While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently informed the public that there is no evidence that Coronavirus (COVID-19) is transmittable in water, the Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Victoria (SPASAVIC) recommends that both commercial and residential swimming pool and spa owners should maintain proper pool and spa functionality at all times.
Chris Samartzis, CEO of SPASAVIC, advises that “although there is no indication that COVID-19 can be spread to humans by using pools and spas, proper operation, maintenance and disinfection of pools and spas - such as using chlorine and bromine - should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.
Swimming pools and spas are required to have balanced water so that pathogens such as e-coli and other known bacteria are killed via the chemical process. The swimming pool and spa industry are leaders in ensuring that the health and wellbeing of the community is always at the forefront of actions taken by industry professionals. Properly sanitised pools and spas ensure a healthy environment for people to swim in”, says Mr Samartzis.
As an additional precaution in light of COVID-19 efforts, SPASAVIC has issued an alert to its members - as well as swimming pool and spa owners - to remind them that regular maintenance is required to preserve the proper chemical balance of pool water and prevent waterborne diseases and illnesses such as the West Nile virus, legionella, cryptosporidium, giardia and other recreational water illnesses.
“It is critical that swimming pools and spas operated by hotels, motels, resorts, water parks, schools and fitness facilities continue to be properly serviced and maintained, especially during times of closure or reduction in staff. The same is true for the weekly servicing of residential pools," SPASAVIC CEO, Chris Samartzis says.
SPASAVIC has strongly advocated to State Government that the swimming pool and spa industry in Victoria offers essential services that are necessary to maintain pool and spa water sanitation, including the maintenance and operation of residential and commercial pools and spas, while adhering to social distancing protocols mandated by the government.
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