The pool sector has fallen into a crisis, with a shortage of raw materials, delays in pool manufacturing, and swimming pool cost issues. Let’s examine the current situation facing the swimming pool sector.

The Shortage Of Chemicals

The pool industry has suffered a shortage of chemicals for swimming pool utility. That occurred after the August 2020 Hurricane Laura hit Louisiana, home to the nation’s largest chemical plant. The effects of that event have lasted over the years.

The Hurricane caused a fire at the Biolab Chlorine plant, leading to a 40% reduction of Dichlor and Trichlor chlorine. Substantial shortages have reduced the distribution of chlorine products, caused swimming pool cost issues, and raised the prices of chemicals.

Pool-constructing companies couldn’t comprehensively address the increased chemical costs, meaning they had to share the expenses with consumers. The increased demand for swimming pools and the limited supply of raw materials only worsened the pricing problem—the law of demand came into effect here.

A Reduction In The Number Of Other Pool-Related Products

Besides chemical shortages, there has been a shortage of other pool-related products, such as filters, pumps, salt generators and pool liners, which are vital for installing pools. The decline of these pool products causes pool installation delays. For now, we’ll focus on pool liners.

Like the chemicals, delays in the supply and distribution of swimming pool liners resulted from the impact of mother nature. In 2021, extreme cold fronts in areas like Texas caused power outages, leading to industrial plant shutdowns and damage to petrochemical and resin companies that manufacture pool liners. The shortages have been so severe that increased factory shifts for more production haven’t impacted any demand needs.

Another factor causing minimized production of swimming pools and pool liners is the shortage of the raw materials that make them, namely plastic. Global supply chain disruptions in plastic distribution play an integral part in the deficiency of swimming pool and pool liner production and delays.

Swimming Pool Cost Issues And Delays

Constructing an in-ground swimming pool in your backyard can be costly, with a national average of about 51,833. Remember the shortages in raw materials? Homeowners are now experiencing increased pool construction and service costs.

The shortages in the supply of raw materials for pools and the constant increase in demand have pushed production costs up drastically, an expense that manufacturers are relaying to distributors.

Another issue arising from the severe shortages is the delays in pool manufacturing. Pool installers deal with long backlogs from the manufacturers even as all parties spend more money due to the lack and availability of raw materials.  

What To Do In The Face Of This Pool Sector Crisis

The shortages in the pool industry may not go away any time soon. Therefore, you might have to dig deeper into your pockets for pool installation and maintenance services.

However, these swimming pool best practices can help minimize pool maintenance costs:

• It’s also wise to find ways to reduce your reliance on chlorine tabs and shock. For instance, you can install a chlorine generator and make your own chlorine.
• Another great tip is using borates. Borates buffer the water’s pH level to make it perfect for chlorine. They also inhibit algae growth and give the water in your pool a beautiful and remarkable sparkle.
• Look for alternative sanitizers. Pool owners can opt for chlorine alternatives to sanitize pools. UV sanitizers deactivate the living organisms in the pool water and prevent their replication. Also, AOP (Advanced Oxidation Process) combines UV and ozone systems to create a hydroxy that disinfects the pool water.
• Install a chemical monitoring system. It’ll constantly check the pool water’s oxidation-reduction potential and allow you to feed and use the right amount of chlorine.
• Get a variable-speed pump. These pumps rarely break down, ensuring optimal performance when sanitizing your pool. They also enable an energy-efficient pool, as you can run the pump in a lower and cost-effective setting since you’ll use minimal electricity.
• Run the filtration system for longer. This helps circulate the water in your swimming pool well and prevents algae growth on the pool walls.
• Lastly, make it a point to get a pool professional to regularly test your swimming pool water to keep track of the chlorine application needs. The testing process could also offer insight into other pool products you may need.

To Sum It Up

A swimming pool in your backyard offers functionality and gives aesthetic pleasure. New Jersey’s residents can turn to Dell Outdoor for professional pool design and installations.