In light of recent events that are occurring around the globe in relation to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we at Mr Pool Man are taking additional safety measures to protect our employees and customers.
A common question we have received in the last few days is:
Is it safe to use a swimming pool during Coronavirus?
Due to the range of chemicals used to keep water clean and sanitised in both public and private swimming pools, the water tends to be 90% germ free. Many experts say that chlorine and other chemicals will kill traces of Coronavirus instantly!
With public swimming pools now closed, it is safe to swim in your private swimming pool providing that the water is sanitised and balanced.
The World Health Organisation recommends a chlorination level of 15mg.min/litre is sufficient to kill 100% of viruses. The Pool Water Treatment and Advisory Group (PWTAG) has also provided guidance which reads: "Public health opinion is that it is generally safe to go swimming at this time. Water and the chlorine within swimming pools will help to kill the virus."
As all advice indicates, personal hygiene when out of the water is of the utmost importance for keeping you safe. Ensuring you have disinfected your hands after you’ve pushed and pulled door handles and gate fences or touched your locker is key.
“News.com.au took the matter to Swim Australia to ask if swimming in chlorinated water was possible, given chlorine is understood to prevent the spread of germs.
According to Gary Toner, Executive Officer, Swim Australia, all public pools undergo a stringent testing process by government officials to ensure they regularly meet requirements.”
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has also stated that with adequate filtration and sanitisation, there is no correlation between the spread of Coronavirus and swimming pools, and that any well maintained public or private pool would not sustain any virus, nor the risk of contamination.
The main threat that lies with Coronavirus and swimming in public pools is the sheer volume of people within a public place, which is what the government is trying to avoid. Private pools would still need to follow normal operation procedures to minimise risk and, as always, it's important to wash your hands and shower.
“The question of if swimming pools are safe to swim in was recently raised with Dr Norman Swan who told the ABC, as far as he was concerned steering clear of public pools was the best option.”
"Proper operation, maintenance, and disinfection (e.g., with chlorine and bromine) of pools and hot tubs should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.” - CDC Website
Please ensure that pool chlorine levels are maintained and, if required, filtration systems are increased to meet the extra demand. Also ensure other required chemicals to maintain the chlorine within the water are monitored, e.g. Stabiliser / pH.
We have also prepared this helpful blog on how to test and fix your own pool water from home, with nearly all mentioned products able to be delivered to your front door - Click here to read up on how to check, test, and balance your pool water.
Further to the above swimming pool sanitisation and best practices recommendations, Mr Pool Man is also taking extra precautions with our day-to-day operations through frequent disinfection of all warehouse and office spaces, with a specific focus on strict hygiene when processing your orders. There is also more information on the NSW HEALTH page and the WHO page with updates on COVID-19.
Over the years, as our Mr Pool Man community has been faced with challenges, we have always been inspired by how we emerge stronger and with an even deeper sense of purpose. We will persevere through this challenge too.
We hope this information has been helpful and we thank you for your business and loyalty. Let's stay strong together through these trying times.
Keep swimming,
Hardy, Tom and Natalie
Directors
Here is some more information that you may find helpful:
How can I test and fix my pool water if I'm in lockdown or isolation?
Given the current crisis everybody around the globe see's themselves facing, there's never been a better time to get some pool water balancing knowledge under your belt. As mentioned above, we've put together this helpful guide on how to test and fix your pool water from home, with most if not all of the featured products and chemicals able to be delivered to your front door.
How can I use my swimming pool as a gym?
Due to gym closures, your private swimming pool may be the next best thing in terms of training and exercise. We're able to help, stocking everything from swim resistance trainers and dumbbells to core and ankle weights.
Do you have a Pool Chemical Care Package that has everything my pool may need?
Yes, we now do! As requested, we have created a Care Package Pool Chemicals bundle which consists of the six main chemicals we have been suggesting to our customers. Feel free to click on the Cara Package and cast your eyes over the product description, which is where we explain the purpose of each chemical that is included and how often we suggest using it.
Please note: The information in this article was correct at time of publish (20/3/2020). Due to the ever-evolving situation with this crisis, information may vary as it continues to develop.