Some UK public swimming pools forced to close over national chlorine shortage

Factors from Brexit to lower production in China to war in Ukraine linked to issues with securing supplies of pool chemicals

A shortage of chlorine is forcing some public swimming pools to close, with operators blaming factors ranging from a production fall in China to Brexit and the war in Ukraine.

Saxon Pool in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, has been closed to general swimmers since 6 May, with the operator and Central Bedfordshire council cancelling almost all sessions, apart from swimming lessons and a swimathon event.