Now, scientists can better understand how the COVID-19 pandemic impacts our safety when participating in seasonal activities, such as enjoying a refreshing plunge in your indoor pool. Here’s everything you need to know about the Coronavirus in swimming pools.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have always said that SARS-CoV-2 (the virus responsible for COVID-19 transmission) is unlikely to spread in pools, also releasing studies in May that indicated hot tubs and kid-friendly water parks were also safe recreational spots. There’s insufficient evidence that states COVID-19 can spread to humans through water in these places.
More data has just emerged that may assist you in understanding why pools are less hazardous than your intuition may lead you to assume regarding coronavirus in swimming pools.
Researchers from Imperial College London in the United Kingdom conducted an experiment combining swimming pool water with an engineered amount of infectious SARS-CoV-2 virus, which they believe would be largely diluted (rather than concentrated) in a swimming pool to begin with. Researchers discovered that chlorinated pool water effectively inactivates the virus in as short as 30 seconds in some cases.
Swimming pools efficiently deactivate free-floating COVID 19 because of chlorine or bromine- Sudeb Dalai, M.D., Ph.D. Moreover, COVID-19 doesn’t thrive well in freshwater sources such as lakes and ponds. The virus is spread in these locations only when people come so close to one another and avoid social distancing.
Does the Virus Spread in Saltwater Pools?
No. If saltwater pools are being taken care of, their filtration system converts salt into chlorine which can help eradicate the virus and keep your pool safe. So as long as you have a healthy pool you shouldn’t worry too much about getting coronavirus in swimming pools.
Do You Have to Observe Social Distancing in Water to Stay Safe From The Coronavirus in Swimming Pools?
Yes. “If you’re swimming and someone close to you coughs, you could catch the SARS-CoV-2 virus ” Coughing in pools has the potential to spread the coronavirus in swimming pools as it does everywhere else.
“We still have to ensure physical distancing measures in pools like what we’ve been doing about for the past few years everywhere else.”
Person-to-person is the most common form of transmission. Chauhan said.
“If you’re in a recreational setting, it may be more difficult to keep your distance. So staying away from crowded settings especially parties would be a wise decision until the epidemic subsides”
Can You Get a COVID Virus From Lakes and Ocean Water?
No, lakes and oceans are safe from the virus that causes COVID-19 because it’s not transmitted in water. However, social distancing and wearing of masks at all times must always take place, just like what we do to stay safe from the coronavirus in swimming pools or places where people gather.
Is Your Pool Safe From the Virus That Causes COVID-19?
Yes. As long as you keep your pool in good condition and disinfect the pool surroundings regularly, it should be completely safe.
However, according to Pastula, as long as there’s a surge in cases, these months may not be the best months to organize huge pool parties; so you don’t get a nasty surprise getting coronavirus in swimming pools.
In his opinion, “if you have your own pool and members of your home are swimming in it, and you are properly cleaning and treating your pool, then the risk of contracting COVID-19 is low.”
Are the Beaches Safe?
The ocean should be a safe place to swim if state and municipal authorities open up the beaches for recreational purposes.
Health officials in several states permit people to stroll on beaches, swim, or surf without fear of contracting an infection. Though, people are being asked not to gather in large numbers.
Getting together on too crowded beaches is not the best scenario. ” When you’re near someone who has shown signs of symptoms or is asymptomatic; you might inhale the infected droplets of that person.” So even if chlorinated or saltwater might reduce the chances of getting coronavirus in swimming pools, crowded places usually are a bad spot during this pandemic.
“For this reason, state and municipal officials advise people to use cloth masks while they are out and about in public. Masks do not really protect you. Masks protect others from you,” Pastula said.
What’s the Safest Way to Keep From Getting Infected?
Focus on how the virus can get to you: and that is by touching infected objects or by being exposed to an asymptomatic person.
The virus is usually transmitted through droplets, which come from someone who coughs or sneezes in front of you. Or you have to touch the surface with a live virus and carry it with your hands, even when we’re discussing coronavirus in swimming pools.
“Wash hands with soap and water frequently,” Chauhan said.
Vaccinations
The most effective way of staying safe from this pandemic is to reduce going to crowded places and reducing the risk of contracting by getting fully vaccinated.
Having the vaccine also exempts you from wearing a mask in some pool facilities after the recent CDC update about mask mandates in public. A good dip in your pool might be the perfect summer treat after your last dose.
Bottom Line
The main and most important goal of the study is to find out what preventive measures to take when it comes to the best way to deal with the pandemic. So it can be made safer for all of us to live our lives and enjoy the water without worrying too much about getting coronavirus in swimming pools.
Also, you can find articles about swimming pool safety and maintenance on our website. Here are a few to get you started.
