Swimming pools in COVID-19 times

During the last few days and in view of a near lifting of the confinement we are receiving a lot of questions from clients about the safety in the pool water against the virus transmission and the efficiency of disinfection using a salt chlorinator. With this text we hope to be able to satisfactorily answer these doubts and help the BSPOOL’s community to face the rest of the season and the near future..

First of all, bear in mind that, from the point of view of the pool water disinfection, the COVID-19 virus will be treated as any other known virus. So, according to current regulations in force, we must maintain the pool water with a concentration of free residual chlorine between 0.5 mg/L and 2.0 mg/L. Also, it’s important to mention that the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that a residual chlorine concentration in the pool water greater than 0.5 mg/L, with a pH lower than 8 and a contact time greater than 30 minutes deactivate the viruses with higher resistance.

To achieve and maintain this range of residual chlorine concentration, the best solution would be being able to automate the production system. Therefore, BSPOOL recommends the following solutions:

1. Saline chlorinator + pH regulation Kit + production regulation using ORP or free chlorine probe Kit: unit that will maintain the residual chlorine concentration and pH at the set points set by the pool maintainer.

Private Pool Example: EVOBASIC gamma + KIT AUTO + KIT ADVANCED.
Public Pool Example: PRO gamma + P-PHCL.

2. Automated Dosing Systems for Sodium Hypochlorite (Liquid Chlorine) and pH regulator: unit that will maintain the residual chlorine concentration and pH at the set points set by the pool maintainer.

Private and Public Pool Example: P-PHRX o P-PHCL gamma.

Therefore, we will detail and answer some of the specific questions that you have asked these last few weeks:

Is the COVID 19 virus eliminated with the current disinfection practices?

YES. The current legislation regarding the concentration of residual chlorine in the pool water is respected. Likewise, it is recommended to automate the dosage or manufacture of chlorine to guarantee the concentration of residual chlorine at all times.

Are liquid chlorine dosing systems better than saline chlorination?

NO. Saline chlorination produces high concentration and pure chlorine without the inconvenience of generating subproducts in the pool water. A well-dimensioned salt chlorinator with the right production automation options can be the ideal solution for maintaining a healthy water and enjoying a healthy bath, with all the benefits of dissolved mineral salts in swimming pool water.

Does the salt chlorinator eliminate the COVID-19 from the pool water?

YES. The current legislation regarding the concentration of residual chlorine in pool water is respected. Furthermore, it is recommended to automate the chlorine production to ensure the concentration of residual chlorine and maintain the optimal pH range at all times. In Annex 4, part B of the BOE of October 11th, 2013, the saline chlorinator (ELECTROLYSIS) is specified as one of the swimming pool water disinfection systems.

Lastly, a document from the Ministry of Health is attached on the main hygienic measures recommended in this situation and a note from ASOFAP regarding the maintenance of swimming pool water and the COVID-19 incidence.