The Troubling World of the Swimming Pool Industry

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The Troubling World of the Swimming Pool Industry

The pool sector has fallen into a crisis, from a shortage in raw materials to delays in pool manufacturing, not forgetting swimming pool cost issues. Let’s dig into the current situation facing the swimming pool sector.

The Shortage of Chemicals

The pool industry has suffered a shortage of chemicals needed for swimming pool utility. That first occurred after the August 2020 Hurricane Laura, which hit Louisiana, home to the nation’s largest chemical plant. The effects of that event have lasted over the years.

The Hurricane caused a fire at the Biolab Chlorine plant and led to a 40% reduction of Dichlor and Trichlor chlorine. With substantial shortages, there has been a reduced distribution of chlorine products and swimming pool cost issues, and raise of the prices of chemicals.

Pool constructing companies couldn’t comprehensively cater to the increased chemical costs, meaning they had to share the expenses with consumers. And the increased demand for swimming pools and limited supply of raw materials only worsens the pricing problem — the law of demand comes into effect here.

A Reduction in the Number of Other Pool-Related Products

Besides chemical shortages, there has been a shortage of other pool-related products such as filters, pumps, salt generators and pool liners vital for installing pools. The decline of these pool products causes pool installation delays. For now, we’ll focus on pool liners.

Like the chemicals, delays in the supply and distribution of swimming pool liners resulted from the impact of mother nature. In 2021, extreme cold fronts in areas like Texas caused power outages that led to industrial plant shutdowns and damages to petrochemical and resin companies that manufacture pool liners. The shortages have been so severe that increased factory shifts for more production haven’t impacted any demand needs.

Another thing causing minimized production of swimming pools and pool liners is the shortage of raw materials that make them, i.e., plastic. Global supply chain disruptions in plastic distribution play an integral part in the deficiency of swimming pools and pool liners production and delays.

Swimming Pool Cost Issues and Delays

Constructing an in-ground swimming pool in your backyard can be costly, with a national average of about 51,833. Remember the shortages in raw materials? Homeowners are now experiencing increased pool construction and service costs.

The shortages in the supply of raw materials for pools and the constant increase in demand for the same have pushed production costs up drastically, an expense that manufacturers are relaying to the distributors.

Another arising issue from the severe shortages is the delays in pool manufacturing. Pool installers deal with long backlogs from the manufacturers even as all parties spend more money due to the lack and availability of raw materials.  

What to Do in the Face of This Pool Sector Crisis

The shortages in the pool industry may not go away any time soon. Therefore, you might have to dig deeper into your pockets for pool installation and maintenance services.

However, these swimming pool best practices can help minimize pool maintenance costs:

  • It’s also wise to find ways to reduce your reliance on chlorine tabs and shock. For instance, you can install a chlorine generator and make your chlorine.
  • Another great tip is using borates. Borates work by buffering the PH level of the water to make it perfect for chlorine, and they also inhibit algae growth and give the water in your pool a beautiful and remarkable sparkle.
  • Look for alternative sanitizers. Pool owners can opt for chlorine alternatives to sanitize pools. UV sanitizers deactivate the living organisms in the pool water and prevent their replication. Also, AOP (Advanced Oxidation Process) combines UV and ozone systems to create a hydroxy that disinfects the pool water.
  • Install a chemical monitoring system. It’ll constantly check the oxidation-reduction potential of the pool water and allow you to feed and use the right amount of chlorine.
  • Get a variable-speed pump. These pumps rarely break down, ensuring you experience an optimal performance when sanitizing your pool. They also enable you to have an energy-efficient pool as you can run the pump in a lower and cost-effective setting since you’ll use minimal electricity.
  • Run the filtration system for longer. That helps circulate the water in your swimming pool well to prevent algae growth on pool walls.
  • Lastly, make it a point to get a pool professional to regularly test your swimming pool water to keep track of the chlorine application needs. The testing process could also offer insight into other pool products you may need.

To Sum It Up

A swimming pool in your backyard offers functionality and gives aesthetic pleasure. New Jersey’s residents can turn to Dell Outdoor for professional pool design and installations.

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Adam Kopelan
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The crew at Dell is highly professional and expert at pool and landscape construction. All of the team from Anthony, Rich, Darek, and all are a pleasure to work with. The work is meticulous and they stand by their work. I highly recommend them for a backyard pool and landscaping project.

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Joe Ferraiolo
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It is/was the best decision we have ever made regarding home improvements on any level. From the planning, approvals, construction, and clean up went exactly how it was supposed to go. No surprises, no hidden costs, no disappearing acts, and perfect execution for the entire project.

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Liz Ferraiolo
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Several times over the project,  a team member would pull us out side to recommend how something should look or how it could be improved. Not only did this help the vision of the project but most of the times it actually cut costs. What contractor would try to cut costs?!? These guys really look out for the home owner. Whenever the next project comes along I now have only one phone call to make and that is to the team at Dell. My family cannot thank you all for creating this amazing paradise for us.

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Brett Traficant
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Dell build me a backyard that is so nice I never want to go anywhere else! The pool and landscaping they designed for us is amazing. The entire staff, from Anthony to the team installing the pool and pavers, were wonderful to work with and extremely professional.

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Tyler Cook
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We had Dell install our pool and it turned out better than we thought it would. Anthony laid out his plan for us in the first consultation, gave us a price that included everything so there were no surprises. His workers are highly skilled and genuinely nice people. I highly recommend this company.

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Pathikrit Bhowmick
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They were great - very responsive over phone, undertook a complex spa installation within few days while the owner was not present at home. Would highly recommend!

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Aldo Lavorini
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I have always used Dell Landscaping for my pool or landscaping needs. Most recently I had Dell landscape a small courtyard at my townhouse in Mahwah, the job came out amazing, all my neighbors pass by and cannot believe what a beautiful detailed job was done in this little space.

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Antoinette Russin
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Respectful and dedicated workers. Although the job ended up costing more than I was quoted It was worth the "extras" and the extra money I paid for the pool. Would definitely recommend this company and their workmanship.

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