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Is it safe to swim in a pool during coronavirus? And other questions you want answered.

Aug 04, 2020

Authored by Emlerswim

Many parents are concerned about the safety of swimming lessons, pools, masks, and other topics related to coronavirus these days. Here at Emler we are committed to answering your most pressing questions and reassuring you about our own safety protocols and policies. Please read on to find out if it’s safe to swim right now and so much more!

Is it safe to swim in any pool during coronavirus?

The short answer is yes, it is safe to swim in a pool during the coronavirus epidemic. According to the CDC website, “There is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to people through the water in pools, hot tubs, or water playgrounds.” The CDC goes on to state that with proper operation and disinfection using chlorine or bromine, pools that are being adequately maintained inactivate the virus, making it one of the safer places to be right now.

In addition to using the proper chemicals, Emler Swim Schools have all been outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment that monitors the pool chemicals electronically. We also perform scheduled manual water tests throughout the day every day to check and maintain the healthiest pools around.

Is it safe to swim in an Emler pool during coronavirus?

It is exceedingly safe to swim in any Emler pool because we meet or exceed all CDC, state, and local health standards at every location. The health and safety of our kids has always been our number one priority and it will continue to be our main concern. So much so that all Emler facilities are equipped with cutting-edge air filtration systems that constantly eject stale air from the pool room and pull in 100% fresh air 8 times an hour, and our pools also have ultraviolet (UV) light water filtration systems that inactivate viruses and also kills bacteria. We maintain dehumidifiers that have antimicrobial filters and controls that help maintain the healthiest humidity levels that reduce the survival of bacteria and viruses. There is no safer pool than an Emler pool!

Is social distancing necessary in pools?

Yes, social distancing is still necessary even in a swimming pool. The main transmission of the coronavirus is air droplets, which means every time someone talks, coughs or sneezes there is a possibility of transmission. This is why state and local leaders are mandating that it is still necessary to maintain 6 feet or more of distance between people in and out of pools. This is also why Emler instructors are all required to wear face shields while in the pool.

In addition, we offer four in-person lesson options so you can choose a class depending on your comfort level, all with social distancing:

  • Traditional Emler class with 3-4 students per instructor
  • Private lessons (one on one)
  • Parent and child classes with the instructor on the pool deck
  • Parent and child private lessons with the instructor on the pool deck

Do parents or children have to wear masks in the pool?

No, masks are not required in the pool because they are considered unsafe, according to water safety experts. Instead, all instructors wear face shields. Face coverings are required for all adults (employees and caretakers) when in Emler facilities other than the pool. We do not require kids to wear a mask out of the water but do encourage those 3 years and older to wear a face-covering when not actively participating in a lesson.

What are you doing to keep everyone safe and healthy?

Your safety and health are, have been, and will continue to be our TOP priority. Emler is following all local, state, and federal instructions and orders to keep children, families, and employees safe. To this end, we are using CDC-recommended disinfecting products to clean the facilities every 30 minutes. We are requiring face coverings over mouths and noses for all adults (except instructors in the water who are using face shields instead). We are limiting the number of people in the building at a time and giving parents options to have an instructor in the pool with their child or giving guidance from the pool deck if the parent decides to be in the pool with the child. We are also taking staff temperatures within 5 minutes of the start of employees’ shifts and sending staff home if they exhibit any symptoms at all. No one with a fever will be allowed in the building.

For more information about what we are doing to keep everyone safe and healthy during this time, please visit our Health & Safety Protocols page for more information.