ARE DANGEROUS - THEY ARE CORROSIVE - FLAMMABLE AND ALL TOGETHER NASTY IF NOT TREATED WITH RESPECT.

When using chemicals, wear gloves & goggles and pay attention to any other safety equipment or directions that the product recommends.

Never mix pool chemicals outside of the swimming pool (unless specifically directed to)

Always be "upwind" of chemicals so the dust or vapours don´t blow onto you.

Right, now we have got the safety out of the way (it is important), we can have a look at what chemicals are available and what they are used for. These are chemicals that are used in traditional chlorine based systems, chlorine replacement chemicals are dealt with else where.

pH Minus, pH -, pH reducer Used to lower the pH level in swimming pools. It is a dry powder that is added directly to the swimming pool water. If you touch it with wet hands, it will turn to acid and burn. In hard water areas, you should have this in your stock at all times.

pH plus, is, as the name suggests, there to raise the pH level. Not normally needed in hard water areas. This is an alkali that nuetralises acid. Only add small amounts at a time, if you add too much in one go, the water will go milky. Keep off the skin.

pH Minus in liquid form, also known as "acid", hydrochloric acid. This is used the same as pH minus, but it is very dangerous, spills onto concrete will result in the acid bubbling up and burning the surface. It will also burn stainless steel. It is also used to clean limescale deposits, tide marks and surrounds.

DID YOU REMEMBER GLOVES AND GOGGLES?

One of the most commonly used chemicals. It is a stabilised granular chlorine. Acts at a medium speed and is stabilised to prevent UV break down.