Industry News
Chlorine Tablet Shortage Due to Covid-19 & BioLab Fire
If you’ve had trouble getting your hands on Chlorine tablets lately, you’re not alone. There is an industry wide shortage partially due to a large fire at the BioLab facility as well as to the ongoing impact Covid-19 has had on production. Contributing to the scarcity have been industry wide shut downs as many states adapt to closures and shutting back down due to a surge in cases of Covid-19 the past few months.
Chlorine Tablet Shortage Looms As BioLab Fire Cuts Off Production
With a limited number of available summer options for travel due to Covid-19, the pool industry saw a surge in demand this year. More homeowners opted to build a pool, and existing pool owners saw increased usage of their inground swimming pools throughout the summer. The increase in demand has led to a shortage of chlorine tablets. The recent fire that manufacturer BioLab had has currently put them out of production. The industry is sure to feel the pinch as prices and demand continue to skyrocket.
![](https://poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/chlorine-tablet-shortage.jpg)
“Trichlor is a really popular brand of sanitizer. It’s primarily used in residential swimming pools.” said Dago Cabral, owner of Custom Pools in Miami FL. Pool Service companies are certain to feel the price increase first. Paul Putscher of Pool Keepers in Lindale, TX said “The loss of BioLab can only mean another increase in prices. We’re sure to see an increase from the other manufacturers. We were already facing a shortage. This just makes matters even worse”.
“For service companies that rely on trichlor tabs and dichlor it presents a real problem” said Nilson Silva of Master Touch Pools in Boca, FL. “Shortage of any chemical can be disastrous for service companies. This is not simply a matter of inconvenience. We’ve had to deal with so many price increases and shortages this year, this is just compounding the problem”.
Panic Driven Market Has Led To A Surge In Pricing
Scarcity certainly does drive demand as well as increased prices. We’ve seen this across the board in the pool industry this year. Prices for everything have gone up in correlation with closures due to the pandemic. Manufacturers have struggled to keep up with the demand as pool companies continue to get little relief from the effects of Covid-19 related shortages.
Many pool service companies have opted to switch to liquid chlorine during the shortage. With many local suppliers being sold out of chlorine tablets, there was little alternative for some. “Thankfully in the winter we don’t need as many chlorine tablets as we do during the summer months” – Jeffery Johnston – Quality Clear Pools. “Homeowners routinely ask me for alternatives to santizing their pool with chlorine. I recommend Pool RX. It greatly reduces the amount of chlorine you need in your pool.”
The shortage of chlorine tablets has led to an increase in alternative products for sanitizing the pool. “We’ve seen an increase in the number of Ozone systems we’re installing now” said Jason De Bosky of Crystal Blue Aquatics. “They aren’t an alternative for chlorine. These products promote way less chlorine usage. I think we’ve done 11 of them this season alone.”
Certainly as scarcity continues to prices will increase. Pool companies are resorting to other methods of chlorinating the pool. “There is no need to panic. Pool companies have this well in hand. There is more than 1 way to get the job done” De Bosky continued “There are enzymes and algaecides that help sanitize the pool. Proper water chemistry can be achieved using a variety of other products”.
Industry News
National Drowning Prevention Alliance Calls Attention To Increased Risk Of Drownings During Hurricanes And Tropical Storms As Idalia Approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast
![NDPA Five Layers of Protection](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NDPA.jpg)
(Tustin, CA – August 28, 2023) – As a state of emergency is declared for 33 Florida counties ahead of Tropical Storm Idalia, which is expected to become a hurricane before making landfall sometime Wednesday along Florida’s Gulf Coast, the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) reminds parents and families that storm fatalities are more likely from water not wind*, and to prepare accordingly.
While tropical storms and hurricanes are classified according to wind strength, adverse water-related conditions such as storm surge, rainfall flooding, rip currents, and high surf conditions account for the majority of fatalities resulting from such events. According to a study by NHC, an average of seven of eight fatalities from tropical cyclones in the U.S. between 1963 and 2012 were drowning and/or water related.
“Applying the same drowning prevention strategies practiced in the home and when recreating around pools and open bodies of water, to storm preparedness can be equally helpful in preventing a drowning incident during a tropical storm or hurricane when flash floods and other dangerous water conditions occur,” said Adam Katchmarchi, Ph.D., Executive Director, National Drowning Prevention Alliance. “For one, we know that drownings among small children can occur with just a few inches of standing water, so whether storm waters enter the home or flooding conditions are present nearby, parents need to be vigilant and take precautions.”
Specifically, Katchmarchi also warns that filling bathtubs with water – often recommended ahead of storms and hurricanes in the event of post-storm water shortages – can become an increased drowning risk for children inside the home.
When it comes to water safety, more is better which is why NDPA advocates the Five Layers of Protection – barriers and alarms, water competency, supervision, life jackets, and emergency preparedness – all of which can be applied effectively as part of one’s overall hurricane preparedness practices.
In addition to the Five Layers of Protection to help prevent drowning, NDPA encourages those in tropical storm and hurricane-prone areas to follow NHC and NOAA hurricane preparedness guidelines including:
- · Determining if you live in a flood-prone area and/or in an evacuation zone
- · Shoring up vulnerable areas of your home where water and wind can enter such as basements, windows and roofs
- · Avoiding floodwaters and areas with downed powerlines following a storm
For additional hurricane preparedness recommendations, visit NOAA.gov.
*According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC)
About the National Drowning Prevention Alliance The mission of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance is “United, we can prevent the tragedy of drowning.” Through education, awareness, and advocacy, NDPA seeks to reduce the incidence of drowning and aquatic injuries in the United States and abroad and to address the single leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 4. To learn more, visit ndpa.org.
Equipment Supplies
LATICRETE Launches 254 PLATINUM Plus – The Ultimate Lightweight Thin-Set Adhesive Mortar
![Laticrete bag](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Laticrete.png)
This lightweight formula offers greater workability and a long 60-minute open time allowing for greater flexibility during the installation process
August 22, 2023, Bethany, Conn. — LATICRETE, a leading manufacturer of globally proven construction solutions for the building industry, has introduced 254 PLATINUMTM Plus, a high-performance, lightweight thin-set adhesive mortar that builds on the strengths of the original 254 PLATINUM. This new formula features a lighter, creamier consistency for greater workability and an impressive 60-minute open time to allow greater flexibility for installers on the job site. Additionally, a 25lb (11.3kg) bag of 254 PLATINUM™ Plus offers the same coverage as a standard 50lb (22.6kg) bag of adhesive mortar.
“We understand that whether you’re a professional contractor, architect or a DIY enthusiast, productivity and performance are paramount. 254 PLATINUM Plus not only delivers on both fronts, but its smooth, creamy consistency and lightweight formula ensures it’s easy to work with,” said Jonathan Scott, LATICRETE Senior Product Manager.
The new formula exceeds ANSI A118.15 requirements, the industry’s highest performance standard for cement-based adhesive mortars, making it ideal for any interior, exterior or submerged installations in commercial and residential projects. 254 PLATINUM Plus is UL Greenguard-certified for low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formulated without silica sand to ensure safer and healthier environments for contractors and end-users.
For greater peace of mind, the formula incorporates Microban® antimicrobial product protection to help prevent odor- and stain-causing bacteria and is backed by the LATICRETE best-in-class lifetime system warranty.
For more information, visit laticrete.com/254-platinum-plus.
Industry News
Goldfish Swim School Celebrates A Wave-Making Summer, With Franchisee Accolades, Noteworthy Openings And A Golden Announcement
![](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Goldfish-Swim-School.png)
TROY, Mich. (Aug. 17, 2023) – Goldfish Swim School Franchising, LLC, recognized five fin-tastic franchisees at its second annual School Leadership Summit in Troy, Michigan, earlier this month. The event provides school leadership teams and owners the opportunity to connect, celebrate successes and milestones, and share learnings and best practices.
The Franchise Team, with help from brand ambassador and Olympic gold medalist Cullen Jones, presented the five Core Value Awards to schools who embody the unique set of values that have made Goldfish Swim School a leader in its category and communities:
- Going Above and Beyond to Create a Golden Experience – Larisa and Jeff Posner, Goldfish Swim School – Springfield, New Jersey
- Providing Wow! Customer Service – Gilbride Ownership Group, Goldfish Swim School – North Canton, Ohio
- Treating People with Integrity, Compassion & Trust – Gina Thomas, Goldfish Swim School – Winter Park, Florida
- Meeting & Exceeding Expectations so you see Extraordinary Results – BHB Ownership Group, Goldfish Swim School – Canton, Michigan
- Making a Big Deal out of Life’s Accomplishments by Remembering to Celebrate – Wyckoff Ownership Group, Goldfish Swim School – Boise, Idaho
Strengthening the core of the Goldfish Swim School franchise, the brand entrusts franchisees to integrate these guiding principles into both the day-to-day operations of their swim schools and within their local communities.
“It brings us great joy to engage with, recognize and celebrate our franchisees from all over North America. We appreciate their relentless dedication to living and demonstrating our core values in their communities and in their schools.” said Chris McCuiston, CEO & Co-Founder of Goldfish Swim School Franchising, LLC. “Through their efforts, we’re able to teach more than 200,000 kids how to be safer in and around the water each week, and we’re eager to witness the continued growth of our franchisees and the brand.”
While all together, the brand also celebrated the milestone grand opening of Goldfish Swim School’s 150th school in Astoria, New York in June. The school is owned and operated by the brand’s first franchisees, BHB Group, led by Katie Lee and Hope and Brian Bayer. This is BHB Group’s 20th open school across seven states: Michigan, Indiana, Florida, Ohio, Oklahoma, New York and Maryland.
Adding to this momentum, Goldfish Swim school proudly commemorated the addition of drowning prevention advocate and World Champion Swimmer Ryan Murphy, alongside his parents Pat and Katy Murphy, and grandfather, Mike Sullivan, who plan to open Goldfish Swim School – Saint Johns, near his hometown in Florida. The school is slated for a spring 2024 opening.
Goldfish Swim School continues to lead the way in franchising for children’s swim schools. This year, the brand achieved the top spot in the Children’s Swimming Lessons category and secured the 69th position overall in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500. It also received recognition among the top 200 franchises and was distinguished as a leading Recession-Proof Franchise by Franchise Business Review.
With now more than 150 locations open and an additional 150+ schools in development, the brand remains focused on its strategic franchise expansion across North America.
Franchise opportunities remain available in Dallas, TX, throughout California and in Canada. For more information on Goldfish Swim School and its franchising opportunities, please visit https://www.goldfishswimschool.com/franchise-opportunities/ or call 248-801-1850.
About Goldfish Swim School:
Founded in 2006 by husband-and-wife team Chris and Jenny McCuiston, Troy, Michigan-based Goldfish Swim School provides swim lessons and water safety instruction to infants and children aged four months to 12 years. Classes are led by specially trained instructors in a safe, child-friendly environment using a research-based philosophy called The Science of SwimPlay®. Since opening its first franchised location in 2009, the brand has grown to 150+ schools in 30+ states, with an additional 150+ in development. Goldfish is ranked No. 69 overall in Entrepreneur’s 2023 Franchise 500® and has been recognized as the No. 1 provider of children’s swimming lessons for seven consecutive years, was named to Franchise Times’ Top 500 for 2022 and is rated as a Top Franchise by Franchise Business Review for 2023. Goldfish Swim School is currently in the process of expanding franchise opportunities throughout North America. For information on franchising, go to www.goldfishswimschool.com/franchising-opportunities.
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