So where does this leave the United States chlorine market for 2022? There is expected to be a continued shortage of chlorine tabs while this factory remains offline. In the past, when it was up and running, this plant produced 115 million pounds of “trichlor” and “dichlor” per year.
Chlorine Shortage 2022: The Nation's Chlorine Supply Takes Yet Another Potential Hit. *Update: Fortunately, it does not appear that this factory fire has resulted in any major chlorine loss and will not contribute to the expected ongoing chlorine shortage in 2022.
Increased demand.
As COVID concerns curtailed vacations, more American homeowners put their money in their backyards. Swimming pool construction surged during the pandemic, with many contractors reporting order backlogs well into 2022. More pools mean more demand for chlorine.
When will the 2021 chlorine shortage end? Fowler says it's really hard to tell right now, and we agree. “I don't see this getting back to normal until maybe the 2022 pool season. I think a lot of people have learned a lot of things as a result of this, the chlorine shortage and COVID combined.
The shortage is due to increased demand for pool supplies during the pandemic and a chemical fire at a BioLab facility in Louisiana after Hurricane Laura that knocked out one of the country's three main chlorine manufacturers.
BioLab Fire
It not only brought the threat of high winds, fallen power lines and deadly waters, but also the potential for hazardous air conditions caused by chemical breaches in the nearby chemical plant. The loss of this plant will result in a nationwide chlorine shortage that will be felt through the 2021 season.
The prices also have been driven up by increased demand, fueled by the coronavirus pandemic. A report from Goldman Sachs released in April 2021 said about 96,000 pools were built last year in the U.S., with an estimated 110,000 expected to be constructed this year.
The shortage started last August, when a fire sparked by Hurricane Laura destroyed the Louisiana chemical plant that makes most of the country's chlorine tablets. The pandemic-fueled increase in backyard pools has exacerbated the situation by spiking demand. Some cities delayed planned openings.
plant is currently being rebuilt almost a year after it was damaged by a terrible fire. At a ceremony attended by Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards and work crews broke ground on the facility in late June. A fire caused by Hurricane Laura rendered the plant completely inoperable in August of 2020.
The reason why trichlor tablets are so expensive and why they are sold out at many pool supply stores is because of the national trichlor supply shortage.
This June, Gov. John Bel Edwards and KIK consumer products COO Jeff Schmitt announced that the company's Bio-Lab division will make a $170 million investment to build a new chlorine products facility in Westlake, Louisiana.
Between the pandemic and a catastrophic fire, the U.S. is currently experiencing a major shortage of chlorine tablets. But it doesn't have to end your summer swimming fun. The COVID-19 pandemic caused waves in the world of shipping and manufacturing, leading to shortages of appliances, lumber, electronics, and more.
The fire at BioLab's Westlake plant burned for three days after Hurricane Laura hit, sending dark plumes of chlorine gas into the air and causing the state to call for mandatory evacuations. Exposure to chlorine gas can cause bronchitis, asthma, and swelling of the lungs.
What can you use instead? Bromine — considered a safe substitute for chlorine. Looks for BCDMH tablets, which are typically 66% bromine and 27% chlorine. If unable to find, you can use just bromine but it may leave the water a dull green color.
INGLESIDE, Texas — UPDATE: San Patricio County initially confirmed to 3News that there had been an explosion at their plant outside of Ingleside, Texas. They later clarified that the sound of an explosion was caused when a valve ruptured, releasing pressurized chlorine gas.
There are 86 large commercial bleach manufacturing facilities in the United States that use bulk amounts of chlorine gas during their operations.
The RC-35/22 Cell – Maximum recommended residential pool size is 35,000 gallons. Produces 200 lbs. of pure gas chlorine at the average cell price of $382.99. Produces 200 gallons of liquid chlorine at the average price of $2.25 per gallon = $450.00.
WESTLAKE, La. (AP) — A southwest Louisiana chlorine plant that burned last year after Hurricane Laura will get a $170 million replacement. The Toronto-based owners and Gov. John Bel Edwards announced plans Wednesday for the new Biolab Inc.
Chlorine is a micronutrient, essential to plant growth. However, too much chlorine can accumulate in leaf tissue, resulting in leaves with a scorched or burned appearance.
Wash affected area with soap and water. Irrigate eyes with water for 15 minutes, holding eyelids wide apart. Call a physician immediately.
Liquid chlorine is preferred over chlorine tablets by pool professionals however home swimming pools will benefit too. Liquid chlorine quickly raises or maintains chlorine levels without raising stabilizer. Chlorine tablets maintain chlorine levels and add stabilizer to the pool water.
Bleach maker said it will ramp up production
As coronavirus cases surge around the country, California-based Clorox Co. is struggling to meet demand for its cleaning and disinfecting products, warning that shortages will extend through mid-2021.
One of the disadvantages of adding chlorine to the skimmer basket is that the chlorine will soften and dissolve continuously even when the filter is off. In this case, if it happens, this may result in highly destructive water that can deteriorate the pool equipment.
Liquid Chlorine
The liquid form of chlorine is the cheapest way of adding chlorine to a pool. Simply pour it directly into the water in front of a return jet to disperse it throughout the pool.