Is there a shortage of chlorine for pools in Florida?

LUCIE, Fla. — A nationwide chlorine shortage is being felt across South Florida causing consumers to stock up at supply stores. “We remain busy really all the time but today was just incredible,” said Morningside Pools manager Fiona DeTura. DeTura said chlorine tablets specifically are hard to come by.

Why is there a chlorine shortage in Florida?

A chlorine shortage is to be expected in 2021. This is due to a chemical fire that was caused by Hurricane Laura in August 2020. That fire destroyed one of the country’s largest chlorine plants, reducing the overall chlorine supply this year. But fear not!

Can you swim in a pool without chlorine?

Swimming in a pool without chlorine will probably not kill you. You will probably not develop a bacteria that attacks your brain, and you will probably not develop flesh eating bacteria that results in death or major loss of limbs. Chlorine is the lesser of the two evils when it comes to keeping swimming water safe.

Why are chlorine tablets in short supply?

The shortage is due to increased demand for pool supplies during the pandemic and a chemical fire at a BioLab facility in Louisiana after Hurricane Laura that knocked out one of the country’s three main chlorine manufacturers.

How often does the city of Fort Lauderdale use free chlorine?

Free chlorination is a common practice used by water producers using the chloramine treatment method. It is typically performed once or twice per year over a two to four week time-period to remove biofilms from inside the distribution pipes. What is Free Chlorine?

What are the rules for swimming pools in Florida?

Detailed criteria for public pool construction design, equipment requirements, pool operation, and water quality may be found in the Florida Building Code under Section 454 Swimming Pools And Bathing Places, 454.1 Public swimming pools and bathing places, and in Chapter 64E-9, Public Swimming Pools and Bathing Places, Florida Administrative Code.

Is there a free period for chlorine disinfection?

Free chlorination is a common practice for water systems using combined chlorine disinfection. The chlorination period is anticipated to be transparent to water customers; however, some may notice a slight change in the taste or smell of their tap water.

What’s the maximum temperature for a swimming pool in Florida?

To prevent heat stroke, the State of Florida requires that swimming pools (or spa pools) with heaters operate at a maximum temperature of 104° F. Spa pool rules must also state that the maximum use is 15 minutes. A clock must be visible from the spa pool. There are no other temperature requirements.