Answer Bank: Can the COVID-19 virus spread through pools, hot tubs or spas, and water playgrounds?

In the southern U.S. state of Florida, the weather is already warm enough for swimming pool activities. With the governor's green light, north Florida beaches were among the first in the U.S. to allow people to return since being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although the good news is that there is no evidence the COVID-19 can be spread to humans through the use of pools, hot tubs or spas, or water playgrounds; the proper operation, maintenance, and disinfection (e.g., with chlorine and bromine) of pools, hot tubs or spas, and water playgrounds should inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19, according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

It is of great importance that both adults and kids at private or public pool gatherings should practice social distancing, particularly staying away from people who are coughing and sneezing.

For pool operators, the CDC reminds they should make sure kids are well-supervised when in the water; and that chemicals such as chlorine are added to pool water to kill germs at regular time.

As the summer is coming, the following tips for healthy swimming are recommended for the public: