The good news for facilities with pools is that according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention “There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to humans through the use of pools and hot tubs. Proper operation, maintenance, and disinfection (e.g., with chlorine and bromine) of pools and hot tubs should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.” see statement
The key point in that statement is “Proper operation, maintenance and DISINFECTION“. Now more than ever, it is critical to keep sanitizer levels (Chlorine or Bromine) correctly balanced in your pools in order to deactivate COVID-19 virus. Online systems like Pool Shark H2O makes it easy to keep your water chemistry balanced if you are having trouble.
If your facility pool remains open here are some things you can do to help keep your staff and guests safe.
- Test Chemical levels more frequently (3 times a day or more) and potentially keep Free Chlorine levels on the higher range 2.0 -3.0ppm . Remember Free Chlorine is what disinfects the water, total chlorine includes chlorine that has done its job and is inactive. This is important❗️
- Wipe down door handles, gate handles, and ladders frequently with cleaner.
- Provide cleaner, in plastic bottles or wipes, for guests to use to wipe down tables and chairs in the pool area if provided.
- New signage (politely) asking people with symptoms to refrain from using the facility and stay home!
With many public schools and facilities closing, properties with swimming pools may see increased usage as pool water has been indicated as ‘safe’ when properly maintained. There is the potential for house-bound children to be visiting the pool more frequently so if you have lifeguards, be ready. While they are not the high risk group for COVID-19, their caregivers, potentially grandparents or retired family members are.
We all need to come together as a community in these difficult times to do our part until things get back to ‘normal’.
Stay Safe Out There!