With summer right around the corner, and temperatures rising every day, many throughout the country are gearing up for pool season. However, this year may be more about sunbathing than swimming, as a major chlorine shortage may hit the US this summer. While some areas are already seeing shortages, others have seen the price of chlorine double since last year.
Homeowners throughout the country are already starting to see the effects of what some are calling the worst chlorine shortage the country has ever seen. “[I expect pool owners] will have to go from tablets to powdered chlorine, from powdered chlorine to liquid chlorine, from liquid chlorine to nonchlorinated shocks and things, and I do believe that all of those are going to literally run out,” said Allan Curtis. Some pool supply stores have already set quantity restrictions in preparation for the shortage.
Chlorine not only helps protect the pool from algae, but also helps prevent swimmers from contracting waterborne illnesses. According to NBC News, there are 5.2 million residential inground pools in the U.S. and 255,000 commercial pools, so many will be affected by the chlorine shortage.
Looks like lakes will be even more popular this summer.