Proper Pool Maintenance Keeps Swimming Pools Safe
During this time of a global pandemic, the majority of people around the world are practicing social distancing. Having a swimming pool makes social distancing much more pleasant. Being able to sit out and relax by the pool, giving the kids something to keep them busy, and overall just fun times right there in your backyard during quarantine.
The Florida Swimming Pool Association states “that while staying at home during the current pandemic, it is a great time to enjoy swimming pools and hot tubs.” As long as the guidelines of social distancing with less than 10 people, being in a pool or hot tub is deemed safe. The Center of Disease Control says “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.x., with chlorine and bromine) of pools and hot tubs should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.”
Regularly scheduled maintenance and upkeep is recommended. Just be sure to clean and sanitize pool equipment such as: doors, decks, ladder rails, cleaning net, pump/light switch, toys, etc.
If you are an existing or future swimming pool owner, here are a few more tips that you can follow:
- Keep up your pool sanitation, test the pool chemistry on a weekly basis, and balance your chemicals accordingly (pay special attention to your pH levels).
- Keep anyone who is sick or feeling unwell out of the pool.
- If you have several people in your pool or spa, make sure that you don’t exceed the recommended user load for your pool size (about one person per three linear feet).
- Wash all pool towels in hot water and sanitize poolside and in-pool furniture.
- Wash the pool deck with chlorinated water, especially in any areas where puddles form.
- Try supplemental sanitizers, like an ozone or UV system, to help eliminate the presence of viruses from the water.