Returns On Hazardous Materials

Some of the products we sell — primarily spa and pool chemicals — are classified as hazardous materials by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). These items can't be returned to us by mail, even though we'd like to make returns easy on every product. This page explains why the rule exists, what's covered, and what your options are if you have unopened chemicals you no longer need.

Why Hazmat Items Can't Be Returned by Mail

This isn't a Leisure Time policy choice — it's a federal regulation that applies to every retailer in the U.S.

The Department of Transportation classifies certain spa and pool chemicals (chlorine-based products, oxidizers, acids, and others) as hazardous materials because they can be dangerous if mishandled in transit. Shipping these items legally requires:

• Specialized hazmat-certified carriers — not standard UPS or FedEx ground service
• Trained shippers — the person preparing the package must have current hazmat training and certification
• Specific packaging — UN-rated containers, absorbent materials, hazmat-compliant labeling
• Documentation — shipping papers, declaration forms, and chain-of-custody records

Consumers don't have access to these services. Even if you mailed a hazmat product without disclosure (which would itself be a federal violation), the carrier could refuse delivery, fine the sender, or in serious cases, hold up an entire shipment for safety inspection. The "no mail returns" rule isn't us being inflexible — it's keeping you out of legal trouble.

Which Products Are Considered Hazmat?

The most common hazmat products in our catalog are spa and pool chemicals. Specifically:

For the complete current list of products that can't be returned by mail, see our Non-Returnables collection.

Your Options for Unused Hazmat Products

If you have unused hazmat chemicals you no longer need, here's what you can actually do:

Option 1: Return in Person at One of Our Showrooms

The fastest and simplest option if you live anywhere in Idaho. Bring the unopened, unused product to any of our three showrooms during business hours:

• Idaho Falls — our flagship location and online order fulfillment center
• Boise — Treasure Valley
• Twin Falls — Magic Valley

Bring proof of purchase (your order email, packing slip, or receipt). Standard return policy timeframes still apply — see our full Return Policy for details on timing and condition requirements.

Option 2: Pause or Skip an Autoship Order Before It Ships

If you're receiving regular hazmat product deliveries through autoship (cartridges, salt, chlorine granules, etc.) and your supply has built up, the easiest fix is preventing the next delivery rather than dealing with returns afterward. You can:

• Pause your autoship subscription for one or more cycles
• Skip the next delivery while keeping the subscription active
• Adjust the delivery interval (e.g., from every 3 months to every 6 months)
• Cancel anytime if your needs have changed

Manage your autoship subscriptions here →

Option 3: For Damaged or Defective Products — Call Us Immediately

Option 4: Local Household Hazardous Waste Disposal

If returning isn't practical and you have unused chemicals you simply need to get rid of, almost every U.S. county and major city has a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) program that accepts pool and spa chemicals from residents — usually for free.

To find your local program:

• Search "[your city or county] household hazardous waste"
• Many programs operate on specific drop-off dates; some run year-round at fixed facilities
• Check earth911.com — searchable database of disposal sites by ZIP code
• Don't pour chemicals down the drain or into the trash — many municipalities prohibit this and it can contaminate water supplies

If you're in our Idaho service area and have a question about disposal, call us — we may be able to point you to the right local program for your area.