Hayward Holdings, Inc. released the results of its “Pool Trends” survey, conducted by Prodege LLC, which polled 500 U.S. pool owners or homeowners considering a pool (“intenders”) over the age of 25 to understand their preferences, concerns and potential remodel plans.
The survey, which was conducted after a fire caused by Hurricane Laura burned down a large chlorine plant in Westlake, La. resulting in a nationwide chlorine shortage, shows that 76% of survey respondents who own a pool sanitize with chlorine.
Half of the survey respondents say they are “somewhat” to “very” worried about a chlorine shortage. More than 60% of respondents called investigating alternative sanitization techniques a priority (46%) or high priority (16%).
“This survey reinforces what we’re hearing from pool installers and owners: people are concerned about shortages of chlorine and want to investigate other options for cleaning their pools,” said Kevin Holleran, CEO of Hayward. “The shortage is not the only factor driving conversion from traditional chlorine. Our pool owners are attracted to the gentler and more comfortable swimming experience alternative sanitization systems can provide.”
Forty-two percent of survey respondents who own a pool say they plan to remodel, while 35% say they are “on the fence.”
One-quarter say they will install a salt-chlorine generator, which is currently used by just under 20% of pool owners in the survey.
“We are seeing evidence of a serious shift away from traditional chlorination systems to alternatives such as salt chlorine generators, which turn salt into chlorine, or products that use an advanced oxidation process and require less chlorine, like Hydrapure,” said Holleran. “This shift has big implications for the industry, considering the 25 million pools worldwide.”
Survey Uncovers Chlorine Misperceptions
The Hayward Pool Trends survey found that 42% of respondents say they feel chlorine is more effective than other sanitization options.
“In fact, salt chlorination is as effective, if not more effective than other forms of chlorine due to potency and consistency of delivery,” said Stuart Baker, Hayward’s VP of Business Development. “It is also more convenient.”
Additionally, 24% say they aren’t aware of other sanitization options. Other alternative sanitization technologies include ultraviolet (UV), Ozone (O3) or hydroxyl radicals (AOP), which are not designed to replace chlorine, but rather supplement existing chlorination systems.
Adding one or all of these technologies provides cleaner water while reducing the amount of chlorine needed to properly sanitize the pool.
“We’ll continue to educate the pool industry that great alternatives to traditional chlorine exist that are cost-effective, work extremely well, and can provide a better swimming experience overall,” Holleran said.
