Why are pool chlorine tablets so expensive?

Chlorine in tablet form, especially, is hard to find and expensive. There are several reasons for this: Pandemic problems. Supply chain interruptions and staff shortages mean less product on the market.

Why is chlorine tablets so expensive 2022?

Demand for chlorine skyrocketed. Labor shortages and transportation struggles as a result of the pandemic impeded production even further, resulting in a true chlorine shortage.

Why is there a chlorine tablet shortage?

Two major factors are leading to the shortage. High demand from a pandemic swimming pool boom and a major chemical plant fire in Louisiana that devastated production capacity.

Why are pool chemicals so expensive now?

Blame two factors for the chlorine shortage, says CNBC. One, unsurprisingly, is COVID-19: Last summer, sales for swimming pools skyrocketed as people all over the planet stayed home during the pandemic, leading to an increased demand for prepared chlorine products.

Did chlorine tablets go up in price?

— A national chlorine shortage is causing prices to spike again this summer. This is hitting Arizona homeowners hard for a second year in a row, as they get ready to keep their pools clean during the busiest season of the year. Jasper's Pool Supply sells a 50 lb. bucket of 3" chlorine tabs for about $198 right now.

Why are chlorine tablets so expensive?

Why is chlorine so expensive 2021?

The prices also have been driven up by increased demand, fueled by the coronavirus pandemic. A report from Goldman Sachs released in April 2021 said about 96,000 pools were built last year in the U.S., with an estimated 110,000 expected to be constructed this year.

Why is there a chlorine shortage 2021?

The shortage started last August, when a fire sparked by Hurricane Laura destroyed the Louisiana chemical plant that makes most of the country's chlorine tablets. The pandemic-fueled increase in backyard pools has exacerbated the situation by spiking demand. Some cities delayed planned openings.

Why are 3 pool chlorine tablets so expensive?

The reason why trichlor tablets are so expensive and why they are sold out at many pool supply stores is because of the national trichlor supply shortage.

What can I use instead of chlorine tablets in pool?

Chlorinating Liquid is a popular choice among pool owners and can be used as a substitute when chlorinating tablets may be unavailable. Chlorinating liquid is not stabilized, which means it may require a chlorine stabilizer to help the chlorine last longer.

Is pool chlorine still in short supply?

During the fire, around 40% of the entire nation's chlorine was destroyed, sending a shockwave through the pool industry and setting up supply issues going into 2021. Now, as the industry prepares for pool season 2022, this very important factory has yet to be completely rebuilt and is still not producing chlorine.

Is liquid chlorine better than tablets?

We dive in and find out. Liquid chlorine is preferred over chlorine tablets by pool professionals however home swimming pools will benefit too. Liquid chlorine quickly raises or maintains chlorine levels without raising stabilizer. Chlorine tablets maintain chlorine levels and add stabilizer to the pool water.

Are chlorine tablets back in stock?

Chlorine tablets are still being produced and delivered to retail stores during this temporary shortage. Until the supply chain is normalized, we've made it easier for you to find stores that have product in-stock.

Can I use chlorine granules instead of tablets?

Chlorine granules, meanwhile, are simply scattered over a pool. Their combination of a smaller consistency and lower concentration makes them much more suitable for this purpose than chlorine tablets, as they dissolve more easily. This, in turn, enables them to fight pool bacteria much more quickly as well.

Why has chlorine doubled in price?

Last year, prices jumped because a fire destroyed the plant in Louisiana that was main supplier of chlorine tablets in the U.S. In late 2021, a smaller chlorine plant in New Jersey also caught fire and is out of commission.

Is there a shortage of swimming pool chemicals?

One of the reasons for the chlorine shortage is an increase in demand. Construction of new pools in 2020 went up nearly 25 percent! With each new pool comes more demand for chemicals and even items like floaties or sun chairs.

Can I use baking soda instead of chlorine in my pool?

A rule of thumb is 1.5 lbs. of baking soda per 10,000 gallons of water will raise alkalinity by about 10 ppm. If your pool's pH tested below 7.2, add 3-4 pounds of baking soda. If you're new to adding pool chemicals, start by adding only one-half or three-fourths of the recommended amount.

Can I swim in a pool without chlorine?

The Bottom Line about Pools and Chlorine

As mentioned above, you could probably swim in a pool without chlorine without any major health issues. However, long-term use of a pool lacking chlorinated H2O could make you sick or, at the very least, contribute to rashes and other types of skin irritation.

Can I use pool shock instead of chlorine?

SKIMMER NOTES: No. Chlorine and shock are not the same thing.

Shock has a more intense chemical strength than the traditional chlorine sanitizers, and it also differs in how you should apply it to your swimming pool. Short answer: No.

Is there still a chlorine shortage in 2022?

While we are approaching a new summer in 2022, pool and spa owners can expect the same chlorine shortage that plagued the industry last summer in 2021. Chlorine tablets and liquid chlorine prices have continued to rise and exceed last summer's prices.

How can I save money on pool chemicals?

How long do chlorine tablets last?

Properly stored chlorine tablets should last three to five years. The storage site should be cool, dry and well-ventilated, such as in a basement. Never leave chlorine tablets in the direct sun, even in a covered bucket, because the heat will accelerate the degrading process of the tablet and its ingredients.

Can I use bleach in my pool?

Clorox itself recommends using between 100 and 200 ounces of regular-strength bleach per 10,000 gallons of pool water -- one gallon is 128 ounces, and many bottles of bleach are available in one-gallon or half-gallon sizes. Pool professionals tend to recommend more conservative amounts of bleach.

How many chlorine tablets do I put in my pool?

Add one tablet for every 5,000 gallons of water and always round up. For example, if your pool has 21,000 gallons of water, add five tablets per week. If it has 8,000 gallons, use two tablets.