Can You Get Coronavirus From A Swimming Pool?

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Navarre, FL USA

Can You Get Coronavirus From A Swimming Pool?

We have been receiving numerous inquiries recently regarding the possibility of catching the Coronavirus from water in a swimming pool. So, can you really get Coronavirus from a swimming pool? The short answer is NO, you cannot get the Coronavirus from properly sanitized swimming pool water (most commonly sanitized by the use of chlorine).

The new CDC report states that “There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to humans through the use of swimming pools and hot tubs. Proper operation, maintenance, and disinfection (e.g., with chlorine and bromine) of swimming pools and hot tubs should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19”.

Also See Related Article:
Can You Get Coronavirus From A Hot Tub?

Can You Get Coronavirus From People In A Swimming Pool With You?

There are a few concerns you should be aware of when using a public or shared swimming pool with people who may have been infected with the virus. You could still get it from any infected people using the pool with you – if they are coughing or sneezing on you. Just like the flu or the common cold, Coronavirus is an airborne transmitted disease. However remember that it cannot survive in chlorinated water – period. In other words, the water in the pool will not harbor the virus; it will kill it.

In facilities where they are handling Coronavirus patients or quarantined people who may have contracted the virus, they frequently use a chlorine bleach solution to wipe down and clean areas to ensure the virus has been killed. This is why it’s important to understand that swimming pool water, in and of itself, would not transmit Coronavirus provided that it is properly sanitized. Chlorine is extremely effective in killing the virus.

What Should You Watch Out For When Using A Public Swimming Pool?

If you are thinking about using a public swimming pool , ask the staff to make certain that the pool is being sanitized properly with chlorine. Also keep an eye on the other people who may be in the pool with you. Try to keep your distance – and if any of them seem symptomatic, you may want to leave the pool and have your swim another time!

Remember that Coronavirus is transmitted by people coughing or sneezing (airborne virus) as well as from other bodily fluids that may be on towels or other moist things an infected person may have used or touched. This has become very evident from all of the cruise ship infections people have contracted.

So while the actual water of the swimming pool could be as sanitary as possible, if the other people in the pool with you are coughing up a storm and sneezing into their towels, this would certainly be of concern – and should be something to avoid.

What About A Private Swimming Pool In Your Own Home?

If you have a private, home swimming pool, where you are familiar with your family members or guests who are using the pool, properly sanitized water will not transmit Coronavirus. So you are pretty safe using your own pool in your own home. But if you do think that someone may have brought the virus into your swimming pool area for some reason, simply super shocking the pool water and hosing down the surrounding areas with a chlorine bleach solution will definitely kill any residual virus contaminants.

So Bottom Line – Should You Take That Dip Or Not?

You are most likely safe to take that dip! The odds of catching the Coronavirus from a swimming pool are extremely low. Luckily, swimming pools normally have a residual level of chlorine in them, so they are actually one of the most unlikely places where you could possibly catch the Coronavirus. And remember that according to the CDC, “there have been NO reported cases of Coronavirus transmissions from either swimming pools or hot tubs”. So as long as you follow some of the common sense practices we have listed above in this article, you should be good to go!

Quick Tips For Recommended Water Sanitizer Chemical Levels In Swimming Pools And Hot Tubs During Coronavirus Outbreak

1- In publicly accessible (public) swimming pools, we would recommend running the chlorine levels at a slightly higher rate – between 3.0 ppm and 3.5 ppm – just to be safe. Shocking the swimming pool on a daily basis, or as necessary, is always a good idea, regardless of Coronavirus.

2- In private (homeowner) swimming pools, the standard recommended chlorine levels are still fine (1.5 ppm – 3.0 ppm). Shocking the swimming pool weekly, or after a party or gathering is always a good idea, regardless of Coronavirus.

3- In publicly accessible (public) hot tubs, we would recommend the use of chlorine, in addition to bromine, ozone or other hot tub sanitizers – just to be safe. Shocking the hot tub on a daily basis, or as necessary, is always a good idea, regardless of Coronavirus. We would recommend running the chlorine / bromine levels at a slightly higher rate – between 3.0 ppm and 3.5 ppm – just to be safe.

4- In private (homeowner) hot tubs, we would recommend the use of chlorine, in addition to bromine, ozone or other hot tub sanitizers – just to be safe. Shocking the hot tub before or after use, is a good idea. Especially if non-family/friends have used, or will be using, the hot tub. The standard recommended chlorine / bromine levels are still fine (1.5 ppm – 3.0 ppm).

PoolAndSpa.com News will continue to update this page as new information becomes available.

Also See Related Article:
Can You Get Coronavirus From A Hot Tub?

Reference sources used for this article:

Center For Disease Control Report:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/water.html

World Health Organization Report:
https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/environmentalhealthguidance/Advice%20note%20to%20EHS%20on%20Coronavirus%20and%20Drinking%20%20Water%20and%20Swimming%20Pools_V3.pdf

Water Environment Federation Report:
https://www.wef.org/news-hub/wef-news/the-water-professionals-guide-to-the-2019-novel-coronavirus/

Infection Control Today Report:
https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/environmental-services/select-effective-disinfectants-use-against-novel-virus-covid-19

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