‘Chlorine shortage’ could see closure of East Riding’s pools
‘NO GUARANTEE STOCKPILES WON’T RUN OUT’ THIS YEAR
A CHLORINE shortage could force public swimming pools across the East Riding to close, with “no guarantee” stockpiles will not run out.
So far, all public swimming pools are still open and an East Riding Council spokesperson said plans were in place to share chemical supplies if shortages threaten them.
Meanwhile, a Hull City Council spokesperson said all public swimming pools in Hull were currently unaffected by the crisis.
The East Riding spokesperson said people would be informed on social media of any pool closures, commenting: “We appreciate how important our pools are to the healthand wellbeing of our residents and visitors, and in providing learn-to-swim opportunities.
“We are doing all we can to ensure the continued supply of chemicals by working with our supplier and procurement team, together with contingency plans in place to share chemicals across our sites should there be a need.
“If this national shortage means that we must close any of our pools,then this will be communicated immediately through our websites and social media channels, as usual.”
The spokesperson confirmed revised delivery dates for chemicals had so far been honoured but there were “no guarantees” that would continue.
A swimming pool trade body expert said chemical companies were experiencing supply chain problems, leading to shortages.
Swimming Pool and Allied Trades Association (SPATA) managing director Chris Hayes said a temporarily reduced stock in the UK and backlogs due to coronavirus in China were partly to blame.
He added a significant fire in a US chemical plant in late 2020 and worldwide transport issues were also contributing to the shortages.
Mr Hayes said: “We are aware that some public pools have needed to close temporarily, and chemical suppliers will be working with these leisure facilities to look at other appropriate pool chemicals that can be used.
“SPATA believes these issues will be short-term, but encourages leisure facilities to monitor the situation and work closely with their chemical supplier.”
The Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group (PWTAG), which advocates for standards in the industry, stated China had cut back on chlorine production in the run-up to the Winter Olympics.
China has also closed down factories that are failing to comply with stricter environmental pollution rules, resulting in less output.
Problems have also been caused by the only route for shipping chemicals between China and the UK, which is via Antwerp.
The plant which burnt down in the US is predicted to not be back in operation until later this year.
The transfer of regulations from the EU to the UK has also made it nearly impossible for manufacturers to put through their products for assessments, PWTAG has claimed.
The pool of suppliers has also dwindled to two and there are now only two forms of calcium hypochlorite in the UK, HTH, and Melclorite.
The cost of the product is £100,000 meaning a larger market is needed to sustain the costs, PWTAG stated.
Supplies may also be restricted even further due to INEOS, the main maker of sodium hypochlorite in the UK, shutting down its plant this month and for part of June.