EASTLAKE, Ohio — A pool chemical reaction in Eastlake, Ohio, Thursday sent five people to the hospital, including two children.

As they were getting their pool ready, they had been mixing chlorine in their home, which set off the chemical reaction.

What You Need To Know

  • It is getting hot outside which means many of us may want to go swimming in pools

  • We have a warning for the people who use chemicals to help keep pools clean

  • Thursday three adults and two children were transported to local hospitals after a pool chemical reaction in Eastlake

  • Here are ways to stay safe when working with pool chemicals this summer

Ted Whittington, fire chief at the Eastlake Fire Department, said the people taken to the hospital were complaining of itching eyes, difficulty breathing and some burning in their lungs from the exposure. 

He reminded people that Oxidizers of any kind are highly reactive. If mishandled, they can cause a dangerous chemical fire or explosion, or generate heat or toxic fumes. Chlorine, which is a common pool sanitizer, is a potent oxidizer. 

An example of pool chemicals found in a garage. (Submitted photo/Shari Bruck)

“When you go buy your chemicals, you buy them from pros,” Whittington said. “So I always tell people when you go to your local dealers to buy chlorine, maybe it’s time to actually ask them safe operations and things like that...always refer back to the experts. The people that work at these pool companies, they sell the pool equipment, a lot of times we would rely on them to be our pros to say this is what's a safe manner to do these things."

The head of pool education at Leslie’s Pool Supplies, Service & Repair sent Spectrum News 1 some tips on ways to stay safe when dealing with pool chemicals. 

  • Never mix chemicals, whether outside the pool or in it

  • Allow sufficient time between chemical applications in the pool to avoid accidental mixing of incompatible chemicals. In most cases, that means waiting at least 4 hours with the pump running on high speed, unless otherwise noted on the product label

  • Always read and follow the product label instructions for application instructions and cautionary statements

  • When handling certain pool chemicals, such as chlorine or muriatic acid, wear proper Personal Protective Equipment such as gloves and safety goggles to protect your skin and eyes against chemical burns. When in doubt, the product label will include this information

  • ALWAYS add chemicals to water, NEVER add water to chemicals — with certain chemicals, this can generate heat quickly, which may cause a fire, explosion or the release of toxic fumes. When it’s necessary to dissolve or dilute products before adding to the pool, add the chemical to a bucket of water, and mix with a suitable mixing tool or stirring stick. DO NOT mix it with your hand or arm — you’ll risk chemically burning yourself

  • During storage and use, ensure adequate ventilation to avoid a buildup of chemical fumes

 

  • Keep chemicals out of reach from children and pets

They want to make sure people know that pool chemicals are not a joke. If you have questions they encourage you to ask your local pool supply store.

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