Trichlor Chlorine Shortage & Sanitation Alternatives: What Pool Owners Need to Know

Expect pool owners and pool service businesses to face chlorine supply issues this summer.

Be prepared. Chlorine shortage could affect summer swimming in pools using traditional chlorine systems.
Why? Factors responsible for chlorine shortage include the massive fire at a chemical plant and impacts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Good News: alternative solutions are available.

Chlorine for Pool Sanitation

Maintaining a proper chemical balance in your pool is what keeps your water safe for swimmers. It requires several chemicals working together to maintain a healthy pool, but sanitizers are the most effective at killing bacteria, viruses, algae, and other contaminants.

Chlorine is a sanitizer used to break down harmful bacteria and keep your water sparkling clean. It comes in a stick, tablet, granulated or liquid form. Trichlor (trichloroisocyanuric acid) is a stabilized form of chlorine used for pool sanitation. Typically, it comes in the shape of a 3-inch tablet or 8-ounce stick and can be placed in a floating dispenser, skimmer basket, or automatic chlorinator.

Trichlor Chlorine Shortage

Expect a shortage in Trichlor chlorine tablets and sticks in summer 2021.

BioLab, a chemical plant and supplier of pool and spa treatment products, sustained significant damage at its Westlake, LA, location, shortly after Hurricane Laura struck in August 2020. The rebuild is expected to be complete in spring 2022. Until then, they continue to manufacture chlorine tablets, but not at the previous rate.

The demand for pool products, upgrades, and new construction have skyrocketed. Consumers spending more time at home, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, began focusing more on creating their own backyard oasis.

Pool owners using traditional chlorine systems need to prepare now so you can enjoy your pool throughout the pool season. The high demand and shortage of products have caused higher prices and suppliers limiting how much available to purchase. In a recent Bloomberg article, Stewart Vernon, founder and COO of America’s Swimming Pool Company stated he, “cautions that the supply-demand equation may remain lopsided through next summer and that prices will stay elevated.”

Fortunately, there are other alternatives and recommendations.

Sanitation Alternatives

Salt System –Converting your pool from chlorine to a salt water system is a great solution for dealing with the current trichlor shortage and includes long-term benefits. Salt chlorinators register chlorine levels to automatically convert [table] salt into a self-regenerating supply of chlorine. It’s a safer and healthier option than traditional chemical chlorine sanitization.

Benefits of upgrading to a salt system:

Create a more natural swimming experience. No more stinging eyes or irritated skin.
Cut chlorine costs. No more buying, handling, or storing chlorine.
Features to help simplify your life. Automatically and effectively convert salt into chlorine.

It’s easy to switch to a saltwater pool and will help save time for pool owners. Plus, families can enjoy more time swimming this season – worry free.

Liquid or Granulated Chlorine – Not all chlorine is expected to go out of stock (yet). Liquid or granulated chlorine can be applied manually. Chlorine in liquid form is stronger than household bleach but can be an effective sanitizer when used according to directions. Liquid chlorine is a hazardous material, so it’s important to always use caution when handling this chemical.

At ASP - America's Swimming Pool Company, we want to help you enjoy your pool more! Let our dedicated pool professionals take care of your pool maintenance routine. We can also help determine what sanitizer would be best for your pool and guide you through the best solution for your setup. To find an ASP location near you, visit this page: asppoolco.com/locations/