Why is there a shortage of chlorine pool tablets?

Pandemic-related supply issues have contributed to a chlorine shortage. Destruction of a chlorine manufacturing plant has had the greatest effect. Completion of the rebuilt plant in 2022/2023 should ease supply issues. Chlorine tablet alternatives include liquid chlorine, bleach, and bromine.

Is there still a shortage of chlorine tablets for pools?

While the plant was originally predicted to reopen in early 2022, it has yet to be completed. Currently, industry experts predict the chlorine shortage will end when the plant is completed and running in January of 2023.

Is there a chlorine shortage in 2021?

It not only brought the threat of high winds, fallen power lines and deadly waters, but also the potential for hazardous air conditions caused by chemical breaches in the nearby chemical plant. The loss of this plant will result in a nationwide chlorine shortage that will be felt through the 2021 season.

What can I use instead of chlorine tablets?

What can you use instead? Bromine — considered a safe substitute for chlorine. Looks for BCDMH tablets, which are typically 66% bromine and 27% chlorine. If unable to find, you can use just bromine but it may leave the water a dull green color.

Why is there a chlorine shortage 2022?

While the shortage has been partially caused by pandemic-related factors—most notably, the significant increase in pool construction as people have spent unprecedented amounts of time at home—one of the biggest drivers behind the lack of available chlorine has been the destruction of the BioLab plant due to a fire ...

Why is there a pool chlorine shortage and what can I do about it? Posted May 2021

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.

Will chlorine tablets be available in 2022?

Chlorine Shortage 2022: The Nation's Chlorine Supply Takes Yet Another Potential Hit. *Update: Fortunately, it does not appear that this factory fire has resulted in any major chlorine loss and will not contribute to the expected ongoing chlorine shortage in 2022.

Is the chlorine shortage real?

Between the pandemic and a catastrophic fire, the U.S. is currently experiencing a major shortage of chlorine tablets. But it doesn't have to end your summer swimming fun. The COVID-19 pandemic caused waves in the world of shipping and manufacturing, leading to shortages of appliances, lumber, electronics, and more.

Why are chlorine tablets so expensive now?

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.

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 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.

Can you use bleach to shock a pool?

If you need to calculate how much bleach or Clorox you need to shock your pool, you will have to use 1/2 gallon of bleach per 10,000 gallons of water to raise the chlorine levels by 5 ppm.

Why does pool turn green after adding chlorine?

Pools can immediately turn green after shocking when they have metals like copper in the water. These metals oxidise when exposed to high levels of chlorine which makes the pool water turn green. Adding a metal control product such as Zodiac Metal Remover will help to restore the pool water.

Can you put bleach in a pool?

It is important to know what exactly bleach is before you put it in your pool. Household bleach, Clorox and liquid chlorine can all be used to sanitize a pool. They are all types of chlorine. Household bleaches such as Clorox usually contain about 5-6% available chlorine, about half that of pool liquid chlorine.

Will baking soda clear a green pool?

Will baking soda clear a green pool? No. Baking soda will only raise your alkalinity and pH levels and this will not kill algae. Chlorine is what kills algae.

Is it OK to swim in a green pool?

While the green algae aren't harmful, the bacteria that feed on the algae can cause issues. When you swim in green water, you expose yourself to algae that host bacteria. Swimming in green water could cause bacterial infections on your skin, and you could get sick if you ingest algae-filled pool water.

What happens if you swim in a shocked pool?

What Happens If You Swim In A Shocked Pool? If you do not wait for the chemicals used to shock a pool to totally dissolve then you could be placing yourself in serious danger by swimming in it. At the minimum, you will feel itchy skin and eyes because of the chemicals present in the water.

Does baking soda clear pool water?

Baking soda can work wonders in a pool. Baking soda can: Help to clear cloudy water and restore the sparkle. Spot-treat algae.

Is Clorox bleach the same as pool chlorine?

In truth, bleach contains the same base chemical as pool chlorine. That chemical is, of course, chlorine, and the only major difference between the two products is the concentration strength. Pool chlorine typically contains some form of stabilizer, as well, though this is not a crucial factor.

Will bleach turn a green pool clear?

Add the bleach to the pool at night, because it quickly gets degraded by sunlight. Pour it into the water as you walk around the perimeter of the pool, and then circulate the water for six to eight hours. By morning, the algae should be dead -- but instead of being green, the water may be cloudy.

What's the difference between chlorine granules and chlorine tablets?

Chlorine Granules are a powder form of chlorine (Sodium Dichlor) and they can be added directly to your hot tub water. Chlorine Tablets for hot tubs (Trichlor) are the size of a 50p piece and usually float in a dispenser or an in-line feeder.

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.

Is granular or tablet chlorine better?

The Advantage of Chlorine Tablets for Swimming Pools

The most significant benefit of using chlorine tablets for your pool is its longer-term nature compared to granules. Once you get the right dosage, you shouldn't have to add another chlorine treatment for at least a few days.

Is pool shock the same as chlorine?

Shock is chlorine, in a high dose, meant to shock your pool and raise the chlorine level quickly. Chlorine tabs (placed in a chlorinator, floater, or skimmer basket) maintain a chlorine residual in the water. You do need to use both tabs and shock.

How long can water sit in pool without chlorine?

If you are not adding chlorine to kill bacteria, drain the pool every other day. Stagnant water without chlorine can become unhealthy water in as little as 24-48 hours.