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 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.
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.
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.
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:
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.