COVID-19 Pittsburgh Pool and Spa Use
We have been getting several calls a day about opening and getting pools operational during the unexpected “stay-cations” many of us are experiencing.
The first thing people are asking, is the pool and spa safe to use during the pandemic?
YES, Home Swimming Pools are Safe for Use during the Coronavirus or COVID-19 Pandemic
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Confirms It
We’ll leave it to the CDC to use their words: “There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to humans through the use of pools and hot tubs. 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'“
So this means the disease wont be spread through the pool itself, but I wouldn’t go running off to a hotel pool. The surfaces around the pool that people touch are still susceptible to the virus being spread. So it is still important to avoid public gathering places like these.
If you have a pool at home you may be considering opening early this year, we know many of our clients have already called about it so we want to clear a few things up first.
Yes it is possible to get the pool open now.
There are just a few things I would consider first. The first is, do you have a heater? Chances are good we wont experience another deep enough freeze to effect water-in-motion. Meaning if the pump is running 24/7 you should be safe from pipes freezing. If you have a heater, you should be even better off.
Can we actually use it to swim this early?
So yes you should be safe to open the pool, but in order to use the pool this early you really need a heater and a good cover. Those with gas heaters and auto-covers are ideal for this extreme circumstance because they have the fastest recovery rate from temperature loss and also have the best heat retention value as far as pool covers go. The gas bill may be high, but in these circumstances may be worth the investment in a little fun and excitement for the family during this time. You will just still need the weather to cooperate to actually want to swim. Being open means you’ll be ready when that day comes, but it could be a while before the air is warm enough that you’d want to take a dip.
Those with heat pumps will have a harder time hitting ideal temperatures with these cooler temperatures. Especially if you don’t have a cover to keep the heat in that you do produce. (Yes I am still a fan of heat pumps for the summer-time energy savings!)
Another plus side to opening a little early is that you tend to have an easier time getting or keeping the pool clear, because it is treated before the hot days start to encourage algae growth. That and chlorine is actually more “active” in cooler temperatures!
An additional consideration should be how difficult to maintain is your pool? If you have an older pool and a lot of trees and your pool is a chore to maintain, you may not want the additional work of opening early. If you would like to open early but don’t have time to take care of the pool, we do have services for that as well.
Should I invite the neighbors and friends over?
The pool doesn’t spread the virus within it, but human contact remains the same. They are recommending avoiding contact with other people so we aren’t suggesting to throw a pool party just yet. Opening the pool just adds additional potential fun for your family, since you live with them and are near them anyway!
What about hot tubs and Swim Spas?
Like pools, well balanced and maintained Swim Spas and Hot Tubs are not spreading the virus through the water, so if you are sitting on the couch with someone next to you, it is just as safe to get in the hot tub with that person. We would just advise to not invite the neighbors over quite yet!
If you have considered this and would like to get your pool open, give us a call ( 412-854-7665 )and we will extend our April-Opening discount to apply to pools opened in March as well. We don’t usually have our service department out in full force but have made accommodations that will allow us to get pools open earlier this year if you should decide you want to.
If our store is closed, calls are still being monitored to make sure we are responding as quickly as possible.
Stay safe and no matter what you do, we wish you all good health and good spirits through the duration of this unique time. If you need anything from us, give us a call.