We hope that having this information, and being confident that your pool chemicals are properly balanced and that the filtration systems are working correctly, will provide you with ease of mind in using your swimming pool.
1) Can the Covid-19 virus spread through water?
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 of pools and hot tubs should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.
2) Is Covid-19 found in feces?
The virus that causes COVID-19 has been detected in the feces of some patients diagnosed with COVID-19. The amount of virus released from the body (shed) in stool, how long the virus is shed, and whether the virus in stool is infectious are not known.
The risk of transmission of COVID-19 from the feces of an infected person is also unknown. However, the risk is expected to be low based on data from previous outbreaks of related coronaviruses, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). There have been no reports of fecal-oral transmission of COVID-19 to date.
Anyone with active diarrhea, or who has had active diarrhea in the last 14 days should not be allowed in the swimming pool. Proper chemicals and filtration should keep this from being an issue, but at this time there is not enough data to make a conclusion.
3) What can we do to minimize chances of coming in contact with Covid-19 in our swimming pools?
There is no evidence that water is an issue. With proper sanitation, the virus cannot survive in swimming pool water. Outdoor surfaces, door handles, gates, and any other items that may be touched regularly should be sanitized often. The risk from pools and outdoor spaces is minimal.
Some organizations are recommending outdoor showers prior to entering swimming area if possible, and use of flip flops when not in the water. Poolmax has not found any evidence that this is necessary. However, it cannot hurt to be extra cautious.
One final recommendation that Poolmax has not seen any evidence for either way, but makes good common sense is do not share towels, even amongst family members or people living in the same house.
Link to CDC recommendations and FAQs. This is updated as new information becomes available:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/water.html