The summer of 2020 brought a mix of joys and fears due to the worldwide pandemic. Many of us had to raise the awareness of health and safety to the highest level when swimming and enjoying the hot tub. And so, precautionary measures should be taken to keep us safe in the water. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) both agencies provided guidance and restrictions on coronavirus pool and hot tub safety in order to address this problem. We will break down the official information from both agencies to help improve coronavirus pool and hot tub safety.
Guidance From The CDC And EPA
What the CDC Recommends?
The CDC recommends that you take the following steps to help prevent the spread of the virus:
• Wear a face mask at all times except when swimming
• Avoid sharing towels, toys, hoses, and other materials
• Exercise good hand hygiene before and after handling pool equipment
• Do not blow or spit in the pool
• Continually check the chlorine and pH levels when using a hot tub
What the EPA Recommends?
The EPA recommends that you take the following steps to help reduce the spread of the virus while using the pool or hot tub:
• Maintain a minimum of 6 feet distance between yourself and others
• Shower before and after swimming
• Disinfect pool equipment, such as diving boards and ladders, on a regular basis
• Do not share a pool lounge or hot tub with another person
• Adjust the temperature of the hot tub to 104°F (40°C)
People Also Ask Questions About
Is it safe to use a pool or hot tub during the pandemic?
Yes, pools and hot tubs can be used safely if proper precautions are taken. Make sure to follow the guidelines provided above by the CDC and EPA.
Do I need to wear a face mask in the pool?
Yes, the CDC recommends wearing a face mask at all times, except when swimming.
How often should I check the chlorine and pH levels of the hot tub?
The EPA recommends that you check the chlorine and pH levels of the hot tub on a regular basis, such as every time you use the hot tub.
What is the recommended temperature for hot tubs?
The EPA recommends that you set the hot tub temperature to 104°F (40°C).
Do I need to disinfect all pool equipment on a regular basis?
Yes, the EPA recommends disinfecting pool equipment, such as diving boards and ladders, on a regular basis.
Final Words
The appropriate safety measures taken by CDC and EPA should be followed to ensure that swimming pools, hot tubs and water parks are safe for use during the current pandemic. While it is safe to use the pool or hot tub in accordance with guidelines, it is important to remember that coronavirus can still spread from person-to-person so it is important to maintain a minimum of 6 feet between yourself and others.