Department of Fire and Emergency Services warns homeowners about chemical mixes
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As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, many Australians are preparing their backyard pools for the upcoming swim season.
However, a recent incident served as a reminder of the dangers lurking in pool maintenance, particularly when it comes to handling and mixing cleaning chemicals.
In a frightening turn of events, a Bunbury resident inadvertently made chlorine gas in an attempt to clean their pool.
The homeowner's routine maintenance task escalated into an emergency, requiring oxygen treatment from paramedics at the scene.
This alarming accident prompted the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) to issue a stern warning to all pool owners: Do not mix swimming pool chemicals without proper knowledge and guidance.
The combination of chlorine and hydrochloric acid, which the Bunbury homeowner mixed, was a recipe for disaster.
Chlorine gas is often odourless and could severely irritate the respiratory system.
In extreme cases, chlorine gas could cause burns or even death.
DFES Scientific Officer Jeff Davis highlighted that such accidents often happen.
'Pool and spa chemicals are the majority of what we see, where chemicals are mixed inappropriately and produce a hazardous gas,' he shared.
'You can mix chemicals that will generate chlorine gas, but the wrong mixtures could cause fire or explosions.'
Authorities emphasised never to mix different chemicals and seek advice from professional cleaners as much as possible.
When adding chemicals to clean pools or any tiled surfaces, do so one at a time.
They also advised adding the chemical to a bucket of water rather than adding water to the chemical.
Businessman Allan Moulton witnessed the repercussions of using incorrect chemicals due to misinformation found online.
With a team of four pool technicians servicing hundreds of pools across the Southwest every week, Moulton emphasised the importance of consulting professionals.
'We believe that going to a professional and getting advice is the best way. It's too easy in a shed to mix chemicals without knowing what you're doing,' he said.
'It is a chemistry experiment at the back of your house, but your family swims in it, so always be sure to mix chemicals before you mix them.
Handle pool chemicals with care and precision to ensure the safety of your family and pets.
In case of chemical accidents, contact the DFES at 132 500 or dial 000 for emergencies.
However, a recent incident served as a reminder of the dangers lurking in pool maintenance, particularly when it comes to handling and mixing cleaning chemicals.
In a frightening turn of events, a Bunbury resident inadvertently made chlorine gas in an attempt to clean their pool.
The homeowner's routine maintenance task escalated into an emergency, requiring oxygen treatment from paramedics at the scene.
This alarming accident prompted the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) to issue a stern warning to all pool owners: Do not mix swimming pool chemicals without proper knowledge and guidance.
A homeowner accidentally created poison gas in an attempt to clean their pool. Image Credit: Shutterstock/Denis Klimov
The combination of chlorine and hydrochloric acid, which the Bunbury homeowner mixed, was a recipe for disaster.
Chlorine gas is often odourless and could severely irritate the respiratory system.
In extreme cases, chlorine gas could cause burns or even death.
DFES Scientific Officer Jeff Davis highlighted that such accidents often happen.
'Pool and spa chemicals are the majority of what we see, where chemicals are mixed inappropriately and produce a hazardous gas,' he shared.
'You can mix chemicals that will generate chlorine gas, but the wrong mixtures could cause fire or explosions.'
Authorities emphasised never to mix different chemicals and seek advice from professional cleaners as much as possible.
When adding chemicals to clean pools or any tiled surfaces, do so one at a time.
They also advised adding the chemical to a bucket of water rather than adding water to the chemical.
Businessman Allan Moulton witnessed the repercussions of using incorrect chemicals due to misinformation found online.
With a team of four pool technicians servicing hundreds of pools across the Southwest every week, Moulton emphasised the importance of consulting professionals.
'We believe that going to a professional and getting advice is the best way. It's too easy in a shed to mix chemicals without knowing what you're doing,' he said.
'It is a chemistry experiment at the back of your house, but your family swims in it, so always be sure to mix chemicals before you mix them.
Handle pool chemicals with care and precision to ensure the safety of your family and pets.
