AN open air swimming pool that was set to close for the summer due to chlorine shortages may have been given a reprieve.

Staff at the pool in Wotton-Under-Edge announced last week that due to limited supplies of chlorine all public swimming would be cancelled until further notice.

Speaking on Thursday, spokesperson for the pool said: "We may have to restrict the sessions we offer and may have to close completely.

"We are unfortunately having to eke out our dwindling supply of chlorine.  

"With the current rate of consumption we have 5 - 10 days worth chlorine left. 

"Our supplier has hopes that the situation will improve by the end of the month but we are making provision to prioritise our swimmers to school sessions, swimming lessons and pre-booked parties.

"Our thinking was that teaching children to swim is important. 

"And if you have been looking forward to a birthday party with your friends for months then that feels like a good thing to still provide

However, after announcing their plans for a partial closure on social media, a company near Dursley stepped in to help.

Altrans Liquids kindly got in touch and offered hypochlorite solution, the necessary product for the pool to be kept disinfected and safe for use. 

"With luck we can reverse our decisions to close off the public swimming at our pool." added the spokesperson. 

Staff also advised having a thorough soapy shower before getting into the pool, would help the situation, as this reduces the amount organic matter that consumes the chlorine available in the water.

 

What is chlorine used for?

Chlorine is used in swimming pool water to kill harmful bacteria and keep pool water sanitised, so swimmers are not exposed to harmful levels of microbes that cause illnesses.

Why is there a shortage of chlorine?

The shortage has been blamed on reductions in chlorine production, closures in China, a factory fire in the United States, Brexit, and the Ukrainian war.

The European chemical distribution industry, which includes chlorine, brought in 47.5 billion euros in 2015.

A survey by UK Active found that 79% of public leisure centres could be forced to shut down in the next six months without urgent financial support.

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.”