A Guide to Pool Chemical Shipping, Safety & Handling

At Aquaneo, our priority is providing you with the best products for your pool and spa while ensuring the safety of our customers and community. This guide provides detailed information on our shipping policies for restricted chemicals, safe handling practices, and an in-depth look at maintaining perfect water chemistry.

Shipping & Collection Policy for Restricted Chemicals

What Are Dangerous Goods?

Certain essential pool and spa chemicals, including liquid chlorine, hydrochloric acid, and some highly concentrated oxidizers, are classified as Dangerous Goods under Australian law. This classification is based on their potential to pose a risk during transport if not handled under specific, controlled conditions.  

Why Can't These Items Be Shipped?

To comply with strict Australian transport regulations and ensure the safety of our customers, courier staff, and the public, these items cannot be shipped via standard delivery methods. The primary reasons for this policy are the inherent risks associated with their transport :  

  • Risk of Spillage: Accidental spills during transit could lead to hazardous situations.
  • Chemical Reactions: Improper handling or mixing with other substances could cause dangerous chemical reactions.
  • Hazard to Personnel: These substances can pose a direct health hazard to courier and postal service employees who are not trained in handling them.

These stringent guidelines are enforced by Australian safety authorities and are implemented to safeguard everyone involved in the handling and shipping process. By adhering to these rules, we position ourselves as a responsible company that prioritizes safety above all else for these specific products.  

How Our 'Click & Collect' Service Works for Dangerous Goods

Our Click & Collect service provides a safe, convenient, and compliant solution for purchasing Dangerous Goods. The process is simple and designed to get you the products you need without delay.

Step 1: Order Online 

Shop our extensive range of chemicals on our website. Products that are restricted to in-store pickup are clearly marked with a noticeable 'Click & Collect Only' badge on the product page and throughout the checkout process.  

Step 2: Select 'Click & Collect' at Checkout 

When you proceed to checkout, simply choose the Click & Collect option and select our Bongaree store as your pickup location.

Step 3: Wait for Your Notification 

Once you place your order, our team will prepare it quickly, usually within a couple of hours. You will receive an email or SMS notification as soon as your order is ready to be picked up.

Step 4: Collect Safely In-Store 

Visit our store to pick up your items. Our team will ensure your order is ready for a safe and secure collection.

  • Location: Aquaneo Pty Ltd, Unit 2, 179-181 First Avenue, Bongaree, QLD 4507, Australia
  • Phone: 1300 279 502
  • Email: info@aquaneo.com.au

Benefits of Click & Collect for Dangerous Goods

Choosing Click & Collect for these items offers several advantages:

  • Immediate Availability: Get your essential chemicals without waiting for shipping, often on the same day you order.
  • Safety First: This process fully complies with dangerous goods regulations, ensuring a safe transaction for everyone.
  • Expert Advice In-Person: When you collect your chemicals, our expert team is available to answer your questions, provide usage instructions, and offer personalised advice on safe handling. This turns a logistical necessity into an opportunity for a high-value customer interaction.
  • Cost Efficiency: Avoid the hazardous shipping fees and surcharges that are typically associated with the transport of dangerous goods.  

Safe Transport and Storage of Your Chemicals

Your responsibility for safety continues after you leave our store. When picking up your order, please ensure you transport chemicals securely to protect yourself, your vehicle, and others.  

  • Keep all chemical containers upright and ensure their lids are tightly sealed.
  • Secure the products in your vehicle so they cannot tip over or slide around.
  • Transport chemicals separately from food, drinks, and animal feed.
  • Ensure adequate ventilation in your vehicle if possible.

Upon returning home, immediately store chemicals in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. This location should be locked and inaccessible to children and pets.  

Water Testing In-Depth: A Pro's Guide

Why Regular Testing is Critical

Proper water chemistry is the foundation of a safe and enjoyable pool or spa. If you’ve ever experienced burning eyes, skin irritation, or seen cloudy water, you’ve witnessed the effects of an imbalance. 

Beyond comfort, balanced water is critical for health and longevity. Poorly treated water can become a breeding ground for harmful microorganisms that can cause skin and ear infections or more serious illnesses. 

Conversely, water that is too harsh can corrode pool surfaces, fade liners, and damage expensive equipment like pumps, heaters, and chlorinators.  

By testing your water regularly—at least once a week during the swimming season—you can prevent algae blooms, eliminate dangerous bacteria, and protect your investment. The result is water that is crystal-clear, healthy, and gentle on swimmers.  

Choosing Your Testing Method

We offer several types of testing kits, each with its own advantages.

  • Test Strips: These are the fastest and simplest method, ideal for quick checks. You simply dip a strip in the water for a few seconds, remove it, and compare the colored pads to a chart on the bottle. They provide near-instant readings for key parameters like chlorine, pH, and alkalinity. While they are less precise than other methods, their convenience makes them perfect for routine monitoring.  
  • Liquid Reagent Test Kits (Drop Kits): The traditional choice for pool owners and professionals, these kits provide more accurate results. You collect a water sample in the provided vials and add a specific number of drops of a reagent liquid or a tablet. The resulting color change is compared against a more detailed scale. This method is better for detecting small but important fluctuations in your water chemistry.  
  • Digital Testers: For the highest level of accuracy, digital testers remove all human error and guesswork from reading results. These electronic devices use sensors or photometers to provide a precise numerical readout for various parameters. While they represent a larger initial investment, they are invaluable for those who want data-driven precision in their pool maintenance.  

How to Interpret Your Results

Once you have your test results, you need to know what they mean. The following table provides a quick reference for the ideal ranges for the most important chemical parameters.

Parameter

Ideal Range (Pool)

Ideal Range (Spa)

Why It Matters

Free Chlorine

1-3 ppm

3-5 ppm

Your primary sanitiser. Kills bacteria, viruses, and algae. Too low is unsafe; too high causes irritation.
pH

7.2 - 7.6

7.2 - 7.6

Measures acidity/alkalinity. A balanced pH ensures swimmer comfort and maximises chlorine effectiveness.

Total Alkalinity (TA)

80-120 ppm

80-120 ppm

Acts as a buffer to prevent wild swings in pH. Keeps your pH stable and easy to control.

Calcium Hardness (CH)

200-300 ppm

150-250 ppm

Measures dissolved calcium. Prevents "soft" water from corroding surfaces or "hard" water from causing scale buildup.

Stabiliser (CYA)

30-50 ppm

N/A (Indoor)

For outdoor pools only. Protects chlorine from being destroyed by the sun's UV rays.

Best Practices for Adding Chemicals to Your Pool or Spa

Adding chemicals correctly is crucial for both safety and effectiveness. Follow this step-by-step protocol to ensure you get the best results every time.

  • Test Your Water First: Never add chemicals blindly. Always start with an accurate water test to determine exactly what is needed and how much.  
  • Read Product Labels & Calculate Dosage: Carefully read the instructions on the product label. Calculate the correct dosage based on your pool or spa's volume. If you are unsure of your pool's capacity, use an online calculator or contact us for help.
  • Pre-dissolve Dry Chemicals: Unless the product is specifically designed to be broadcast directly, it is best practice to pre-dissolve granular chemicals in a clean bucket of pool water. 
  • Crucial Safety Note: Always add the chemical to the water, never the other way around, to prevent dangerous splashing and reactions. Never mix different chemicals in the same bucket.  
  • Add with Pump Running for Circulation: Ensure your pool or spa pump is running to circulate the water. Pour the dissolved chemical solution slowly around the edges of the pool or in front of a return jet to ensure even distribution.  
  • Add One Chemical at a Time: To avoid unwanted reactions and accurately gauge the effect of each chemical, adjust one parameter at a time. The recommended order is: 1) Total Alkalinity, 2) pH, and 3) Sanitiser (Chlorine/Bromine). Allow several hours or one full pump cycle between additions.  
  • Wear Safety Gear: Protect yourself by wearing safety glasses and chemical-resistant gloves, especially when handling strong chemicals like acid or granular shock.  
  • Allow Time to Circulate and Retest: After adding a chemical, wait at least 4-6 hours (or one full pump turnover) before retesting the water to see if you have reached the target range. It is always better to underdose and add a small amount more later than to overdose and have to correct the imbalance.  

FAQ

Q: Do you offer Click & Collect or only delivery? 

A: We offer both! For your convenience, we ship Australia-wide daily. If you are near our store, you can also choose our Click & Collect service and pick up your order, often within a few hours. This is especially useful for heavy items or products classified as Dangerous Goods, which are restricted to pickup only.  

Q: What if I need help or a water test analysis? 

A: We are here to help. You can call our expert team during business hours at 1300 279 502. For the most detailed advice, bring a water sample to our Bongaree store for a free, professional in-store water analysis. We can provide a printed report with precise recommendations to solve any water chemistry issue.