What to expect this pool season:
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Factory shutdowns and an unparalleled demand for pool and spa products due to Covid have caused widespread shortages in chemicals, parts, and equipment
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Natural disasters have affected production plants across the country
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Unavoidable price increases
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How to prepare for this season
Production & Supply Shortages
The pool industry is experiencing widespread shortages in pool chemicals, parts, and equipment. Factory shutdowns and increased demand for pool and spa products due to Covid have caused these shortages across the board. With people spending more time at home in 2020, the demand for swimming pools and spa goods is higher than ever. Distributors being hit with rising costs of raw materials along with diminishing supplies are being forced to raise their prices. Stock on many important components is in short supply as a result of factories being shut down. As manufacturing plants begin to come back online, many are struggling to gear up for this year’s pool season.
Industry Shockwave
Along with a worldwide pandemic, we experienced horrible natural disasters that affected so many parts of the country. Hurricane Laura shut down more than 40% of the chlorine tablet production in the US after hitting one of its main production plants. The price of chlorine is predicted to increase up to 50% by mid-July, according to analysts. The recent deep freeze in Texas caused by Winter Storm Uri has had disastrous implications on the availability of supplies. A mass supply shortage occurred right as pool owners in Texas experienced millions of dollars in unexpected pool equipment repairs. Adjacent with chemical shortages, the freeze also halted the production of one of the largest exporters of plastics, S & P Global Platts. According to the Wall Street Journal, S & P Global Platts was forced to cut down production of polyethylene, polypropylene, and PVC. As a result, we are experiencing a global plastic shortage seeing that Texas manufactures about 85% of our country's polyethylene.
Unavoidable Price Increases
Pool builders and service providers have begun to adjust prices as all major producers announce and implement increases. Consumers should expect these price increases to affect them this pool season. In comparison to last year, the market price of an inground swimming pool is anticipated to increase 15-25%. Additionally, pandemic-related slowdowns have impacted timelines for completing inground pool projects. Homeowners are warned to expect delays as extended timelines are pushing the average construction time from 6-8 weeks to 3 months or more.
What this means for You
Being proactive before the summer is the best way to prepare for your pool season. Prospective and current pool owners might also consider chlorine alternatives. Sanitizers like saltwater systems, advanced oxidation processes, UV disinfection, or Ozone systems are all efficient & eco-friendly alternatives to help keep your pool clean.
We recommend UV and Ozone systems to all of our customers for the economical benefits that they provide. UV disinfection along with an Ozone system will allow pool owners to reduce chlorine consumption, thus eliminating harsh chemicals damaging the materials in your pool. Ask your pool professional today about making the switch if you think any of these alternatives would be fitting for your lifestyle.
