CPSA Response to COVID-19

The California Pool & Spa Association reminds both commercial and residential swimming pool and spa owners that even in extraordinary circumstances and with the travel and “shelter in place” restrictions relative to the Coronavirus outbreak enacted by federal, state and local legislative bodies, swimming pools and spas require regular maintenance in order to maintain the proper chemical balance of the pool water and, more importantly, to prevent waterborne diseases and illnesses such as the West Nile Virus, Legionella, Cryptosporidium, Giardia and other recreational water illnesses.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that the SARS-CoV-19 virus is not transmittable in 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 (e.g., with chlorine and bromine) of pools and hot tubs should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.” For more information, visit CDC’s website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/water.html.

Commercial pools and spas in California are required to be checked for chemicals daily. To protect our communities, it is critical, especially during times of closure or reduction in staff, swimming pools and spas operated by hotels, motels, resorts, water parks, schools, and fitness facilities continue to be properly serviced and maintained. The same is true for the weekly servicing of residential pools.

Numerous local entities either have or are in the process of enacting “shelter in place” ordinances. According to the examples CPSA has seen thus far, there is a particular exemption wherein each of these ordinances allows leaving one’s residence to perform essential services, one of which is to deliver products and services essential to maintaining sanitation and essential operations of residences or businesses. In addition, the maintenance of recreational waters can be accomplished while observing the recommended social distancing.

In the coming days, CPSA will be issuing press releases and utilizing social media to notify all public policymakers, regulators, and public health officials of the importance of maintaining commercial and residential swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs. To help in spreading our message, CPSA is asking that IPSSA Chapters, builders, and manufacturers share or forward this information.