Nationwide Chlorine Shortage Forces Prices to Rise, Pools to Close

A nationwide chlorine shortage is forcing public swimming pools to close in the heat of the summer, adding frustration to a season that was supposed to bring a return to normal in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

In May, the New York Times warned, the shortage was already on the horizon, with residential pools affected by a “poolocalypse,” because “a fire at the end of last summer caused a shutdown at the plant that produces most of the country’s supply of chlorine tablets.” The fire was sparked by damage caused by Hurricane Laura, a category 4 storm.

The price of chlorine has skyrocketed as supply has dwindled, adding to inflation and putting a clean pool out of reach for many residential and public facilities.

The result is being felt in pools — and by disappointed swimmers — across the nation. The San Diego Union-Tribune reported Sunday: