Can COVID-19 spread through pools and hot tubs?
There is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread through the use of pools and hot tubs.
Aqua Pros will remain open until further notice. As your local pool and hot tub professional, it is our job to help ensure your pool/hot tub water is balanced and safe to use. We are striving to keep our employees as safe as possible and ask that if you have traveled in the past 2 weeks or are showing symptoms, please drop off your water sample at the door and call us. If you need supplies, please call in and we will take your payment over the phone and bring them out to the curb for you. Thank you for your understanding and know that we appreciate your business!
Can I use my pool/hot tub under the current circumstances?
Homeowners concerned about using their pool or spa should be aware that they can continue to use them during these challenging times while still practicing safe social distancing. The CDC has said that “proper operation, maintenance, and disinfection (e.g. with chlorine or bromine) of pools and hot tubs should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.”
What do they mean by “proper”?
Following further information provided by both the CDC and the EPA, BioGuard and Aqua Pros recommends that pool and hot tub operators diligently follow these maintenance steps:
- Ensure that your pool/hot tub continuously maintains a free available chlorine residual of 1-4 ppm or for bromine, a 2-5 ppm residual, with an EPA-registered sanitizer. Follow label directions for proper use.
- Keep water balanced to these recommended ranges (follow all label directions for proper use):
| Minimum | Recommended Range | |
| pH | 7.2 | 7.2 – 7.6 |
| Total Alkalinity | 80 ppm | 125-150 ppm |
| Calcium Hardness | 175 ppm | 175-275ppm |
| Cyanuric Acid | 30 ppm | 30-100 ppm |
- Operate your pump at least 8-12 hours per day to assure proper circulation and filtration.
- Disinfect surfaces around the hot tub with an EPA-registered disinfectant hard surface cleaner to prevent transmission of the virus through touching of contaminated surfaces.
- Do not swim if you show symptoms of being sick. Follow guidance by the CDC, Public Health Officials and/or your Medical Provider.
For further information:
Information on COVID-19 is changing daily. The most reliable source of information is the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html. Additional information regarding proper swimming pool operation can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/.
Make the best of your extended time at home and stay safe!