How Long Can I Store Pool Chemicals?
It’s a question that puzzles many people - do pool chemicals expire, or do they lose their efficiency over time? All good things come to an end - and that includes the expiration date on chemicals.
Wouldn’t it be great to think you can carry your stock over from last year? Unfortunately, not all pool chemicals have a long shelf life. Pool owners across Australia are guilty of storing chemicals well past their prime. Just look inside the average shed to see the evidence! This blog will give some handy insights into pool chemicals and their life span.
Liquid chlorine
Let’s start with the one with the shortest shelf life - liquid chlorine, also known as sodium hypochlorite. It’s a highly concentrated form of chlorine created by mixing chlorine gas in water with concentrations of sodium hydroxide.
Liquid chlorine loses its potency soon after it leaves the factory. At three months, it will have lost around 30% of its strength (even more so if stored in hot conditions or extreme sunlight). At the year point, it will only have an efficiency of around 10%. It is the cheapest type of chlorine available. Buy it in small amounts, or you’ll end up with a surplus past its best.
Tablet chlorine
Individually wrapped chlorine tablets, Trichlor tablets are at the other end of the scale and have a long shelf life – up to five years – because the packaging offers greater protection. The wrapped tablets are best put in a sealed container in a darkened room to guarantee maximum longevity.
Granular chlorine
Buy your granular chlorine and pool shock in sealed buckets rather than bags. Over time bags can dissolve. Granules absorb moisture in humid weather, so buckets are the preferred storage method. You can expect granular chlorine to maintain effectiveness for five years.
Pool algaecides
Pool algaecides keep their potency for a while. Pool experts say they are pretty shelf stable and will last up to five years. Be mindful that low and high temperatures may impact the efficacy of algaecide. The stronger the concentration, the less deterioration experienced.
It can be challenging to know where to start with home maintenance costs. View our comprehensive guide!
Water testing strips
Not a chemical as such, but be mindful that chemical testing strips can give inaccurate results over a period of time. Many people get their pool water tested at a pool shop, but test strips have a short shelf life, so they definitely need throwing out after a year.
Keep your pool safe from electrical dangers with this guide!
Conclusion
It would be great if the pool season ended just as you use up your last drop of liquid chlorine or tablet. Unfortunately, life never works out like that! We are all guilty of storing leftover pool chemicals past their expiration date.
If you are considering buying a new fiberglass pool, check out our range of award-winning ones at Factory Pools Perth. Our pool experts can offer guidance on anything and everything to do with swimming pools including advice on maintenance. Why not visit a showroom today to see what pool would be best for you?
How Long Can I Store Pool Chemicals?
It’s a question that puzzles many people - do pool chemicals expire, or do they lose their efficiency over time? All good things come to an end - and that includes the expiration date on chemicals.
Wouldn’t it be great to think you can carry your stock over from last year? Unfortunately, not all pool chemicals have a long shelf life. Pool owners across Australia are guilty of storing chemicals well past their prime. Just look inside the average shed to see the evidence! This blog will give some handy insights into pool chemicals and their life span.
Liquid chlorine
Let’s start with the one with the shortest shelf life - liquid chlorine, also known as sodium hypochlorite. It’s a highly concentrated form of chlorine created by mixing chlorine gas in water with concentrations of sodium hydroxide.
Liquid chlorine loses its potency soon after it leaves the factory. At three months, it will have lost around 30% of its strength (even more so if stored in hot conditions or extreme sunlight). At the year point, it will only have an efficiency of around 10%. It is the cheapest type of chlorine available. Buy it in small amounts, or you’ll end up with a surplus past its best.
Tablet chlorine
Individually wrapped chlorine tablets, Trichlor tablets are at the other end of the scale and have a long shelf life – up to five years – because the packaging offers greater protection. The wrapped tablets are best put in a sealed container in a darkened room to guarantee maximum longevity.
Granular chlorine
Buy your granular chlorine and pool shock in sealed buckets rather than bags. Over time bags can dissolve. Granules absorb moisture in humid weather, so buckets are the preferred storage method. You can expect granular chlorine to maintain effectiveness for five years.
Pool algaecides
Pool algaecides keep their potency for a while. Pool experts say they are pretty shelf stable and will last up to five years. Be mindful that low and high temperatures may impact the efficacy of algaecide. The stronger the concentration, the less deterioration experienced.
It can be challenging to know where to start with home maintenance costs. View our comprehensive guide!
Water testing strips
Not a chemical as such, but be mindful that chemical testing strips can give inaccurate results over a period of time. Many people get their pool water tested at a pool shop, but test strips have a short shelf life, so they definitely need throwing out after a year.
Keep your pool safe from electrical dangers with this guide!
Conclusion
It would be great if the pool season ended just as you use up your last drop of liquid chlorine or tablet. Unfortunately, life never works out like that! We are all guilty of storing leftover pool chemicals past their expiration date.
If you are considering buying a new fiberglass pool, check out our range of award-winning ones at Factory Pools Perth. Our pool experts can offer guidance on anything and everything to do with swimming pools including advice on maintenance. Why not visit a showroom today to see what pool would be best for you?