Connect with us

PREMIUM SPONSORS

Industry News

Trichlor Shortage in the Pool Industry

Published

on

trichlor shortage

Trichlor is essential for maintaining clean pools. Unfortunately, trichlor is in short supply in the industry. The main reason for this trichlor shortage was the factory fire in Lake Charles that happened a while back. The fire damaged the only primary source of trichlor production. But does this affect the pool industry?

Trichlor Shortage in the Pool Industry

Fortunately, most pool companies will remain unaffected. The majority of pool owners use other pool sanitizing options, like sodium hypochlorite and baquacil. However, some pool owners will be affected by this shortage. As we speak, manufacturers are increasing the prices of chlorine tablets. And this poses a considerable challenge to commercial pool owners since the peak season is approaching.

How to deal with trichlor shortage

Pool supply companies and service providers came up with several strategies to help them deal with the situation. President of Patio Pleasures Pools & Spas, Rene Huston, began piling up on tabs. She says, “Immediately we heard about the tragedy, we bought tabs in excess, and we continue to do so. At some point, everyone is going to need chlorine, and the supply will probably be limited.” Well, piling your stock is not such a bad idea. However, you have to find a safe storage space for the stock. Moreover, you need a lot of cash to pay your suppliers.

The first sign of trichlor shortage

Before the global pandemic, trichlor used to cost about $70 to $75 per bucket. The prices started increasing gradually from 2019 to 2020. At this time, pool service techs bought this chemical for about $85. However, all this changed from around year August. The market prices rose to $125 per bucket. And this was frustrating for most pool owners. Trichlor prices are still expected to increase this summer. On the flip side, suppliers are placing a limit on all their purchases.

Preparation for the upcoming swimming peak season

The owner of Richard’s Pool Service, Richard Garnai, says that trichlor shortage is not a major problem for them. He has a solution to the problem. He states, “Based on my supplier’s report, I’m sure there will be enough tabs to make it through summer.” And even if things go south, Richard is not worried. He plans to make his mix manually. “If the shortage becomes too much, I’ll use chlorine and cyanuric acid to achieve the same results.” He also recommends limiting tab use during this period so that you can have enough during summer. Although bromine can be an alternative, this chemical is susceptible to degradation when exposed to sunlight.

Keeping it real with customers

All pool service techs need to educate their clients. By now, most pool owners are already bothered by the surge in trichlor prices. Be honest with your customers and explain to them exactly what’s happening in the industry. But don’t stop there. Tell them how you plan to handle the situation. Also, assure them that you will do your best to support them this summer. Most customers will respond well to this.

Customers are starting to stock up as early as now. Pool experts advise that it would be better to purchase the tabs as early as now because there’s a possibility they won’t be available from July. The same goes for pool equipment. Pool companies are now encouraging pool owners to conduct all their replacements and repairs before the peak season.

Consider using non-chlorine pool systems

Aside from stockpiling, there are other ways to deal with trichlor shortage. Consider using chlorine alternatives. Fortunately, you don’t have to use chlorine to keep your pool clean at all times. Furthermore, by maintaining balanced water chemistry and using preventative algaecides, you can reduce your use of chlorine. Keeping all your pool equipment in good condition also helps you reduce the pool’s dependence on chlorine.

Moreover, consider using UV light systems to operate swimming pools. This helps you lower the demand for chlorine in pools. Salt chlorinator systems also enable you to reduce the use of chlorine tablets.

Luckily, most pool owners are embracing these systems positively. All you need to do is explain to them the benefits offered by these systems. Some companies send email campaigns to inform clients about salt and UV systems. Installing these pool systems helps pool owners save on energy and provide a safe swimming environment. As a result, putting up UV and salt systems is a great way to deal with the trichlor shortage.

Trichlor Shortage

Nobody knows how long the trichlor shortage is going to last. But pool professionals report that the shortage is likely to increase this summer. Generally, 2021 will be no different from 2020. Nonetheless, things should start getting better next year. Industry veterans say that there won’t be any shortages in supply and labor in 2022. Things will start going back to normal gradually. Even so, everyone in the pool industry should prepare themselves for the 2021 summer.

Rate this post

Pool News

Pool News coverage brought to you by Pool Magazine's own Marcus Packer. Marcus Packer is a 20 year pool industry veteran pool builder and pool service technician. In addition to being a swimming pool professional, Marcus has been a writer and long time contributor for Newsweek Magazine's home improvement section and more recently for Florida Travel + Life. Have a story idea or tip you'd like to share with Pool Magazine? Email [email protected] your story idea.

Industry News

Why Pools Matter: Pool Horizons Takes Its Message Global

Published

on

Why Pools Matter: Pool Horizons Takes Its Message Global

For an industry that spends a great deal of time talking about how pools are built, operated and maintained, Pool Horizons is advancing a different conversation: why swimming pools matter in the first place.

Launched in 2023, Pool Horizons is a global initiative bringing together leaders from the swimming pool industry and broader aquatic community to examine and communicate the role pools play in society. Its work focuses on areas including health and wellbeing, community development, water safety and sustainability, with an emphasis on giving the industry research and real-world examples that demonstrate the value of aquatic spaces beyond recreation.

Over the next several months, Pool Horizons will continue that conversation at major industry gatherings in the United States and Europe, with appearances scheduled in Phoenix, Lyon and Atlantic City.

Pool Horizons Heads to the MasterMind Summit

The first stop will be the PHTA & GENESIS MasterMind Summit, taking place September 16–18 at The Wigwam in Litchfield Park, Arizona.

Pool Horizons will host a two-hour session on Friday, September 18, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., connecting the cultural and social history of swimming pools with the data-backed narrative the industry is working to develop.

Author and historian Jeff Wiltse will explore the history of swimming pools and their enduring social, cultural and economic importance. Attendees will then hear about the latest Pool Horizons initiatives and how that work applies to the U.S. market.

The session will conclude with industry leaders discussing how different stakeholders can work together to better communicate the value of pools and create new opportunities for the industry.

Taking the Conversation to France

The initiative will head overseas in November for Piscine Global 2026 in Lyon, France.

On November 18 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Pool Horizons will present preliminary findings from the Global Aquatic Social Impact Framework (GASIF) pilot study. The project is aimed at developing a more data-driven understanding of the social impact created by swimming pools and aquatic facilities.

Representatives from participating industry associations in France, Spain and the United States will take part, followed by a roundtable examining the challenges and future of the swimming pool industry. Leaders from CF Group, Fluidra, Hayward and Pentair are scheduled to participate in the discussion.

Pool Horizons will make a second appearance in Lyon during Aqualie on November 19 from 4:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. That session will introduce Pool Horizons and showcase a French public swimming pool Best-in-Class project, providing a real-world example of the role aquatic facilities can play within their communities.

Returning to Connect With The Industry in Atlantic City in 2027

The schedule continues into the new year with the Pool Horizons Summit in Atlantic City on January 25, 2027, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Following its 2026 gathering, Pool Horizons will return with a program that includes a keynote presentation, a new Best-in-Class project and contributions from leading figures throughout the swimming pool industry.

Together, the upcoming events provide Pool Horizons with an opportunity to continue building the conversation on both sides of the pond.

5/5 - (9 votes)

Continue Reading

Industry News

Skimmer Expands Into Pool Construction Software With Acquisitions of Pool Builder Geek and Poologics

The two software platforms form the foundation of a unified offering for pool professionals; Pool Builder Geek founder Tommy Reynolds joins Skimmer to lead construction strategy.

Published

on

Skimmer Expands Into Pool Construction Software With Acquisitions of Pool Builder Geek and Poologics

AUSTIN, TX, August 24, 2026 — Skimmer, the leading operating system for pool service and maintenance professionals, today announced the acquisitions of Pool Builder Geek and Poologics, two software platforms purpose-built for pool construction businesses.

The acquisitions mark Skimmer’s expansion into pool construction and establish the foundation for a unified platform serving pool professionals from construction through ongoing service and maintenance.

As part of the acquisition, Pool Builder Geek founder Tommy Reynolds, who has extensive experience in the pool construction software space, will join Skimmer, leading the company’s construction strategy and continued investment in solutions for pool builders.

“Our vision is to build an end-to-end platform for the pool and spa industry,” said Jack Nelson, CEO of Skimmer. “Pool Builder Geek brings an AI-native platform designed to evolve quickly with the industry, while Poologics brings a proven product that builders have relied on for years. Together, they significantly accelerate our ability to serve pool construction businesses.”

Pool builders manage complex estimating, permitting, project management, subcontractor coordination, customer communication, and job costing processes. Many still rely on spreadsheets or generic construction tools that were not designed for their specific needs. Pool Builder Geek and Poologics address those challenges with purpose-built capabilities, including estimating, project management, permitting, job costing, and AI-powered visualization.

“Pool builders do not need generic contracting software with a pool label added to it,” said Reynolds. “We built Pool Builder Geek specifically around how pools are sold and built with AI at the core of the platform. Joining Skimmer gives us the resources and expertise to accelerate our product roadmap and deliver even more for the builders we serve. I’m excited about what we can build together and what this means for the future of the pool industry.”

“We built Poologics on the belief that pool construction deserves software designed specifically for the industry,” said Nate Pruitt, CEO of Poologics. “Skimmer has built its business on that same belief for pool service. Together, we can give builders more resources, stronger support, and a faster path to innovation.”

Service and maintenance remain a core focus of Skimmer. The expansion into construction advances the company’s long-term strategy to provide connected, purpose-built tools for pool professionals across the industry.

About Skimmer

Skimmer is one of America’s leading pool service platforms. The company is on a mission to modernize the pool and spa service and repair industry through easy-to-use software and best-in-class support. Over 35,000 pool service professionals servicing 1,000,000+ pools in North America use Skimmer to get organized, get paid faster, and grow their businesses. For more information, visit getskimmer.com.

About Poologics

Poologics is an all-in-one business management platform built specifically for swimming pool builders. It streamlines CRM, estimating, project management, and job costing, helping professionals run their businesses with greater efficiency, accuracy, and control. For more information, visit poologics.com.

About Pool Builder Geek

Pool Builder Geek is an AI-powered project management platform built exclusively for the swimming pool construction and renovation industry. Created by a team with deep experience building software for pool builders, it gives builders purpose-built tools for project tracking, scheduling, subcontractor coordination, budgeting, job costing, and AI-powered backyard visualization. For more information, visit poolbuildergeek.com.

Media contact

Travis Wingate

Skimmer, CMO, [email protected], 416-838-9161

5/5 - (13 votes)

Continue Reading

Industry News

Landmark Aquatic Names Jason Hill Kansas City General Manager

Published

on

Jason Hill named Landmark Aquatic Kansas City General Manager

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Landmark Aquatic, a national leader in commercial aquatic construction and renovation, is pleased to announce the promotion of Jason Hill to General Manager of its Kansas City, Missouri market. Hill brings nearly two decades of commercial aquatic experience to the role, having worked his way through the industry as a laborer, plumber, project superintendent and project manager. That hands-on path through the trades gives him a perspective few general managers share.

“I truly understand the jobs of everyone here,” explains Hill. “It’s not just how they’re supposed to perform, I actually understand their day-to-day struggles, their desire for growth, and their need to have the best tools at their disposal to do their job efficiently.”

As he begins his tenure, Hill said mentorship and workforce development will be a top priority, particularly given how few professionals nationwide specialize in commercial pools.

“The commercial pool industry is such an anomaly,” he said. “As we grow our team, we are not likely to find commercial pool people waiting in our market to be hired, rather I am going to have to make commercial pool people. Training and coaching them is a big part of making that happen.” Hill’s emphasis on training echoes the company culture that earned Landmark a Top Workplace award, given in part for its investment in employee career development.

Hill is already collaborating closely with Landmark’s marketing team to grow the company’s visibility across the Kansas City market, contributing fresh ideas that are helping generate excitement. “I’m excited to compete with our other markets and see how far we can climb,” he said, noting his hometown ties add extra motivation.

With his depth of field experience and people-first approach, Hill is positioned to grow Landmark Aquatic’s presence and reputation throughout the region.

Jason can be reached at [email protected].

About Landmark Aquatic:

Landmark Aquatic is a nationwide provider of commercial aquatic facility design, construction, and maintenance services, with more than six decades of industry experience. Serving clients across most of the U.S., Landmark delivers construction-led solutions and on-going support though its AquatiCare maintenance team, ensuring excellence “for the life of your pool.” Committed to the full lifecycle of every facility, Landmark prioritizes long-term partnerships while adapting to client needs through exceptional service, operational excellence, and forward-thinking solutions. For more about Landmark Aquatic visit www.landmarkaquatic.com.

Rate this post

Continue Reading

Read the Summer Issue of Pool Magazine

Read the Summer Edition of Pool Magazine
Add Pool Magazine on Google

See more of our coverage in your search results

Sponsored Advertisement
Sponsored Advertisement
Sponsored Advertisement

Pool News