Chemical and Material Shortage in the Pool Industry 2021

Oct 12, 2021

2021 Chemical and Material Shortage - Explained

Hi everyone! We are back again from ePoolSupply to share some more important news in the pool industry this year! (2021). So, we’ve all heard about the chemical shortages due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but that isn’t the reason Chlorine is in short supply. Today, we are back to share with our audience the chemical and material shortages we are experiencing this year. Unlike any other pool industry issue, this year has been the hardest for all of us. Keep reading to find out more information about the issue and some solutions to the chemical and material shortages. Stay tuned and we’ll dive in a little further on the subject.

Chlorine & Chemical Shortage: The Backstory

Most of the US and North America in general receive most of the available chlorine supply from BioLab. Late last year, Hurricane Laura caused a fire that ultimately burned the BioLab’s factory to the ground. The extensive fire burned for 3 straight days before containment. This shocked the already strained market and quickly led to an even larger shortage. Due to more and more folks being at home and enjoying the pool more often, the demand for Chlorine was already higher than normal so you can see where this is going.

The Shortage Solution

You might ask why not just import chemicals or chlorine made outside the US? The answer is two simple talking points. One, it is hard to ensure the quality and potency of these chemicals and their fillers. Two, the price difference between the domestic and international chemicals is more than most homeowners, supply stores, and pool service providers can afford to pick up.

What Now?

Fast forward to June of this year. BioLab breaks ground on their new factory using their $170 Million dollar investment. The new facility should more than close the gap in the supply chain and help the ongoing issues we’re seeing with supply and demand going forward. The factory is set to begin production spring 2022. For the time being, we’ll all have to continue to search for safe, affordable alternatives to carry us until Chlorine becomes more readily available and at a more affordable price point.

As things continue in this way, we would expect further shortages or delays for a while. At the time this is being written (September 2021) there is an ongoing worker shortage, ships stalled in ports and trucks without drivers all over the world. In due time, things should open back up, chlorine and pool chemicals included!

Conclusion

The chemical and material shortages are only temporary to the industry. Check out our other blogs for more information on that. Both Chemicals and equipment are covered extensively. While Chlorine is the most popular option, it isn’t the only option for pool sanitization and clarity.If you have any questions relating to the information found in this blog, please don't hesitate to reach out to us directly. Our team of pool professionals would be happy to help you out!