Swimming pools across the UK have been forced to close due to an international chlorine shortage.
Several pools in the UK have already been forced to close as a result, including Saxon Pool in Bedfordshire and Sportspark swimming pool in Norwich.
Cheltenham Lido, which stopped selling season tickets last week, says the situation for large outdoor swimming pools is "really quite difficult."
Joe Berry, Sandford Park Lido’s Assistant Manager, said: “We are having to scramble around and get a bit more chlorine than other pools like indoor pools.”
“We are very aware that it could become a problem later in the season, especially when it gets busier and hotter in the summer peak.
“When the sun's out, it actually burns off the chlorine in the pool, which an indoor pool doesn't have to deal with.”
Gloucestershire has three outdoor swimming pools: Stratford Park Lido in Stroud, Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool, and Sandford Park Lido in Cheltenham.
Berry said that during the normal off-season they normally get through five barrels a week but need 40 barrels a day in peak season
But at the moment their suppliers are only allowing pools to buy five barrels (40 kilo) a month.
Due to booking issues, Stroud Lido has also recently stopped selling season tickets. Cirencester Lido told Bloom that they are now using a different type of chlorine after finally finding a new supplier.
Cutbacks in chlorine production and backlogs in China, a factory fire in the US, and Brexit have all been blamed for the shortage.
The Chemical Business Association, which represents the UK chemical supply chain, told the Guardian: “The horrific situation in Ukraine has brought further havoc on an already heavily disrupted chemical supply chain caused by factors such as Covid, Brexit and driver shortages.”
Cheltenham Lido announced last week that their pool was in danger of closing if it was not kept as clean as possible.
"We urge people to shower before they swim, and avoid wearing lotions and perfume in the pool. Please help us to keep your Lido open by keeping the pool water as clean as possible."
Adele Mason, a 56-year-old Cheltenham season ticket holder, said that whether there is a chlorine shortage or not, swimmers should always be "mindful of hygiene."
"I'm hoping it doesn't close during the summer. All they (the Cheltenham lido) can do is reduce their opening hours. It’s about surviving the winter and we don’t know how long the crisis will go on for.”
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