Pandemic Pool Safety: Taking a Dip in the Summer of 2020

Summer is here! With warm temperatures and sunny days comes the opportunity to enjoy a nice refreshing dip in a pool. With COVID-19 still impacting the health and routines of most Americans, here are some pandemic pool safety tips to take a dip in the pool safely.

Public pools

Public aquatic facilities, including water parks and splash pads, are required to follow local guidance about opening and social distancing. Once your community opens these facilities back up, you should follow all rules about maintaining at least six feet between other pool visitors. You can ask to see the pool’s latest inspection to make sure that it is well-maintained and that the facility applies the correct amounts of disinfecting chemicals.

If you are sick, stay at home. The chemicals in pools are designed to kill many germs, but just coming in close contact around the facility can be enough to spread illness. Illnesses that cause diarrhea can be particularly troublesome when swimming. One of the best ways to ensure pool safety during the pandemic is to monitor your own health and avoid all public areas if you’re feeling ill.

Swimming at home

The increased time that most Americans are spending at home is a great opportunity to enjoy some time in a personal use pool. If you have a permanent pool erected, keeping up with the maintenance and regularly checking the chemical or salt levels can keep it in the best shape possible. You can do this yourself, or hire a company to inspect & correct your pool’s water.

If you are using an inflatable of kiddie pool, you should opt for changing the water frequently over using chemicals to disinfect it. The CDC recommends keeping pool users to the same family group, as larger groups have a great chance of spreading illnesses through the untreated water. Empty the pool completely and let it dry before using it again. This will help keep any germs from festering in the water.