How do I know my pool water is safe from the Coronavirus?

Covid-19 hit the world out of nowhere. The entire world has had to learn and share what they know. Unfortunately, not all information we see on the web is accurate. So, we choose to learn and take the advice from an expert, Roberta Lavin, a professor of medicine at the University of Tennessee’s College of Nursing.

The covid-19 virus is transmitted via tiny droplets of spit and mucus that may be expelled when coughing and sneezing. These droplets can speed undetected from person to person, causing an infection after the virus enters a person’s eyes, nose, or mouth, thus “It’s actually a respiratory virus,” Lavin says.

Although this method of transmission is most common, science it still debating the specifics of this new, Coronavirus. “The question remains about all the modes of transmission, which we don’t know at this point. However, it’s not believed that it’s transmitted by water,” Lavin says.

Pools with suggested chlorine levels would frankly kill the virus. So, if you maintain your pool properly, the disinfecting chemicals should be enough to inactivate the virus.

The CDC reported on March 10 that “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.”

While covid-19 is still ongoing spread throughout the world and your community, we encourage you to take the steps necessary to ensure health and safety:

• Everyone should follow local and state guidance that may determine when and how recreational water facilities may operate.
• Individuals should continue to protect themselves and others at recreational water venues both in and out of the water – for example, by practicing social distancing and good hand hygiene.
• In addition to ensuring water safety and quality, owners and operators of community pools, hot tubs, spas, and water play areas should follow the interim guidance for businesses and employers for cleaning and disinfecting their community facilities.

With this ‘new normal’ of covis-19 still spreading, what does this mean for summertime swimming?

If you own your own backyard swimming pool, we recommend only allowing your household members to utilize the pool. Being around other people while using the pool and its amenities is a different concern that if the water contains the virus. Maintaining your distance from others, is the key to safety. As well as touching the railings, ladders, etc. to enter and/or exit the pool.

Public pools are closed at this time because of these concerns.

Resources: CDC.gov, swimmingpool.com, usms.org

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