Pool parties will be scarce this summer due to a nationwide chlorine shortage.
Many people start using their pools during the Memorial Day weekend. But this year, many will decide to bag it when they realize they don't have enough chlorine on hand.
There's none at the store because production stopped during the pandemic shutdown.
"Most of the factories are opening back up again, but it's gonna take a year to get to get the supply chain re-supplied with the product that everyone is used to," said Andy Amrhein, owner of Evey True Value Hardware in Bethel Park.
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"I don't know of anyone in the Pittsburgh market... I don't know of anyone in the country that has that much in the way of pool chemicals," said Amrhein.
He says it's going to be tough year for people who don't have enough chemicals left over from last year.
Another reason chlorine supplies are low is a fire at a chemical plant in Louisiana damaged by Hurricane Laura last summer.
The largest swimming pool chemical maker in the U.S. has more than a quarter million back orders for chlorine tablets.
Pools in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County are also facing a lifeguard shortage and are offering a bonus in an attempt to recruit more.
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