Industry publications began reporting a shortage of chlorine tablets last year, according to Business Insider.
The effect of lockdowns due to COVID-19 also contributed to more pool usage and upkeep, Pool Magazine reported in September 2020.
Chlorine is commonly used to treat pool water and is effective at killing harmful germs and bacteria, CNBC reported.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a free chlorine concentration of at least 1 part per million in swimming pools and 3 ppm in hot tubs, the Miami Herald reported.
“For the past 20 years, a typical 50-pound bucket of chlorine would run anywhere from $75 to $85.