Menu
A nation-wide chlorine tablet shortage has made itself known this year, but pool experts in Florida have discovered ways around this problem, so you can continue to enjoy the water in the summer heat.
In 2020, Hurricane Laura unfortunately committed some lasting damage for us pool go-ers, as a chemical fire destroyed one of the largest chlorine plants, leading to a chlorine tablet shortage across the United States. This problem has been seldom seen, and with the COVID pandemic leading to a large increase in the construction of pools, chlorine prices have nearly doubled. So, how can you avoid this shortage without breaking the bank? Luckily there’s a variety of options that’ll get you back to swimming in no time.
Many pool owners in this predicament may ask: why do pools need chlorine? The simple answer is that it kills bacteria like salmonella and E. coli, and neutralizes other germs that can cause viruses like swimmer’s ear. Chlorine is an important component in creating a safe swimming environment for everyone and must be used if you wish to have the best possible experience.
This chemical does come with some downsides, as it can cause irritation to the skin and eyes, but the pros outweigh the cons, and pools are safer for using some form of chlorine than nothing at all. However, if the pool’s chlorine levels are balanced correctly by a professional, then you shouldn’t feel any kind of irritation, or physical discomfort.
A number of alternatives exist to clean your pool without the need for chlorine tablets. Some owners may find that liquid chlorine can be just as useful, but as tablet prices increase, so do liquid chlorine prices. Other chemicals such as bleach and bromine may also serve useful, but these are more expensive from the get-go, and handling chemicals is always a difficult procedure if not done correctly. Instead, many have switched to a different method: salt water chlorinators.
Salt water chlorinators have become an effective alternative to chlorine tablets and other chemicals, and they can be installed in any pool. What’s important to note is that salt chlorinators aren’t an alternative to rid entirely of chlorine. Instead, these devices use salt as a way to produce chlorine, but still give you the ability to control the amount–which is far less than a pool that exclusively uses tablets or liquid chemicals. Some basic pros and cons of salt water pools versus chlorine pools include:
Alligator Pools has been helping Miami Homeowners manage and service their pools since 1985. Our highly trained, bilingual staff has over 25 years of experience in the Miami pool service industry. Whether it’s pool cleaning, renovating, pool resurfacing, or installing new salt chlorinators, we get it right the first time so you can enjoy your pool year round. We understand the current chlorine tablet shortage, and have mastered the alternatives so you can stay safe, and get back in the water. For more information, contact us to get a quote today.