5 Rules for Safely Adding Chlorine to a Pool

Always pour chlorine into water, never water onto chlorine Pouring water onto chlorine creates a chemical reaction that can splash boiling-hot bleach into your face.

Pre-dilute in a clean five-gallon bucket for small pools Fill the bucket with pool water, measure your chlorine, then slowly pour the chlorine into the bucket while stirring. Pour that mixture into the pool near the return jet — dumping straight bleach into the skimmer or onto the pool floor can damage the liner or leave undiluted streaks.

Wear gloves and eye protection every time Liquid chlorine burns. A single drop in your eye is not worth the risk.

Add chlorine at dusk Sunlight burns off chlorine fast, so dosing at night lets it work while UV can’t touch it.

Store the jug upright, sealed, in a cool shaded place Never store it near pool chemicals labeled “acid” or “stabilizer” — mixing those fumes can kill you.