So What’s The Story? Are Swimming Pools Safe To Swim In?

It's like everything else these days; I pose the question - with Memorial Day less than a week away, and with it 80 degree weather coming, are swimming pools okay to use. And pretty much like everything else, the answer is, it depends.

The apartment complex where I live in lovely Comstock Township had the maintenance crew begin preparing the community swimming pool, several weeks ago. The pool cover has been off pretty much since the start of May. And you see a worker check on it from time to time..There's even a gas powered pump going now, but that could be from the spate of rain that's been coming down since yesterday.

I called management this morning, and in our specific case, no, the pool is not opening for Memorial Day. Two reasons were given. One, the state rules prohibiting people from gathering have not been eased, and two, the pool itself needs to the be inspected and ok'd by the Health Department.

But what about home swimming pools? The CDC says

"There is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to people through the water in pools, hot tubs, spas, or water play areas. Proper operation and maintenance (including disinfection with chlorine and bromine) of these facilities should inactivate the virus in the water." - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a U.S. Government.agency

Well, the paranoia in me is grabbing on to the word "should" as in should inactivate the virus.

Common sense comes into play here. If you're nervous like I am, stay out of the pool. If you're opening your own pool to only those you have been in quarantine with, you should (there's that word, again) be ok.

I guess it another reason to shake our heads and realize this is that new normal, another term many have to grown tired of.