03/23/2020
As the added restrictions due to COVID-19 are enforced, WE as an industry can make a difference, protect the public and allow them to continue to enjoy their swimming pool. Especially now, as more and more people are working from home and kids are not in school. The use of their swimming pools is going to increase and can offer a safe outlet.
By assisting in maintaining properly sanitized swimming pools and bodies of water WE are considered essential to public health. The risk of pools not being properly maintained would increase the likelihood of mosquitoes and put swimmers in potentially unsafe bodies of water. Important to remember, the CDC has no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted through properly sanitized pool water.
CDC guidance states: “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.” www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/water.html
It's important pool owners limit the people in the pool & on the deck to less than 10. Proper regular and scheduled disinfection and sanitizing of common entry and exit points to the pool and pool area, mainly ladders, handrails, gates, latches, doorknob is necessary to limit the transmission of COVID-19. For more information about CDC’s recommendations for proper operation, maintenance, and disinfection of public pools, visit www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/aquatics-professionals/operating-public-swimming-pools.html.
Preventing recreational water illnesses (RWIs) is a multifaceted issue that requires participation from pool staff, swimmers, and health departments. Poor maintenance can result in low disinfectant levels that can allow the spread of a variety of germs that cause diarrhea as well as skin and respira...