Pool owners warned after mixed chemicals explode

A dangerous goods expert warns people to be careful about mixing pool chemicals after a chlorine explosion put a Hamilton woman in hospital.

Doctors feared she might lose an eye after a bucket of chemicals she was mixing blew up on Sunday, leaving her suffering from burns and chlorine inhalation.

Waikato dangerous goods inspector Peter Lee examined the scene at a rural house south of Hamilton and said the blast spread was amazing. Neighbours 70m away heard the explosion.

The accident happened after the woman mixed chlorine in granular form with powdered chlorine and added water. A chemical reaction started, and as she tried to rush the bucket outside it blew up. Mr Lee said the products were not faulty and the containers had warning labels.

He warns people preparing pools for spring not to mix different pool chemical brands together, or different types such as liquid, powder, granules, or tablets.

Pool owners should not add small quantities of water to try to dissolve tablets and should seek advice, particularly if intending to buy chemicals from supermarkets.