Common pool cleaning tool from Bunnings explodes 'like a bomb'
- Replies 5
In the heat of an Australian summer, a family's leisurely swim turned into a harrowing experience when a common pool-cleaning device malfunctioned in a most unexpected and dangerous way.
The incident, which occurred on a sweltering Melbourne day with temperatures soaring to 38°C, serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards lurking in everyday items.
The family was enjoying the cool relief of their pool when they noticed an unusual smell emanating from their floating chlorine dispenser, a device designed to gradually release chlorine into the water to keep it clean and safe for swimming.
The scent, described as akin to 'rotten eggs', was the first sign of trouble.
The parent, acting with caution, attempted to move the dispenser away, saying: 'I told her not to touch it, and I grabbed the stick to push it into the corner.'
But in a terrifying moment, the device exploded 'like a bomb', sending shards of plastic flying and releasing a cloud of gas.
'The device shattered into pieces, there was a loud bang, gas cloud, and my ears are still ringing.'
'Apparently, above 30°C, the pressure builds in those floaters [from the] heat/sun and chemicals, and [it] caused a chlorine bomb.'
'If we had been any closer, we would have been seriously injured. Warning to parents, pool floaters are dangerous.'
The product in question was believed to be a Hy-Clor 3-in-1 Pool Chlorine 'tablet', typically sold at Bunnings.
However, Hy-Clor has clarified that their 3-in-1 range does not include tablet forms suitable for floaters, but rather a granular concentrate.
The exact model of the floating dispenser remains unclear, and Hy-Clor has refrained from commenting on the specific incident.
Chemist Ian Rae from the University of Melbourne weighed in on the matter, confirming that chemicals can be highly reactive and should never be mixed.
'Chemicals are known to be sensitive. The manufacturers know that, and they take a lot of care to package them so that they're as safe as they can be—but every now and then something goes wrong,' he said.
'They're clear signs these things are dangerous, and you've got to handle them carefully. And most of the time, I think people do handle them carefully, and nothing goes wrong.'
He suggested that the chlorine likely reacted with the hot plastic of the dispenser, a reaction exacerbated by the extreme temperatures that day.
'Hot enough for the chemical inside to start decomposing.'
'The manufacturers say [they] can't decompose, but it's just extreme conditions when the pool chemical probably reacted with the hot plastic.'
The safety data sheet for the product warned against exposure to high temperatures, which can lead to the release of toxic chlorine gas and other harmful fumes.
It was also recommended to store the product in a cool place, preferably below 30°C.
'Thermal decomposition may result in the release of toxic and/or irritating fumes including chlorine gas and nitrogen trichloride,' the safety data sheet read.
Rae also added that exposure to this chemical may lead to throat irritation.
A pool industry veteran responded to the incident on social media and said that it was the chemical reaction inside the device, not the device itself, that caused the explosion.
While some speculated that the device might have contained remnants of a previous tablet.
'I had an almost disintegrated tablet in there and put a fresh one on top. Maybe the original one was a different brand,' the parent confirmed.
Jen Tucker, Bunnings Director of Merchandise, reassured customers, saying: 'We take the safety of the products we sell very seriously, and we work closely with our suppliers to ensure the products meet relevant safety standards and regulations.'
'As always, we encourage customers to reach out to us if they have concerns about an item purchased from Bunnings and that they carefully follow all advice and instructions on the product label.'
What are your thoughts on this incident? Have you experienced something similar before? Share your thoughts and stories with us in the comments below!
The incident, which occurred on a sweltering Melbourne day with temperatures soaring to 38°C, serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards lurking in everyday items.
The family was enjoying the cool relief of their pool when they noticed an unusual smell emanating from their floating chlorine dispenser, a device designed to gradually release chlorine into the water to keep it clean and safe for swimming.
The scent, described as akin to 'rotten eggs', was the first sign of trouble.
A floating chlorine dispenser exploded while a family was swimming in the pool. Image source: Reddit.
The parent, acting with caution, attempted to move the dispenser away, saying: 'I told her not to touch it, and I grabbed the stick to push it into the corner.'
But in a terrifying moment, the device exploded 'like a bomb', sending shards of plastic flying and releasing a cloud of gas.
'The device shattered into pieces, there was a loud bang, gas cloud, and my ears are still ringing.'
'Apparently, above 30°C, the pressure builds in those floaters [from the] heat/sun and chemicals, and [it] caused a chlorine bomb.'
'If we had been any closer, we would have been seriously injured. Warning to parents, pool floaters are dangerous.'
The product in question was believed to be a Hy-Clor 3-in-1 Pool Chlorine 'tablet', typically sold at Bunnings.
However, Hy-Clor has clarified that their 3-in-1 range does not include tablet forms suitable for floaters, but rather a granular concentrate.
The exact model of the floating dispenser remains unclear, and Hy-Clor has refrained from commenting on the specific incident.
Chemist Ian Rae from the University of Melbourne weighed in on the matter, confirming that chemicals can be highly reactive and should never be mixed.
'Chemicals are known to be sensitive. The manufacturers know that, and they take a lot of care to package them so that they're as safe as they can be—but every now and then something goes wrong,' he said.
'They're clear signs these things are dangerous, and you've got to handle them carefully. And most of the time, I think people do handle them carefully, and nothing goes wrong.'
He suggested that the chlorine likely reacted with the hot plastic of the dispenser, a reaction exacerbated by the extreme temperatures that day.
'Hot enough for the chemical inside to start decomposing.'
'The manufacturers say [they] can't decompose, but it's just extreme conditions when the pool chemical probably reacted with the hot plastic.'
The safety data sheet for the product warned against exposure to high temperatures, which can lead to the release of toxic chlorine gas and other harmful fumes.
It was also recommended to store the product in a cool place, preferably below 30°C.
'Thermal decomposition may result in the release of toxic and/or irritating fumes including chlorine gas and nitrogen trichloride,' the safety data sheet read.
Rae also added that exposure to this chemical may lead to throat irritation.
A pool industry veteran responded to the incident on social media and said that it was the chemical reaction inside the device, not the device itself, that caused the explosion.
While some speculated that the device might have contained remnants of a previous tablet.
'I had an almost disintegrated tablet in there and put a fresh one on top. Maybe the original one was a different brand,' the parent confirmed.
Jen Tucker, Bunnings Director of Merchandise, reassured customers, saying: 'We take the safety of the products we sell very seriously, and we work closely with our suppliers to ensure the products meet relevant safety standards and regulations.'
'As always, we encourage customers to reach out to us if they have concerns about an item purchased from Bunnings and that they carefully follow all advice and instructions on the product label.'
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