As summer nears, the discussion of opening pools is at the forefront of many community meetings. What once was a simple discussion is now more complicated. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our normal daily lives and routines have been turned upside down. While parks, restaurants, and businesses are slowly starting to reopen, the question for opening pools is a multifaceted one. Do you open? Do you not? If you do, what can you do to implement precautions to protect the safety of not only your staff, but those at the pool while adhering to local and state health departments and the Centers for Disease Controls and Prevention (CDC) guidelines?
The CDC released Considerations for Public Pools, Hot Tubs, and Water Playgrounds During COVID-19, and we highly recommend reading through these guidelines as pools, splash pads, and similar aquatic venues consider reopening.
JEO Consulting Group has addressed this topic thoroughly with the state health departments, and national and international organizations. The information provided by the CDC, the IAAPA® The Global Association for the Attraction Industry, and the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance are great resources to review should your community open aquatic centers this summer.
While reopening pools, water playgrounds, etc., will require many changes, their opening is good news for the aquatic industry. If you have any questions, or would like additional information, please reach out to Andrew Pennekamp.
Additional Resources
World Waterpark Association
Red Cross
USA Swimming-Facility Reopening Plan Guidelines
Workplaces
OSHA: Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
OSHA: Protecting Workers During a Pandemic
CDC Resources - COVID-19 Information
CDC: Symptoms of Coronavirus
CDC: People Who Are at Higher Risk for Severe Illness
CDC: Use of Cloth Face Coverings
Cleaning and Disinfection
CDC: Cleaning and Disinfecting for Community Facilities
CDC: Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility
EPA: List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2
Parks and Recreational Facilities
CDC: Resources for Parks and Recreational Facilities
CDC: Guidance for Administrators in Parks and Recreational Facilities
CDC: Visiting Parks and Recreational Facilities
Andrew Pennekamp, PE
Senior Aquatics Project Manager
p: 515.964.5310
e: apennekamp@jeo.com