If you are lucky enough to own a swimming pool, spa or hot tub. Then you will know how important it is to keep your pool clean to use. To do this, you have to use swimming pool chemicals. Most will be aware of pool chemicals, but do you they know the potential dangers of the chemicals?

Pool chemicals can be dangerous and even deadly. On January 14th at Clear Lake High School in Texas, 5 workers were taken to hospital after one of the 5, a contractor, mixed 2 chemicals together. The fumes that were released from the mix began to give the contractor a head ache. He and 4 other school workers were sent to hopsital.

Another example which could have turned alot worse, was in Ceres, a home depot store. The store was evacuated on Friday morning after a fire began in the Garden Center section of the store. The fire then spread to the swimming pool chemicals which released toxic fumes. Chlorine as well as other chemicals were released, however, the fire was contained thanks to the stores sprinkler system.

Only one person was harmed, however, if the sprinkler system had not worked, the fire could have spread and make the situation alot worse.

These 2 stories show how swimming pool chemicals can be dangerous, and without the correct safety measures, they can be lethal. So, how can you protect your family from these chemicals.

Here are a few tips to help you stay safe when using and storing pool chemicals:

• Never smoke when using pool chemicals.
• Never mix 2 or more chemicals.
• Wear protective clothing when handling the chemicals.
• Store the chemicals in a dry place and out of direct sunlight.
• Ensure that the chemicals cannot be reached by children.
• Don't store the chemicals above your head height.
• Always store liquid chemicals below solid chemicals.
• Always wash your hands after handling swimming pool chemicals.

Those were just a few tips on how you can help to protect yourself and your family from the dangers of swimming pool chemicals.