Covid-19 and Swimming Pools

Compass Pools would like to reassure our customer both current and future about the risks around the corona virus and swimming pools. Please read on for further information.

The CDC in america and PWAG Pool water advisory group has made the following statement regarding swimming pools

Can the COVID-19 virus spread through pools and hot tubs?

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.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/

Breaking this statement down.

This statement advises that any corona virus on your body will be killed (inactivated) in a properly maintained pool and you will not be able to pass it on through the pool water. This will NOT stop you from being infectious or kill it internally.

“Properly maintained” refers to the chemical levels within the pool to ensure this is within range. Chlorine levels within a FreshWater Pool would normally be 0.5PPM however with this unprecedented situation we are advise to run your pool as a commercial pool at 1ppm.
PH Levels should remain the same at between 7.0 and 7.6 with 7.2 being the Ideal.

There is also strong evidence to suggest that UV kills Corona Virus Covid-19’s cousin SARS. Part of our FreshWater System includes an Ultra Violet Disinfection system.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14631830/

Specific Advice for Compass Pool Owners

• Pools equip with a FreshWater system should be checked that the bulb lights up and has been replaced in the last 6 months.
• Pools equip with a timer should be set to run continuous
• Pools equip with an eco pump or variable speed pump should have their speed increased
• Pool equip with an auto dosing system or salt system should be calibrated and ORP levels set to a minimum of 750 or calibrated to 1ppm.
• All pools should be manually tested before each pool use with a minimum level of 1ppm and Ph in the correct range and should not be used until this has been adjusted in range
• Indoor Pools with an air handling system should have their filters changed.

We would recommend an annual service before you commence swimming to set this up for you and to check your systems, it is highly likely there will be chemical shortages this year as chlorine is a bleach and kills Bacteria and Virus, while we have plenty of stocks at the moment, we are prioritising anyone who is on a chemical subscription service