How safe is it to use public swimming pools?

With the mercury climbing up across Europe, many are looking to cool off in swimming pools— but are they safe?

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is currently no evidence that SARS-Cov-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can be spread to people through the water in pools, hot tubs, or water playgrounds.

“Additionally, proper operation of these aquatic venues and disinfection of the water (with chlorine or bromine) should inactivate the virus,” it said.

Community swimming pools have reopened in several countries across the European Union, including France, Italy, Spain and Germany.

In France, the national health agency ruled that capacity at indoor swimming pools must not exceed one swimmer per square metre of water.

“However, it seems safer to count two bathers for every three square metres, or even one per two square metres,” it said.

Outdoor venues can have three bathers for every two square metres of water.

In countries where community swimming pools remain closed, like the UK, people have instead flocked to the seaside or freshwater locations.