With pool season getting closer, you might not be as pumped up for its arrival as usual. Considering all the other issues you may be facing during these trying times, you probably have priorities that are far more important than your pool.
Never-the-less, we thought we’d take this opportunity to let you know how to safely enjoy your pool during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the sincere hope that you get to do so as often as you want to. After all, if you have to stay home, why not stay at home in your pool?
Tips for Enjoying Your Pool This Summer
With COVID-19 seemingly not going away any time soon, you might be concerned about spending time in your pool this year. Here are just a few tips.
- No Evidence that Swimming Pools Spread COVID-19 – The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) states that “there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to humans through the use of pools, hot tubs or spas, or water playgrounds. Proper operation, maintenance, and disinfection (e.g., with chlorine and bromine) of pools, hot tubs or spas, and water playgrounds should inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.”
So, with proper swimming pool maintenance, and being especially vigilant about your chlorine and bromine levels in the pool, the virus shouldn’t spread due to using your pool. - No Pool Parties – At least not any that includes people who have not self-quarantined in your home for at least two weeks. Just like you are expected to avoid having visitors and gatherings during COVID, you should not have anyone join you for a swim until social distancing restrictions are lifted.
- Practice All Other COVID-19 Precautions – If you’ve been out in public, be sure to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as soon as you get home. For example, if you go grocery shopping or work away from home, and it’s a sweltering day, avoid the temptation to cool-off with a plunge as soon as you get home. The virus may not spread in the pool, but it may spread to anything you touch, like door handles, along the way.
We hope you are able to enjoy your pool as safely and healthily as you can this summer.
If you’d like to learn more about swimming pool maintenance, check out our post “How to Clean a Hot Tub Filter”.
