If chlorine shortages continue this year, homeowners will face frustration as they prepare for the summer months of fun in the sun. Many pool supply businesses are still limiting the amount of chlorine they sell to clients. This is to deal with the ongoing situation following the biggest chlorine shortages.

There is a shortage as a result of two key issues: 

1. High demand due to a pandemic pool boom
2. A catastrophic chemical plant fire in Louisiana severely damaged production capabilities.

What to do about the chlorine shortages?

There are numerous uses for chlorine in a swimming pool. It’s effective at killing microorganisms. It also maintains the water in your pool clear, which in turn keeps it safe for swimming. However, chlorine isn’t your sole option for keeping a healthy pool, despite its obvious advantages. After all, you can’t save somebody if you can’t see them in the water.

When will there be an end to the shortage of chlorine tablets?

In spite of the bad news, there is some good news. When the chlorine tablet manufacturing factory in Louisiana is fully operational, it will be able to produce 30% more chlorine tablets per day than it currently does.

The regular supply of chlorine tablets could return by 2023 with the construction of a larger and faster factory. However, if labor shortages and transportation constraints persist, these plans may be jeopardized.

Chlorine Shortages-How to Keep Swimming

Don’t worry if you can’t get chlorine tablets; your swimming pool dreams can still come true. Keep things going swimmingly by tweaking your pool care regimen a little bit.

Increase your frequency of testing

If you want to get the most out of your pool’s chlorine or chlorine alternative, you should test the water more frequently. Let the water’s chlorine levels tell you when it’s time for a top-up rather than chlorinating the pool on a regular basis. Once a day, check the chlorine level in your pool and add more as needed. This is a great way to save money on chlorine and make your current supply last longer without lowering the quality or safety of the water.

Switch to liquid chlorine instead

Liquid chlorine is an alternative if you can’t get your hands on chlorine tablets. Tablets are more convenient since they last longer and need less handling. But liquid chlorine can achieve the same results with only a bit more effort.

If you can’t obtain liquid chlorine, you can use a home or commercial bleach without any additives, but you’ll have to use a lot more. Regardless of the path you take, be sure to test your pool at 3 parts per million.

Bromine is a better option

It’s likely you’ve heard of bromine if you own a hot tub or spa. Even though it’s a fantastic disinfectant, it doesn’t have that overpowering chlorine stench.

As a result, it is an excellent solution for smaller or confined spaces, although the chemical is more expensive as a result. Because it is more susceptible to UV rays, you’ll need more of it. When using bromine in your pool, be sure to keep an eye on the levels using your test kit and keep them between 3 and 5 parts per million.

Is it a good idea to keep a supply of chlorine tablets on hand just in case?

In the event that you come across a store or website that carries chlorine tablets, you may want to stock up. Hoarding, on the other hand, just makes matters worse. Think about what would happen if every pool owner thought (and acted) in the same way you do.

Maintaining a sense of perspective is preferable: Chlorine pills are typically purchased in one 50-pound tub every season by the average household. More than that, you may run into degradation concerns before you’ve used it all.

Replacement tubs are required in this situation; thus, the expense of chlorine is much more than if you’d only purchased what was necessary to begin with.

Tablets that have been properly preserved for three years or longer begin to degrade. The longevity will be drastically reduced if you keep it in direct sunlight, in a hot garage or shed, or even in the rain.

Chlorine Shortages—Effects on Industry

When it comes to the production of these vital pools and sanitation goods, BioLab is the industry leader. It is estimated that this terrible incident has cost the company a large portion of its inventory. In the midst of a global health crisis, swimming pool owners want these goods more than ever. As the weather gets warmer, it appears that more families will want to stay indoors and take advantage of their swimming pools. This will increase the need for chemicals and pool maintenance.

Hire a professional pool service company

As the need for chlorine tablets and even chlorine alternatives grow, you may find it difficult to locate them throughout the season, despite your best efforts. Lastly, you could look into hiring a local pool service company. Fox Pools pool service professionals will be happy to help you figure that out. We are ready for any concerns or questions you might have about the forthcoming pool season. Contact us today!