If you’ve been properly maintaining your spa, you might have already acquired a collection of spa chemicals and supplies. Like most household cleaners and chemicals, spa chemicals can be harmful to your children and pets if accidentally ingested. That’s why learning safe storage is a must for hot tub owners.
How should I store spa chemicals? (tips and more)
If you're a spa owner, you're well aware that spa chemicals are essential to keep your hot tub clean and safe. However, it's important to store them properly so they maintain their effectiveness and don't pose a risk to you or your family. In this article, we'll discuss the best ways to store spa chemicals to keep them safe and usable.
How should I store spa chemicals?
Follow these simple steps to ensure that your spa chemicals are kept in the best place possible.
Tip 1 : Store spa chemicals away from moisture and high temperatures.
The best place to store spa chemicals is in a dry and temperature-controlled space. Some spa owners may be keeping them in the garage or laundry room, however, these places aren’t the best places to store them.
The garage can sometimes get really warm while the laundry room is often moist. Extremely high temperatures may warp the containers and may cause them to leak. That being said, please be mindful not to store them near heat, fuel and direct sunlight. Spa chemicals react to both heat and moisture, making them less effective.
Ideally, spa chemicals should be kept in a space with a temperature between 13°C to 21°C. You may also check and follow the recommended storage temperature on its label.
Tip 2: Store spa chemicals in their original packaging.
The containers used for spa chemicals are made to keep them safe. Keeping them in their original containers also allows you to have easy access to the chemical’s label and usage instructions. After using the chemicals, make sure the cap or lids are sealed securely.
It would also be helpful to use a portable and lockable plastic box or bin that can help the containers sit upright to prevent leakage.
Tip 3: Separate chemicals that might cause reactions with other chemicals.
Spa sanitisers contain different chemicals. These chemicals may react with other chemicals when combined accidentally. Cleaning solutions that contain acidic properties like vinegar and alkaline products like ammonia shouldn't be stored together with chlorine and similar chemicals.
Another thing to keep in mind is that spa chemicals can cause the metal to rust. So keep them away from tools and other appliances made of metal.
Can you leave hot tub chemicals outside?
If you plan to leave the hot tub chemicals outside, in the open, then the answer is no. As mentioned above, direct sunlight, heat, and moisture can reduce the potency of these solutions. Not to mention the possible hazard they may bring to your kids and pets when reached.
Moreover, keeping the spa chemicals outside, safely stored in a box away from children and wildlife, and properly shaded, is actually a good idea. However, you may need to bring them indoors when the outside temperature gets really cold because you don’t want these chemicals to freeze.
Should chemicals be stored on the top shelves?
As a general rule, chemicals shouldn't be stored higher than eye level and shouldn't be placed on top of shelves as they may accidentally spill or splash to the eyes and face. It’s also not advisable to store chemicals on the floor.
When these chemicals are parked on the floor, more often than not, they get knocked off resulting in the containers spilling. There’s also a greater tendency that curious kids and pets to access them.
If the best option for you is to keep them on the floor, make sure to use lockable containers and place them away from aisle spaces.
Where should I store pool and spa chemicals?
If you’re wondering where to best store pool and spa chemicals, here’s what we recommend.
- Hanging steady rack - If finding a space for your pool and spa supplies inside the house is a bit of a challenge, you might want to use a hanging rack to store them. Just make sure the rack is sturdy enough to handle the weight of these chemicals.
- Lockable closet - A lockable closet kept at a controlled temperature, near your spa (for easy access) can be the best place to store spa chemicals.
- Storage room or closet - Another space you may consider safe storage is your walk-in closet or storage room. If these are where you choose to store your spa supplies, make sure to use a lockable container or plastic bin.
- Basement - The basement can also be a good storage option. While this space is often moist, using a lockable container or plastic bin will keep your spa chemicals safe.
Wherever you choose to store your pool or spa chemicals and supplies, please remember that they should be out of children's and pets’ reach and away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture.
What is the shelf life of hot tub chemicals?
Just like any manufactured product, spa chemicals have expiration dates. The shelf life of spa chemicals is typically 2 years, however, different chemicals may have a different shelf life. So it’s best to check the expiration date indicated on the label and make sure to use them within the suggested period.
When chemicals reached the expiration date, don’t attempt to continue using them as they may cause possible health issues. If the expiration date becomes illegible, or the label has faded, it would be wise to dispose of them properly.
Will hot tub chemicals freeze?
Yes, cold temperatures can freeze and ruin water-based maintenance products. That’s why keeping them outdoors in the cold isn’t the best place to store your spa chemicals. The bottles might also burst if frozen. Once the chemicals freeze, they may become less effective or completely ineffective.
As previously suggested, between 13°C to 21°C is the ideal temperature at which the chemicals should be kept.
How should I store hydrogen peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide is more sensitive to direct sunlight and changing temperatures than other chemicals. Hydrogen peroxide should be stored in a cool, dark place in order to prolong its shelf life. Only open the container when you need to use it, and make sure that it’s properly sealed once done.
It’s important not to transfer this chemical in different containers as its original bottle is designed to avoid the light from making it degrade quickly. Hydrogen peroxide has generally 3 years of shelf life when sealed. When you open the container, the chemical starts to break down and expires within six months.
You can mark the date on the bottle when it’s opened as a reminder. If you aren’t sure when the bottle was opened, you can pour small amounts down the sink to test if the chemical is still good. If there’s no bubbling or foam, the chemical is not good to use.
How should I store chlorine?
Keep the chlorine from direct sunlight. When chlorine is exposed to direct sunlight, the ultraviolet rays could eradicate its concentration by up to 90%. Avoid storing chlorine with acidic compounds as these can create toxic fumes and other health risks when accidentally mixed.
How should I handle hazardous chemicals?
Hazardous household chemicals must be handled appropriately to prevent possible health risks. Here are some tips you may follow for safe chemical handling.
- Always read and follow the handling instructions on the label.
- If you’re using these chemicals indoors, It’s best to open the windows and keep the area well-ventilated to prevent the fumes from being inhaled.
- Wearing a mask, gloves, and protective clothing may also be recommended depending on how hazardous the chemicals are. If you are sensitive to smells or have respiratory conditions, it's better to have someone perform this task for you.
- Wash your hands and any part of your body that might have been in direct contact with the chemicals using soap and water.
- In the event that you or a member of your family ingested or comes into contact with a potentially toxic chemical, you should seek medical attention.
What chemicals do I need for a hot tub?
Not all spas can use the same chemicals. Please check with your spa retailer or spa specialist which spa chemicals are best for your hot tub.
Here’s a list of possible hot tub supplies you may need to sanitize your spa to maintain the cleanliness and clarity of your hot tub water.
Spa sanitiser Spa shock Water balancers, such as pH increaser, pH decreaser and calcium hardness increaser Anti-foam Clarifiers Spa aromatherapy Pipe cleaners and conditioners
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Summary
In this article, we explained the importance of the safe storage of spa chemicals and other water care products plus tips on how to properly store them. We also answered common spa storage questions including their approximate shelf life.
