The right pool equipment will make top-notch maintenance easy, but so, too, will the right cleaners, parts, and filter cartridges. Replacement cartridges are especially important to get right, because cleaning them should be as simple as removing, rinsing, and replacing. So, let’s delve into the importance of finding the right replacement cartridge, why they should make cleaning easy, and how extending the cleaning cycle can lead to happier customers. 

With the integration of Pleatco©, a long-standing pool brand, into the Pentair Pool umbrella, you now have two trusted brands partnering to bring products like the Pleatco Ultra Pool Replacement Cartridge to the market. These innovative replacement cartridges are designed to fit in filters from most major pool brands and manufacturers, offering versatility and convenience like never before. This minimizes the need for pool professionals to stock multiple brands of replacement filters, simplifying inventory management and reducing costs. In short, you can save time and money stocking Pleatco Ultra cartridges that can meet the varied equipment set-ups of your customers. 

Not all replacement filters are created equal. The Pleatco Ultra cartridge, the only replacement cartridge with three technologies built-in, stands out for its filtration capabilities and durability. Crafted with point-bonded fabric, these cartridges effectively capture dirt and debris, and PurePleat helps prevent bunching and makes rinsing a breeze. Plus, its Free Flow Core creates maximum space for water to reach more of the fabric faster, reducing operating pressures on the system. It’s designed to make your job easier, and it’s an excellent option to consider as you’re selecting replacement cartridges for your customers. 

Though some customers are simply looking for a cheaper solution, quality can pay for itself. Lower-quality alternatives may require more frequent cleanings, which means pool owners spend more time waiting for a pro like you to come out and less time swimming, splashing, and having fun. By introducing them to the right filter cartridge, you can ensure your customers are satisfied enough to provide repeat business, share positive reviews, and make referrals. They’ll love the cleaner, clearer water, so it’s an easy boost for your business.  

But the benefits of carrying quality filters in your arsenal don’t end there! When a customer calls in for a filter cleaning at their pool, you don’t have time to waste as you’re going about your service route. Cleaning is a breeze with the right replacement cartridge, meaning you can get to the next pool faster. For your customers, that means less time in the backyard with you and more time swimming! 

Choosing the right replacement filter cartridges for your service offering can give you extended times between cleanings, opening up your busy service schedule to satisfy more customers. By leveraging the latest technology and innovations in pool filtration, you can also elevate the standard of service you provide. 

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Leslie’s AccuBlue Home® Delivers First 10-Point At-Home Pool and Spa Water Testing Solution to Ensure a Safe 2024 Swim Season

PHOENIX, March 26, 2024 – Clear-looking pool water is mistakenly assumed to be safe for swimming, according to a recent survey conducted by The Harris Poll and commissioned by Leslie’s, the leading and most trusted consumer brand in the U.S. pool and spa care industry.

According to the poll, 71% of those surveyed believe that clear water is clean and safe for swimming. However, even clear water can contain contaminants that pose a danger to swimmers, and pool owners shouldn’t assume a pool is safe just because the water is clear.

The news arrives as Leslie’s launches its water safety education campaign for the 2024 swim season. Leslie’s is spreading awareness of the three primary tenets of pool safety: maintaining healthy and safe water, securing the pool area, and participating in swimming lessons and water safety education.

“As we head into the 2024 swim season, our aim is to help educate pool owners on the tenets of pool safety. Among those tenets is maintaining healthy water, and we make it easy for pool owners to test and treat their water, creating a safe environment for all,” said Clay Spann, SVP of Merchandising at Leslie’s.

“We aren’t surprised by these survey results, as there are many misconceptions related to pool water chemistry,” Spann said. “The only way to really know if pool water is clean, healthy, and safe for swimming is to check if the water is properly balanced and sanitized. To be certain of this, owners must regularly test the pool water’s chemistry makeup and precisely measure 10 different components, including pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, metals, phosphates, sanitizer levels, and more.”

The Leslie’s/Harris Poll survey also revealed that 71% of Americans who are responsible for maintaining a pool say keeping water safe is complicated, a misperception Leslie’s aims to correct with its AccuBlue® and AccuBlue Home® testing and treatment solutions.

Leslie’s makes water testing simple with its industry-leading AccuBlue technology — the only pool and spa water test that covers all 10 water chemistry components. In just 60 seconds, this free, in-store water test delivers a hardcopy printout with a water quality score and step-by-step customized water treatment plan to help keep pool water balanced. Pool and spa owners have relied upon this professional-grade testing over the past six decades, with more than 50 million tests conducted by Leslie’s store teams.

The same survey revealed that 81% of Americans who maintain their own pools wish there was a home technology solution for comprehensive 10-point pool water testing.

Last May, Leslie’s made water testing even easier and more convenient when the company launched its AccuBlue Home® membership program, which offers the same leading in-store testing technology, engineered into a compact at-home device. The AccuBlue Home testing device connects to the Leslie’s app to deliver a water quality score and customized water treatment plan to the user’s mobile phone or tablet.

Since its launch, AccuBlue Home has been embraced by pool owners, who value its convenience and accuracy. The membership program has earned a nearly five-star rating in member reviews with comments echoing exactly what it is designed to do: “takes all the guesswork out of testing your pool water” and “this little machine does everything the one in the store does.”

AccuBlue Home: How It Works
The technology is sophisticated, but the process is simple.

Users simply insert a pool water sample into the water test disk and place it into the AccuBlue Home testing device. They then open Leslie’s app on their mobile device to start the test, and AccuBlue Home does the rest. Light wavelengths pass through the water sample to precisely measure the water’s chemistry makeup, and the app delivers the water test quality score and a step-by-step customized treatment plan in just 60 seconds. The app enables pool and spa owners to order home delivery of chemicals needed to execute the water treatment plan.

An AccuBlue Home membership costs $50 a month, which includes the home testing device for free, as well as $50 in Leslie’s credits each month for purchases online, in app, or in stores. AccuBlue Home members can use their monthly credit to purchase any products from Leslie’s, including sanitizers and balancing chemicals, as well as floats, games, and other accessories to make the most out of pool days.

Marianne Trusty, president of Pool Magazine, said, “We’ve long recognized the importance of comprehensive 10-point testing for healthy and safe water and to maintain the longevity of pool equipment. Leslie’s has always been a leader, and it’s remarkable that they have driven their in-store technology into such a sleek device and an easy-to-use approach for pool and hot tub water testing.”

Virtual Pool Water Assistant
The AccuBlue Home device, measuring just 4.5 inches wide by 3.5 inches tall, is small, stylish, and self-contained, resembling a virtual assistant device — in this case, a virtual pool water assistant. It incorporates photometric testing technology with optical sensors, as well as a centrifuge, replaceable test disks, and more.

Click here to learn more about AccuBlue Home, the first at-home pool and spa water testing solution that covers 10 crucial water chemistry components with a membership program that pays for itself. 

About Leslie’s 
Founded in 1963, Leslie’s is the largest and most trusted direct-to-consumer brand in the U.S. pool and spa care industry. The Company serves the aftermarket needs of residential and professional consumers with an extensive and largely exclusive assortment of essential pool and spa care products. The Company operates an integrated ecosystem of more than 1,000 physical locations and a robust digital platform, enabling consumers to engage with Leslie’s whenever, wherever, and however they prefer to shop. Its dedicated team of associates, pool and spa care experts, and experienced service technicians are passionate about empowering Leslie’s consumers with the knowledge, products, and solutions necessary to confidently maintain and enjoy their pools and spas.

For more information about Leslie’s, visit lesliespool.com or follow and engage with us: @lesliespoolcare on Instagram, Leslie’s on Facebook, and @lesliespoolcare on Twitter.

Survey Method:
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Leslie’s from March 5-7, 2024, among 2,087 adults ages 18 and older, among whom 314 are maintaining a pool. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level.

Media: Mardi Larson, Amendola for Leslie’s, mlarson@acmarketingpr.com, 612.384.4383

SOURCE Leslie’s, Inc.

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The pool industry has consistently demonstrated resilience and adaptability, thriving through economic shifts and changes in consumer behavior. As we look towards 2024, several indicators suggest that this sector will sustain its profitability and experience significant growth. This optimism is rooted in evolving consumer lifestyles, technological advancements, and the increasing role of e-commerce in the pool product marketplace. This article delves into the multifaceted reasons behind the enduring profitability of the pool industry, especially from the perspective of a pool product e-commerce brand.

The ongoing interest in home improvement and outdoor living, coupled with advances in pool technology, positions the pool industry on a promising trajectory. As an e-commerce brand in this space, understanding these dynamics is crucial for tapping into emerging opportunities and catering to consumers’ evolving needs. This exploration will highlight the key factors contributing to the industry’s success and offer insights into how businesses can leverage these trends for continued profitability in 2024.

Continued Demand for Home Improvement and Leisure

The shift towards spending more time at home has significantly impacted consumer priorities, with many seeking to enhance their living spaces for comfort and leisure. This trend has directly benefited the pool industry as homeowners look to create personal oases in their backyards. The desire for a private retreat conducive to relaxation and family time has spurred a surge in pool installations and upgrades. As pools become central to home entertainment and leisure, the demand for related products and accessories continues to grow, offering a steady revenue stream for e-commerce brands.

Furthermore, the emphasis on outdoor living spaces has never been stronger. Consumers are investing in comprehensive outdoor environments, including pools, spas, and sophisticated landscaping. Expanding beyond the pool into a complete outdoor living experience opens new product development and sales avenues. From stylish pool furniture to advanced cleaning systems, e-commerce brands have many opportunities to meet this demand.

Advancements in Pool Technology and Sustainability

Innovation in pool technology transforms how pools are built, maintained, and enjoyed. Innovative pool systems, which allow homeowners to monitor and control their pools via smartphone apps, are gaining popularity for their convenience and efficiency. These technologies enhance the user experience and promote sustainability through energy-efficient pumps, heating systems, and automated cleaning robots. As environmental concerns become a priority for consumers, eco-friendly pool solutions are a significant selling point.

E-commerce brands are at the forefront of offering these advanced, sustainable pool products. Their ability to quickly adapt to and distribute new technologies gives them a competitive edge. By emphasizing these innovations’ long-term cost savings and environmental benefits, pool product e-commerce platforms can attract eco-conscious consumers looking to invest in sustainable leisure solutions.

The Growth of E-commerce in the Pool Industry

E-commerce has revolutionized the pool industry, making accessing a wide range of pool products and accessories easier for consumers. Online shopping offers unparalleled convenience, allowing customers to research, compare, and purchase products with just a few clicks. For e-commerce brands, this shift has opened up new markets and customer segments. By leveraging digital marketing and online sales platforms, these companies can reach a broader audience, including those in regions where traditional pool supply stores are scarce.

E-commerce also enables brands to offer more competitive pricing and a broader selection of products than brick-and-mortar stores. This accessibility is a critical driver in the industry’s growth, as consumers seek the best deals and the latest online products. As e-commerce grows, pool product brands that optimize their online presence and customer experience will be well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.

The Rising Popularity of Staycations

The concept of staycations, or vacationing at home, has become increasingly popular, further boosting the pool industry. With more people choosing to spend their leisure time and vacation budgets enhancing their home environments, pools have become a focal point for creating a resort-like experience in one’s backyard. This trend encourages new pool installations and supports the market for pool accessories, luxury features, and outdoor furnishings that enhance the staycation experience.

For e-commerce brands, the staycation trend represents an opportunity to market pools and related products as essential components of the ultimate home vacation. By offering bundled packages, seasonal promotions, and ideas for creating the perfect backyard getaway, these brands can engage customers looking to invest in their staycation capabilities.

A combination of consumer trends, technological advancements, and the expanding role of e-commerce underpins the pool industry’s trajectory toward continued profitability in 2024. As homeowners increasingly seek to enhance their living spaces with pools and outdoor amenities, the demand for innovative, sustainable pool products grows. With their ability to offer a wide selection of items and cater to the convenience-driven shopper, E-commerce platforms are uniquely positioned to thrive in this environment.

Looking ahead, the pool industry’s potential is boundless, with opportunities for growth and innovation at every turn. For e-commerce brands within this space, staying attuned to consumer preferences, embracing technological advancements, and maximizing the reach and efficiency of online sales channels will be critical strategies for capitalizing on the industry’s enduring profitability. As we move into 2024, the pool industry stands as a beacon of resilience, poised to meet the evolving desires of homeowners and leisure seekers alike with creativity and innovation.

In the spirit of innovation and commitment to customer satisfaction, Pool Goods emerged as a testament to our dedication to meeting and exceeding the needs of pool and spa owners. Recognizing a gap in our service offerings, we transitioned from focusing on in-person services to creating an expansive online platform that caters to a national audience. Launched in January 2022, Pool Goods represents our evolution from a local service provider to a premier online destination for high-quality pool and spa products. Our journey, inspired by our clients’ inquiries and our passion for the aquatic lifestyle, now enables us to deliver an extensive array of products directly to your doorstep, ensuring that every backyard can transform into a perfect oasis.

Behind Pool Goods stand Stuart, Jake, and Zach—three cousins whose lifelong friendship and shared enthusiasm for pools and spas have fueled the company’s success. With a blend of unique talents and a unified vision, we have crafted a brand deeply rooted in family values and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Our mission extends beyond selling products; it’s about providing a holistic shopping experience that supports our customers through every step of their pool and spa journey. From essential maintenance supplies to the latest in pool technology, Pool Goods is dedicated to offering only the best, ensuring your pool or spa is not just a feature of your home but a centerpiece of your family’s joy and relaxation.

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Did you know the first pool cleaner was invented in 1912? John Davison submitted a patent application to the United States Patent and Trademark Office entitled “Cleaning Apparatus For Swimming Pools And The Like.” The patent was issued on March 25th, 1913. The patent, proof that technology and innovation have long roads and requires many forward-thinking innovators.

While subtle advances and alternative cleaning techniques were trickling into the early days of the pool cleaning industry, it wasn’t until forty years later, in 1953, Joseph Eistrup invented a “pool cleaner.” Two years later, the “automatic swimming pool cleaner” was invented by Andrew Pansini. The original design was a crude device with several parts welding together but was described as “effective to remove the scum, dirt, and other accumulations from both the bottom and sidewalls of a pool to disperse foreign matter in the water for removal therefrom by a normal pump-filter system of the pool”.

Since then, technology has jumped leaps and bounds. It has brought down and raised entire industries, just for pool cleaners, but for everything. The rise of technology, computers, and artificial intelligence have defined eras, transformed how we live our lives. For pool owners, this has been no exception, as commercial pool cleaning devices have been more financially accessible, smarter, and more efficient.

Wireless technology, solar charging, and artificial intelligence are converging and intertwining to make a product that redefined pool cleaning for the current generation of pool owners. Behind every incredible yard is a brand that values making things clearer, tidier, and easier. The keepers of clean, Aiper proudly believes in transforming your yard into a paradise. Bringing ease, comfort, and value to your every day.

Since 2017, Aiper has earned its reputation for being an eco-friendly, smart solution in cleaning robotics. Aiper is not just the world’s best in cordless robotic pool cleaners but a pioneer of smart-yard robotics. Merging technology, innovation, and AI, their goal is clear – to make cleaning effortless, hassle-free, and automated.

There are 10.7 million swimming pools in the United States, on average boosting home values by about $35,000., roughly %7 of most homes. Maintaining that investment is a tedious, time-consuming task. The players in the robotic pool cleaning industry include Maytronics, Pentair, Polaris, Zodiac, and of course, Aiper. However, each Aiper is guaranteed to minimize the time and money spent laboring away, which means less time doing chores and more time poolside with friends and family. Racking up dozens of awards in the last two years, particularly, the Aiper Seagull Pro, Aiper is establishing themselves as the go-to brand in not just pool cleaning, but smart robotics.

The technology put into Aiper devices is cutting-edge and scales according to users needs. Aiper has designed an entire line of CORDLESS robotic pool cleaners with every pool owner in mind. If you’re looking for an entry into the robotic pool cleaner market without breaking the bank or having a smaller, above-ground pool, Aiper’s Seagull SE is a solid choice for first time pool cleaning buyers. Featuring a 90-minute battery life and a hydrodynamic design that glides across your pool’s floor, the Seagull SE is a miniature cleaning workhorse. And for the toughest cleaning jobs, the Aiper Seagull Pro is your answer. The world’s best cordless robotic pool cleaner, the Aiper Seagull Pro is a rapid charging cleaner boasting a three-hour battery life, up to 130 gallons per minute of filtration, wall cleaning and self-parking capabilities, and Aiper’s own patented WavePath Navigation technology. Technology that intelligently plans the most efficient cleaning plan to increase performance and save your devices battery. 

From the humble beginnings of the very fist robotic pool cleaner in 1912 and over 100 years of innovation, pool cleaning techniques and technology are finally making things not just easier, but more environmentally friendly, saving thousands of liters of water, and hundreds of dollars in electrical usage every year. Aiper isn’t just making things easier for pool owners, it’s making the pool owning experience a breeze for pool owners and with Black Friday around the corner, now is the best time to snag one in the line of the world’s best cordless robotic pool cleaners. 

Take care of your pool, and take care of it cheaper, with Aiper’s Black Friday Sale. From November 13th to November 30th, Aiper is discounting their award-winning Seagull Series by as much as 50% on some models, and the award-winning Seagull Pro is $310 off! Discount information and codes are below. For more information, check out Aiper.com.

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For a limited time, Natural Chemistry will offer a beautiful retail display rack for its line of high-end spa water treatment products.  With sleek graphics and modern wooden shelving, this retail display rack will enhance any retail store area.  Designed for retail operations looking to add a premium line of spa water treatment products, the display rack is available to those purchasing 12 cases of any mix of NC spa product available in the product line, from maintenance and remedy product to balancing and sanitizing products.  For more information, contact your local NC Brands District Sales Manager, or email ncbrands@biolabinc.com.

This beautifully designed spa water product line gives retailers a high-end spa water care program with easy-to-understand categories of products that sanitize, balance, maintain and remedy spa water.  The clean, upscale look of the product packaging, is visually attractive and highlights relaxation, simplicity and wellness.   Created to provide retailers with an easy-to-sell program to spa owners that provides superior results for consumers. 

www.naturalchemistry.com

800 753 1233

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The Independent Pool and Spa Service Association (IPSSA) continues to grow and has created more opportunities for its members and chapters to earn recognition and prizes.  IPSSA now offers three awards designed specifically for service professionals that are members.

The newest of these awards is called The Pool Professional of Tomorrow Award to be awarded to any member that demonstrates a commitment to the growth and future of the pool service industry through the activities within their chapter and community.  Designed specifically for newer members, applicants must be active in the industry for less than 10 years. The winner receives a $500 prize and travel accommodations to the annual Weekend of Inspiration event in 2024. 

Additionally, the Independent Pool and Spa Service Association has expanded its well-known Terry Cowles Lifetime achievement award. Established in 2006, the award for individuals was established for those with over 10 years of active service in IPSSA and provides a cash award and complimentary tickets to the annual banquet event.  The new Chapter of the Year Award provides a first, second and third place award that includes cash funds for the chapter as well as complimentary tickets and hotel accommodations for chapter members to the organization’s Weekend of Inspiration event. 

Those interested in applying for these awards, please contact Rose Smoot (rose@ipssa.com) for details on the nomination criteria.  Submissions must be received by September 1, 2023 to be considered for the awards.  Since its inception in 1988, IPSSA was established to promote educational opportunities and provide business support and resources to its members.  These awards are part of the organizations continued desire to engage members and the criteria reflect the organization’s core values of community, education and support of all IPSSA members.  More information about how to join a chapter can be found on their website, the official Facebook page, or by calling 888-360-9505.

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Senator Ben Allen, a Democrat from Santa Monica, introduced SB 676, a bill that aimed to authorize a local tax on specific swimming pool chemicals. However, the bill has been postponed until 2024. If passed, the bill would have allowed local public entities to impose a tax of up to $0.30 per tablet on trichlor tablets purchased at retail stores. The revenue generated from the tax would have been used for public education on the proper use of trichlor tablets in commercial and residential pool settings, as well as local water conservation efforts.

Exact Specifics of SB 676:

“This bill would authorize a county to levy a tax by ordinance, approved by a ¹/₂ vote of the electors, at a rate of no more than $0.30 per tablet, on the sale within its jurisdiction of trichlor tablets, as defined. The bill would require a county imposing such a tax to contract with the department to administer the tax and would require the ordinance levying the tax to sunset no later than 5 years after its effective date unless the ordinance is extended by the electors, as specified. The bill would require a retailer engaged in business in a county that has an operative ordinance enacted pursuant to the bill to collect the tax from the consumer at the point of sale and would require the retailer to remit the tax to the department. The bill would require the department to allocate the tax revenues, as specified, and would require the county to expend those revenues for purposes of public education related to proper use of trichlor tablets in commercial and residential pool settings and local water conservation.”

Controversial Bill Gets Pushback From California Pool Industry

During the recent meeting at the Western Pool & Spa Show, the CPSA Board of Directors unanimously voted against the bill after a spirited discussion. Discussions with the bill’s sponsor, HASA, revealed that amendments were being considered to expand the authority to dichlor tablets, as well as granular and stick forms of the products.

While the bill would not have applied to wholesale sales, concerns were still expressed by board members that it could set a bad precedent, and that the bill was premature since there had been no discussion with the industry on this topic.

With legislative policy committee deadlines quickly approaching in April, the decision was made to turn SB 676 into a two-year bill, meaning it will not move forward in 2023 but will still be eligible for consideration in 2024. This delay provides an opportunity for a broader debate within the industry regarding this topic.

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The news of BioLab’s plant burning to the ground during Hurricane Laura in 2020 had a ripple effect on chlorine prices that has lasted for the past two years. We first reported that BioLab was rebuilding the plant back in July of 2021. A recent announcement that construction is completed and in time for summer production has pool industry analysts optimistic. “We are delighted to reopen our BioLab facility in time to support the 2023 pool season,” said Michael Sload, CEO of KIK Consumer Products.

BioLab is the nation’s second-largest manufacturer of dry chlorine products. An announcement that the Westlake, Louisiana facility is fully operational means that one of the driving factors for the initial spike we saw on the price of chlorine has been removed. Prices for dry chlorine products soared in 2021 due to concerns about shortages and remained high through the summer of 2022.

Understanding The Correlation Between BioLab & Price Increases

The conditions for a sudden surge in the price for chlorine stemmed partly from the fact that BioLab was out of commission. The main factor that was driving prices to explode during the past two years was largely due to the pandemic in general.

A large percentage of the population was quarantined, which meant more people than ever before, were at home and using their swimming pool. This put a much higher glut on demand than anticipated. With the pandemic shutting many plants down, and logistical delays plaguing distributors throughout most of 2021, these conditions as well as rising inflation in 2022 kept prices high through the summer.

The reopening of the BioLab facility will certainly impact the supply chain in a positive way. “BioLab will be actively supplying the pool market for the 2023 season which should provide some relief,” said plant manager Donald Brunette.

Prices are predicted to begin dropping a bit in light of that fact but will certainly not sink lower than they were prior to the pandemic. As the population starts to adjust to a post-Covid world, the surge we saw for swimming pools has already begun to recalibrate to pre-pandemic levels. The only remaining catalyst for keeping chlorine prices from truly resetting back to 2020 is the cumulative rate of inflation is roughly 14.7% higher than in 2020.

While this should certainly factor into the equation, most experts agree that with this news, the chlorine shortage is finally over and a bucket of chlorine tablets should cost substantially less next summer than it has in previous years. This comes as welcome news for both consumers and pool professionals.

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One of the specialty chemicals being talked about a lot in light of the chlorine shortages and rising prices are borates. As strong proponents of borates, it troubles us to say that our go-to sanitzer supplement may soon be facing the same shortages and rising costs that we’ve been seeing on the trichlor side.

What The Boron Shortage Means For The Pool Industry

If you’re in the pool business you already know, borates are becoming increasingly difficult to find. What inventory is available is vastly more expensive than in previous years. We’re already knee-deep into the dog days of summer and prices for chlorine have skyrocketed well past analysts’ projections.

A lot of pool service professionals have been turning to borates as the savior during this time of inflation and rising prices. Many technicians already use borates as a buffer against upwards shifting pH. When your pH level rises above what is deemed “normal” (about 7.8), using borates achieves optimum results.

Why Pool Professionals Are Turning To Borates

Bacteria can thrive in water with a high pH level. When this happens it makes chlorine less effective. Pool professionals use borates to alleviate the issue, because it works to keep pH from drifting upward. In addition, there are other positive aspects to using borates in your pool. For one, it keeps the pool clear of algae and calcium scaling. Pool equipment repair specialists will be the first ones to recommend borates. When it comes to maintaining ideal water chemistry for your pool equipment, borates does an amazing job.

For the past few years, the adoption of borates by pool pros has steadily increased season after season. The concern now is that we may have hit maximum capacity as demand has increased well beyond available inventory.

Dwindling Boron Supplies Driving Prices Higher

The global boron market shortage is driving prices higher this season. For those who’ve been thinking of switching to using borates, this definitely is something to consider. When it comes to getting trichlor at affordable rates, it already feels that pool pros are a lower priority as far as it goes to maintaining pricing structures. Now, it appears the same thing has begun happening with borates.

Although borates and boric acid are near synonymous with pools, the swimming pool industry itself is actually a lower priority in terms of its consumption of boron. The industrial glass industry is the largest consumer of boron, roughly 48%, followed by the ceramics industry (15%) and agricultural industry (15%); the cleaning industry of which the pool industry represents a fraction consumes roughly 2% of the world’s boron.

You’ll find boron in everything from industrial fertilizers to high-end ceramics and solar panels. Boron also has medical applications which improve wound healing and boosts the body’s usage of estrogen, testosterone, and vitamin D. It improves magnesium absorption, reduces inflammation, increases antioxidants, and boosts brain electrical activity in both cognitive performance as well as short-term memory.

What is absolutely certain is that we (the pool industry) didn’t cause a borates shortage. Clearly, demand is higher in these other industries which are causing prices to surge. Right now the boron supply chain is very weak. Over 60% of the material comes from mines located in Turkey which is the top producer, followed by Russia, South America and the United States.

For the time being, production is gradually declining. As existing boron reserves deplete, we’re seeing demand far exceed supplies, resulting in higher prices such as $1,250 per ton, far exceeding analysts’ predictions for $739 per ton.

While the demand in the U.S. by pool professionals may be high, the top consumer of boron is China, followed by India and Japan. Boron is produced domestically only in the State of California and it appears very little of it is earmarked towards maintaining supply chains for borates.

Final Thoughts

The story isn’t all doom and gloom for pool professionals who want to switch to borates. Fortunately, folks like Natural Chemistry, Brenntag, and others are still intent on keeping inventory on the shelves so you should still be able to find their products through distribution. If they don’t have borates available, demand that they replenish their stock. This may be the only way to guarantee the pool industry remains a priority at all.

Listen to our entire discussion on the Talking Pools podcast.

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With no relief in sight, chlorine prices continue to soar as costs keep rising for pool chemicals this summer. Since almost the very start of the pandemic prices for pool sanitizers like chlorine have nearly doubled and at the retail level consumers are paying nearly triple what they were before the end of 2020.

What Caused Prices To Go Up?

Soaring costs for fuel, rising inflation, and a litany of other factors such as logistical delays and workforce shortages have plagued the pool industry. A factory closure due to a fire at one of the nation’s largest producers of dried chlorine products certainly did not help matters.

BioLab, the manufacturer in question is spending $170 million dollars on rebuilding their plant after it burnt to the ground during Hurricane Laura. While many pool professionals were hoping that the plant would be back online in time to impact and offset summer chlorine prices, a series of delays related to a second hurricane has pushed back operations. Consequently, any impact BioLab’s production would have had on this year’s chlorine supply is now a moot point.

Will Chlorine Prices Go Back Down?

Industry pundits and analysts know what caused prices to spike. That’s never been the issue. The question that remains to be answered: When will chlorine prices go back down? The answer is, they won’t.

While chlorine prices are expected to stabilize somewhat within the next year, rising costs, inflation, and an increase in consumer demand will keep chlorine prices high well into next summer and the immediate, foreseeable future.

Exactly how much have Chlorine prices increased?

Chlorine like many other chemicals is a commodity. As such the prices for chemical commodities are clearly viewable from various credible sources. The price index for Alkalies and Chlorine, Including Natural Sodium Carbonate and Sulfate, reached a record high of 483.79600 in May of 2022. As we progress later into the summer and prices are predicted to continue to rise and blow away analysts’ forecasts.

In response to a changing market, many pool professionals began to switch to liquid chlorine and alternative sanitizing methods to help offset operational costs. Consequently, these materials have also increased in price over the last year and a half. Exactly how high have prices gone?

Well let’s put it this way, you can finance a 50-pound $449 bucket of Bromine tablets for just $41 bucks a month if you buy it from Leslie’s, on Amazon you’ll pay $498 if you can find them in stock. That we’re at a state that necessitates the need for consumers to be able to finance a bucket of tablets, is a pause for reflection on exactly how high prices have gone up.

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