Why is a chlorine shortage forcing UK swimming pools to close?

Leisure centers are the latest to be hit by a series of global crises as the chemical used to treat bacterial pests in pool water runs out.

But why is there a chlorine deficiency?

Why is there a chlorine deficiency?

The shortages were attributed to a backlog of supplies from China due to Covid-19, global transportation problems and a fire at a US chemical plant in late 2020.

The war between Ukraine and Russia and Brexit border controls also contributed to the crisis.

The pool at the Snowdome in Tamworth has been closed since Sunday due to the problem, while pools in Beccles, Suffolk and several in Scotland have had to close.

“We’re coping at the moment, we have emergency supplies due to arrive next week but the weather has brought us some bad news,” he said.

The recent hot weather is also said to cause problems, as “extreme heat on the water” means the chemicals are burning off faster than usual.

A UK Active survey found that without urgent financial support, 79% of public leisure centers could be forced to close in the next six months.

The cost to the industry of keeping pools and spas heated has more than doubled from an estimated £500m in 2019 to around £1.1bn this year.

For larger operators, this means a cost increase of up to 150%.

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