Introduction Chemicals Which Are Scheduled Chemicals Which Must be Registered Chemicals Which Are Not Subject to the PCPA Compliance with the Pest Control Products Act and Regulations General Safety Precautions When Using Swimming Pool and Spa Chemicals After Using Swimming Pool and Spa Chemicals In Case of Accidental Poisoning Disposal

Introduction

All swimming pool and spa chemicals that control microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses, or algae are regulated under the authority of the Pest Control Products Act (PCPA). This Act is administered by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) of Health Canada.

The PCPA regulates swimming pool and spa chemicals in one of two ways:

• scheduling
• individual registration

Swimming pool and spa chemicals which do not control microorganisms and/or algae are not subject to regulation under the PCPA.

Chemicals Which Are Scheduled

The scheduling of a swimming pool or spa chemical or product indicates the product conforms to a pre-approved standard and meets the PMRA’s requirements for safety and efficacy. A scheduled product does not require registration under the PCPA, but must meet all three of the following criteria:

• be a DOMESTIC class product
• contain a registered technical grade active ingredient as indicated in the Schedule
• carry a label with directions as per the standard

This standard is explained in detail in PMRA’s Regulatory Directive Dir93-05: Scheduling of Selected Pool and Spa Chemicals, available from the PMRA.

Chemicals Which Must be Registered

Registration under the Pest Control Products Act is required if a product is one of the following:

• is a COMMERCIAL class product
• contains concentrations of active ingredients other than those appearing in the Schedule
• contains an active ingredient not appearing in the Schedule

Chemicals Which Are Not Subject to the PCPA

The following swimming pool and spa chemicals are not subject to registration or scheduling under the PCPA as they do not control microorganisms or algae:

• flocculants (alum)
• pH adjusters (pH down; pH up)
• buffers (bicarbonate)
• chlorine stabilizers (cyanuric acid)
• oxidizers (ozone, potassium monopersulphate)
• chlorine neutralizers (sodium bisulphite)

Because these products do not control microorganisms or algae, they must be used in combination with a sanitizer. A sanitizer is a chemical that reduces the number of microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, to safe levels.

Compliance with the Pest Control Products Act and Regulations

The purpose of registration and scheduling of swimming pool and spa products is to minimize risk to human health and the environment. Compliance with the Pest Control Products Act and Regulations is mandatory. PMRA inspectors verify products in the market place and investigate reported infractions. Voluntary reporting of suspected infractions is encouraged.

Manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers of swimming pool and spa products are responsible for ensuring that only products which are scheduled or registered carry claims for the control of microorganisms and/or algae.

• Labels of scheduled products carry the statement:

• Labels of registered products carry a five digit registration number as follows:

General Safety Precautions

When Using Swimming Pool and Spa Chemicals

• Carefully read all label instructions and precautions before using these products.
• Do not smoke, drink, or eat while using these products.

After Using Swimming Pool and Spa Chemicals

• Always wash your hands thoroughly after using the products.
• Wipe clean all surfaces that comes in direct contact with food, such as counters, tables and stovetops.
• Always store the products out of reach of children and pets and away from food and beverages.

Please note that these are general precautions. You should consult the label of the product for clarification and additional information.

In Case of Accidental Poisoning

• Seek medical attention or call a poison control centre immediately.
• In case of accidental poisoning of pets seek veterinary attention immediately.

Disposal

• Do not reuse the empty containers. Dispose of them in household garbage.
• Unused or partially used products should be disposed of at provincially or municipally designated household hazardous waste disposal sites.