Covid-19 Facts and Diamond Pools' Response
Updated: Apr 11, 2020
The most valuable tool in preventing the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus is education. We feel it’s our responsibility as a company to provide accurate information regarding the relationship between COVID-19 and your pool/spa. Below you will see some frequently asked questions and our responses. All of the answers provided are based on information directly from the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Please review this information, and please feel free to contact us at any time with questions.
FAQs
Can the coronavirus spread through pools and spas?
No. The CDC issued the following statement about contracting COVID-19 coronavirus through pools and spas:
There is no evidence that COVID-19 can 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.
Please note the part that says, “Proper operation, maintenance, and disinfection …”
Make sure you have the correct amount of sanitizer in the water and sanitize all non-submerged area (ie, ladders, slides, rails)
Make sure your pool or spa is running properly
Make sure you’re regularly inspecting your equipment
Is swimming in a chlorinated pool or spa safe?
Yes. The key is to keep the chlorine level within the recommended range of 1 ppm to 3 ppm. For this purpose, we recommend aiming for the higher end of that range: 3 ppm.
Does chlorine kill the coronavirus?
Yes. According to the CDC, chlorine and bromine should remove or inactivate the virus.
Should someone who has the coronavirus use a pool/spa?
No. The COVID-19 coronavirus can survive up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel surfaces. Almost all pool ladders, rails, and steps are constructed from these two materials. Someone who’s sick may cough into their hand, then touch an un-submerged part of the ladder, and leave behind trace amounts of the virus. Don’t take that chance. Keep anyone and everyone who has—or may have—COVID-19 out of your pool and spa until they’ve recovered.
Should I shock (add high concentrated chlorine) my pool/spa?
Yes, each week! Regardless if there’s a pandemic or not, we always recommend regular shock treatments. If this was not part of your pool maintenance program before, you should introduce this practice to avoid any risk of contamination.
Can I add shock if I have a chlorine alternative water sanitizing system?
Yes & No. Salt and Mineral sanitation systems can incorporate a shock treatment. However, there are sanitizes that can’t accommodate this process. If you use Biguanide, Ultraviolet, Ionizer, or Ozonator, you should contact the manufacturer for further instructions.
Should I disinfect my pool and spa surfaces?
Yes. The chlorine in the water will kill the virus, but there are several areas that aren’t submerged. Ladders, rails, handles, slides, diving boards, pool toys, and other potential points of contact are at risk for contamination. Clean all surfaces not submerged in chlorinated water with a diluted bleach solution.
Diamond Pools’ Response to the Coronavirus
Service Professionals are Implementing social distancing techniques on all properties
When your technician arrives on your property, they will contact you over the phone. Please do not go out to greet them. We are encouraging all customers and technicians to use their phones to communicate with one another.
Our expanded services now include on-site laboratory-grade water chemistry testing
Chlorine kills the Caronavirus; therefore, accurate water testing is crucial. While water testing strips are the most popular and convenient method, they’re not the most reliable. Diamond Pools offers laboratory-grade water chemistry testing as a stand-alone service. The same level of sophistication in a pool store now safely conducted in your backyard.
Clarity Club Members – Routine Pool Maintenance Program
A) To ensure all club members consistently have the required amount of chlorine, we will be raising our minimum threshold. A pool is adequately sanitized when the chlorine registers between 1ppm-3ppm. To avoid falling out of this range, our minimum chlorine level will now be 2ppm
B) Our extensive procedure includes the polishing of all rails and ladder, but now it will also involve bleaching these items.
Chemical Deliveries
We are now offering chemical deliveries so customers can avoid any unnecessary travel. There is a $30 minimum for chemical deliveries, but all shipping will be free.