The Staggering Price Increase of Chemicals from the Supply Chain

For the past years, swimming pool service companies have been trying their best to avoid price increases because they were concerned for customers. However, recent happenings make it impossible to continue with the usual prices. Several factors are coming together to increase the cost of chemicals from the supply chain. Some people term it "pool-mageddon".

There is a severe shortage of pool chemicals, and the demand is still high. In this article, we will discuss the factors that are causing this staggering price and the available alternatives.

Causes of price increase of pool chemicals from the supply chain

1. Fire disaster at the Trichlor plant

Following hurricane Laura in North America (August 2020), there was a massive chemical fire at one of the largest Trichlor plants. The fire caused severe damage to the company that produces Trichlor, a popular chlorine option in the form of slow-dissolving tablets.

Also affected by the fire outbreak was the granular chlorine supply. According to sources in the supply chain, at least 40% of Trichlor production in the country came from this company. That shows the impact of this fire on the availability of pool chemicals.

Although other manufacturers also produce chlorine, their rate can not meet the demand. Because of the wide gap between demand and supply, we have been experiencing a price hike since August 2020. It is expected that this will continue until the manufacturing rate meets up with the demand.

2. The impact of COVID-19

COVID-19 pandemic impacts almost every sector, especially the manufacturing companies and supply chain. With a reduction in the workforce, the production of pool chemicals is slowing down. In addition, shipping companies are having delays and are increasing delivery fees. These effects spiral down the supply chain, and everyone feels the impact.

Since most people stay at home, there is an increasing demand for residential swimming pools, says Peak Residential Inc. Some people are also upgrading their pool equipment. With the high number of new pools and early opening pools in colder climates (now April instead of May), there is an increase in the demand for pool chemicals. Manufacturers are having difficulties meeting the high demand. Hence the reason for the staggering price.

3. Alternative use of chlorine

Following the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to step up hygienic practices, there is also a high demand for sanitizers and disinfectants. Most people are turning to chlorine as an alternative for their disinfectant. As a result, there is a severe shortage of chlorine.

Although the lockdown is relaxing, people still see the need to disinfect surfaces with chlorine. Most shops, offices, businesses, and recreational centers need to disinfect their surfaces to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

With the scarcity of Trichlor and the increased demand for disinfectants, the price of these chemicals will continue to rise. The hike is not only for the pool industry. It affects everyone.

Available alternatives and adaptations

The shortage or price hike of pool chemicals is shoving people towards other alternatives. That is because we are eager to ease the impacts on our clients and modernize pool treatment practices. Although the price hike of pool chemicals is unfortunate, it may be beneficial in the long term. When you use Trichlor in your pool, it is crucial to drain and dilute it to minimize Cyanuric acid (CYA) levels. However, there are other alternatives to chlorine.

1. Trichlor alternatives

There are other alternatives to non-stabilized chlorine. These include salt chlorine generator systems, sodium hypochlorite, and calcium hypochlorite. You may choose to use any of them, but always remember to adjust other water chemical levels so that they will blend with the alternative. In addition, your pool's sanitation should be a priority. Different chemicals have varying maintenance requirements.

2. Specialty chemicals

There are certain chemicals you can use to complement chlorine. These specialty chemicals include chelants, clarifiers, phosphate removers, and sequestering agents. Using these specialty chemicals has several benefits. They will help reduce the chlorine demand, enhance water clarity, prevent scales, remove phosphate, and assist in non-living organic and carbon management. In summary, specialty chemicals will increase the efficiency of chlorine.

3. Oxidation systems or secondary disinfection

With the staggering price of pool chemicals, it is essential to supplement chlorine with oxidation systems or secondary disinfection. Some secondary disinfection systems to consider are ozone and ultraviolet (UV).

For oxidation systems, you can choose between advanced oxidation process systems (AOP) or hyper-dissolved oxygen (HDO). It is vital to know that each method has pros and cons. However, they will all boost chlorine efficiency.

The bottom line

Recent events are causing price hikes in almost every sector. The pool industry has its share of the impact. But because we are concerned about our clients, we have some alternatives to reduce these unfortunate effects.

Content Contribution: Digital Content Specialist (www.ncpropertygroup.com)