for the most part, pool chemicals should be stored in their original container.
Pouring chemicals into different bottles can be messy and dangerous even, so new pool owners beware. You may want to buy attractive containers to store the chemicals but the safest option is to leave the chemicals in their store-bought containers or original containers.
The containers that the chemicals are in were designed specifically to store the chemicals safely, so transferring them to another container would be a bad idea.
No matter where you buy your pool chemicals, keeping them in a safe place is very important.
Our Recommendation On How To Store Pool Chemicals
You may be wondering now where to keep the pool chemicals. Depending on where you live and what you have access to, this answer can vary. The first factor is the type of chemicals.
Here are some common chemicals that will be used to maintain your pool:
- Chlorine tablets/Liquid Chlorine (Sodium Hypochlorite)
- Shock
- Bromine
- Cyanuric Acid
- Muriatic Acid
- Alkalinity Increaser
- Calcium Hardiness Increaser
- Chlorine Neutralizer
When storing pool chemicals, it’s important to know what you are handling. Pool experts recommend that you always read the warning and instruction labels when you buy the chemical so you know what the manufacturer recommends for storage and use.
Can I Store My Swimming Pool Chemicals Inside?
You may be wondering if you should store your chemicals inside or outside. The first thing to note is that it is recommended that you keep your pool chemicals at a location no warmer than 95º.
The pool chemicals are reactive to sunlight so the chemicals should never be stored in direct sunlight or be near any type of heat source.
With the temperature in mind, you may now be considering if you should store your chemicals inside or outside. The best choice though for safe storage of pool chemicals is in a well-ventilated area and dry location, like a locked cabinet.
You may want to store them in the house or the garage but this can cause chemicals to build-up due to the lack of ventilation.
Also, pool chemicals will corrode metal and cause damage to your vehicle or the other things in your garage.
Storing them in a closed area should be avoided, if possible. Depending on your climate, you may only have the option to store them in the garage. If this is the case, store them in a tightly sealed storage container that will keep them locked away and prevent metal corrosion. Make sure you use a separate container for each type of pool chemical.
You might be assuming that you can just tighten the lids well and be okay. But the pool chemicals are intentionally made to be kept in “breathable” containers, so fumes will escape from the containers, even with the lid tightened.
Fumes escaping are not only unhealthy, but they are also destructive to the surrounding area.
Can I Store My Pool Chemicals Together?
For organizational reasons, you may be considering storing all of your pool chemicals on one shelf in a cabinet. This will make it easy for you to get them when the new pool season starts. However, pool chemicals should be stored separately to prevent contamination if there is a spill. This is because the concentrated chemicals can react if they are mixed.
So storing everything separately to prevent a reaction from a spill, is the best option. It also lessens the risk of an incompatible chemical mixing with another and causing problems for you.
When storing your swimming pool chemicals, try to separate them as much as possible. Never store liquid chemicals above other chemicals because if there is a spill, it can drip down and mix with the chemicals below. And a chemical reaction in your storage is something you would want to avoid.
It is a good idea to group the chemicals with other like-chemicals, for storage. So keep your algaecides in one cabinet and your pool shock or liquid chlorine in another.
Should I Store My Pool Chemicals On The Counter?
You may be considering if you should keep your chemicals out in the open or locked away. Keeping chemicals on the counter can cause sunlight to affect them. Metal corrosion is also a concern, which can damage things in the room where the chemicals are stored.
The ideal location to keep the chemicals is in a locked chemical container in a well-ventilated location outside in cool weather. But that’s not always possible, depending on your climate and storage options.
Keep the chemicals in a tightly sealed area (like a cabinet) to prevent the fumes from escaping. Make sure that you only use chemical containers with a lid to better prevent fumes from escaping unnoticed.
Is it Okay To Store Pool Chemicals Near The Pool?
Getting pool chemicals wet, even just a few drops, can cause gas and heat to build up which could cause a reaction. Pool chemicals should be stored far away from pool water.
When these chemicals are added to large quantities of water, they react safely. But just a small splash of water can cause a bad reaction, so they should always be far away from the pool and any chance of getting wet.
Store the chemicals off the floor. This will prevent them from getting wet from a leak or spill.
Some Recommended Pool Chemical Storage Options
Some storage options can help you safely store your pool chemicals. A good choice for pool storage is a portable plastic cabinet or container which can be stored tightly in a dry, dark area and is childproof as well.
Also, when using a portable storage container, it can be put inside or outside, depending on what the weather is like.
Pool chemicals should be kept in a locked area or container that is inaccessible to children. This is something any pool owner should keep in mind for everyone’s safety.
- DIMENSIONS: Exterior: 51 in. W x 27. 6 in. L x 24. 6 in. H / Interior: 45 in. W x 23. 4 in. L x 21. 3 in. H
- IDEAL STORAGE: Generous and large 110 gallon storage capacity
- RESIN CONSTRUCTION: It's made out of all weather-resistant resin with an appealing rattan-look texture
- DURABLE AND STRONG: Weather-resistant polypropylene construction prevents rusting, peeling and denting - unlike real rattan
We recommend a lockable storage chest that is heavy duty and has a capacity of more than 100 gallons. This storage container is a small cabinet with shelves that allows you to separate the chemicals for better storage.
- AMPLE STORAGE SPACE: Safely store small decorative pillows, patio cushions, pool chemicals and more
- WEATHER RESISTANT: Durable UV resistant resin will not rust, rot or fade and the innovative lid design keeps water out
- UNIVERSAL DESIGN: Clean lines and neutral tones blend deck box into any yard or patio. Top of deck box doubles as extra seating for more than one person
- MAINTENANCE-FREE: Tough, impact resistant flooring is built to last, and is made from high-quality material that can handle heavy items, drops, and spills.
Choosing pool storage options is important because safety is the goal of pool storage. Always read the labels of the chemicals you are storing, never use new containers, never mix old/new chemicals and store chemicals separately to prevent reactions from spills.
Keep the weather in mind when storing your chemicals and opt for a locking cabinet to keep kids safe.
Safety is the goal of proper pool chemical storage so all of these factors should be kept in mind when searching for a way to store your pool chemicals.
Photo by Rubbermaid Products 
Hello, what to do with the chemicals in South Texas where temps over 100 is not uncommon and the only other alternative is the garage. Also according to your directions, the chemicals are intentionally in containers that breath so why would you put them in “air tight” containers?
Thank you,
My question pertains to pool chemical storage. I live in Texas where our summer temps range from 90-105 degrees. I have a large garage & I presently keep my chemicals on the garage concrete floor. However, I would like to store them together in a single cabinet. Should this cabinet be left in the garage, which has no direct sunlight and is typically closed or should it be stored on my outside patio in the shade, even though the temps in the direct sunlight can be 100 degrees. And I assume the different chemicals should be stored on different shelves – correct?? Or should the chemicals be in their own separate small containers??
Thanks for your expertise!