Chemicals used to clean and disinfect pools can be hazardous. Common problems include eye damage, difficulty breathing such as from asthma, and skin burns. These injuries can occur among lifeguards, swimming instructors, maintenance employees, pool supply retail and delivery workers, janitors, and others who work near pools.

Pool chemicals may become a hazard when they become wetted by a small quantity of water or when they are improperly mixed, such as with other chemicals or reactive materials.