LEXINGTON, Ky. — As homeowners start to prep swimming pools for the season, they will face a widespread chlorine shortage. In some parts of the country, pool supply stores have imposed quantity restrictions. In other areas, prices for chlorine tablets have already doubled from this past year.

The shortage resulted from a pandemic swimming pool boom that increased demand for chlorine and a major chemical plant fire in Louisiana that disrupted the supply chain. According to an article on CNBC.com, the chlorine shortage is widespread and will likely worsen and is blindsiding pool owners, many of whom are mainly unaware of the problem, according to an article on CNBC.com.

Tracy Dick, a spokesperson for Leslie’s Pool Supplies, which has a location in Lexington, said the company does have chlorine tabs in stock, but the supply chain is sporadic at best.

“We are currently experiencing fluctuations in online inventory and are working to expedite the fulfillment of outstanding orders,” Dick said. “Overall, at Leslie’s, we have not experienced a shortage in our chlorine selection and are confident in our inventory this year. We know summer is right around the corner, and some of the best memories are made around the pool. We remain committed to providing our customers everything they need for their pools and spas this season.”

The city of Lexington operates six community pools, all of which are set to open at the end of May or the beginning of June. Susan Straub, director of communications in Mayor Linda Gorton’s office, said the city uses liquid chlorine and has not experienced supply problems.

“The issue is with chlorine tablets for residential pools,” she said.

Jeremy Howard, of Sidney, Kentucky, said he is having trouble finding chlorine tablets for his pool, but also when he does, the price has increased significantly.

“Before the shortage, a 50-pound tub of chlorine was approximately $150,” he said. “Now, if I can even find it, a 25-pound tub is $150 or more. All the local dealers said once they sell what they have in stock, they do not expect to receive any more until 2022. I wish I hadn’t even opened my pool now, to be honest.”

Research by Atlanta-based firm Pkdata found there are 5.2 million residential inground pools in the U.S. and 255,000 commercial pools, and it is estimated that 60%-70% of them use chlorine tablets. According to the research, when the coronavirus pandemic forced people to stay home, the demand for home improvements such as backyard swimming pools skyrocketed, as did the need for chlorine.

The supply was further hampered when the manufacturing facility of one of the country’s significant suppliers of chlorine tablets, BioLab in Lake Charles, Louisiana, burned down this past August after Hurricane Laura. The plant will not resume operations until spring 2022.

Pool owners are now faced with not opening their pools or converting to a more expensive alternative, such as converting to saltwater or using bromine.