Expert warning on pool chemicals: Chlorine and acid can create toxic gas risk

The hospitalization of 15 people affected by a gas leak during pool maintenance at a hotel in Bodrum has brought the issue of chemical safety in swimming pools, which see increased use during the summer months, back to the agenda.

Dr. Rüştü Uçan, Head of the Occupational Health and Safety Department at Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences, stated that pool safety is not limited to precautions taken while swimming, and that regular maintenance, periodic inspections, and environmental safety measures are of vital importance.

Uçan noted that the number of users in pools increases during the summer months, and that neglecting maintenance and inspections can exacerbate dangers such as drowning, electric shock, slipping, and falling, in addition to chemical risks. Uçan said, "The primary responsibility for ensuring minimum conditions regarding swimming pools lies with the operators, and in the case of communal swimming pools in collective living spaces, with the site management."

CHEMICALS MUST BE STORED SEPARATELY AND LABELED

Lecturer Mustafa Cüneyt Gezen from the Occupational Health and Safety Program pointed out that the incorrect storage, transport, or application of chemicals used for pool water disinfection can pose serious health risks.

Gezen emphasized that the most critical rule when working with pool chemicals is not to mix the substances. Stating that products containing chlorine and acid, in particular, should not be stored side-by-side, Gezen said, "Keeping acid and chlorine on the same shelf or in the same cabinet causes a serious risk of reaction. Chemicals should not be transferred to another container; they must be kept in their original containers, with their labels and caps protected."

According to experts, chemicals should be kept in cool, dry, and well-ventilated areas, in locked storage that children and unauthorized persons cannot access. There should be spill containment trays under the packaging to prevent spills and leaks, and employees performing pool maintenance should use appropriate gloves, protective goggles, and masks.

Gezen stated that care should be taken against the risk of inhaling toxic vapors when opening chlorine product packaging. He noted that, especially during transport, storage, and use, uncontrolled contact of chlorine products with water must be prevented.

Stating that the pH value of pool water should be kept in the 7.2–7.6 range, Gezen recommended waiting at least 30 minutes before entering the water after normal dosage chlorination. Noting that one should generally wait 8–12 hours after shock chlorination, Gezen warned against entering the pool before pH and chlorine values are measured with test kits.

Rüştü Uçan also emphasized that visible "Pool Usage Instructions" should be present around the pool, and equipment such as lifebuoys and first aid kits should be kept ready. Stating that children should not be left unattended by the pool for even a moment, Uçan said that floors should be made of non-slip materials to prevent slipping and falling, depth warnings should be visible, and safety signs should be used in areas where diving is prohibited.

Pointing out that electrical safety is also one of the critical topics in pools, Uçan stated that the compliance of installations with regulations should be checked regularly, that there should be a residual current device, and that safe voltage conditions should be observed for electrical equipment around the pool.