The coronavirus pandemic has significantly changed the world we live in, especially for people with active lifestyles. Lockdowns of gyms, rec centers, and public swimming pools, the daily fitness routine for many has been altered. If you’re lucky enough to have your own swimming pool or swim spa, you have the advantage of being able to stay active while at home. As lockdown restrictions ease up, you may have questions or concerns about sharing your pool or spa with friends and family. A common question we are hearing is “Can you get COVID-19 from swimming pool water?”. In the article below, we’ll share some advice concerning coronavirus transmission and pools.
Transmission
Scientists and infectious disease experts are learning new facts about the coronavirus every day. This is a new challenge that the world had not faced before along with plenty of rumors regarding transmission. How the virus works and the disease takes hold is still being studied and what may seem like fact today could be proven wrong down the road. However, it has been declared by experts all along that the virus cannot be transmitted through water.
Airborne Virus
The coronavirus is an airborne virus, which is different from other viruses, like polio, which can be transferred through food and water. This is relieving for pool or spa owners to know that their water won’t be a ‘hotspot’ for coronavirus transmission. It is also suspected by the scientific community that the chemicals used to maintain water balance and sanitization would be detrimental to the virus. Provided that you are following your manufacturer guidelines for water maintenance, there shouldn’t be any way that the coronavirus could survive in your pool or hot tub water.
Possible Risks
Following proper handwashing hygiene using antibacterial soap and scrub for at least 20 seconds after exiting the pool. Be sure to also wipe down any common surface areas like a towel rack or lounge chairs with a Clorox based solution.
Now that you know it is highly unlikely that you could get coronavirus from swimming pool water, download our swim spa buyer’s guide to learn more about their health and wellness benefits.