Chlorine Shortage

Last summer, many swimming pools around the United States were out of commission. The reason? A shortage of tablets containing the element chlorine (Cl)—a product used to disinfect pools.

When these tablets are added to water, a chemical reaction occurs, causing new compounds to form. One of these is hypochlorous acid (HOCl), the germ-killing ingredient in bleach. It destroys any harmful microbes—like algae, bacteria, and viruses—that can contaminate pools.

In 2020, Hurricane Laura destroyed the Louisiana factory that produces most of the nation’s chlorine tablets. Meanwhile, more people were installing pools while spending time at home because of Covid-19. That only increased the demand for a chemical already in short supply. Since pools couldn’t be maintained, many kids missed out on swimming.

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