Current Events > So does anyone know how effective, if at all, Covid spreads in a swimming pool?

(+) Yeah! (+)

I know this is an odd question. Im thinking about switch to swimming for cardio in a few months or so and Im curious how this works in water, let alone a pool with chlorine in it.

My plan is to go to the YMCA during a time with very few people just to swim. No weights or anything like that. I also have the vaccine so I hope that helps. Even then, keeping 6 feet away while swimming laps is super easy.

However, depending on how Covid spreads in pools, maybe I wont even bother. I dont know how this will work and I currently dont have time to look it up while at work. Maybe someone on CE knows the answer?

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JACKBUTTMOMMY posted...

How long since youve been vaccinated?

Since February 1st. I work at the hospital so we got it fast

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I don't think we're to a point yet where we can do that. I'd work out at home and if you must, do cardio outside, away from others.

Properly chlorinated pool water is lethal to coronaviruses, so this largely comes down to if you think the YMCA maintains their pool well. Worth noting if the pool has a strong "clorine" smell, that's a sign that it is not being maintained well.

The problem with a pool would more be that people are not going to be swimming with masks on, I'd think.

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Chlorinated pool water does a pretty good job of killing it afaik. However the main worry isn't the pool, but all the other surfaces you'll be touching; showers, lockers, towel racks whatever that people have been touching with bare skin while not wearing masks. I'm sure the YMCA probably has good sanitization protocols in place for that stuff, and the fact that you're vaccinated means your chance of contracting COVID are low anyway, but if you're looking for the "abundance of caution" route those are things to consider

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So it seems pretty split overall. My plan was to wear a mask all the way up until I actually put my head under water but I will have to obviously breath so maybe this is still a no go even with very few people around

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I imagine the chlorine can kill it, but once yer all wet I imagine you yourself become a magnet

the vaccine protects you but I dont think its a guarantee it can totally prevent infection >_>

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JACKBUTTMOMMY posted...

Is your concern spreading, contracting, or both? It sounds like you feel as if you shouldnt do it - so go with that.

Both. I guess I shouldnt but I dont really know when I can. Like what is the signal that this is ok?

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DepreceV2 posted...

Both. I guess I shouldnt but I dont really know when I can. Like what is the signal that this is ok?

Thats a tough call, Id say whenever they start scheduling absolutely everyone

Over in this state they did the elderly and people with conditions first (this was with essential healthcare workers) and now theyre doing teachers.. they may do another section of people but once they start doing the general public I think youd feel much safer


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does it smell like chlorine when you walk in? if so then the virus is dead in the water, though to be honest its highly unlikely that you'd be able to spread it by pool water anyway. you're far more likely to get it from other swimmers who are breathing the same air you are.

if you were vaccinated then you're not going to get seriously ill from covid, even if someone actively sick coughs in your face. the jury is still out though on your potential to act as a carrier for he virus though. so while you would likely be asymptomatic, its possible that you'd bring the virus home or to work with you and be able to spread it for a few days.

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JACKBUTTMOMMY posted...

Is your concern spreading, contracting, or both? It sounds like you feel as if you shouldnt do it - so go with that.

This. Go with your gut and don't do it. Now is not the time to stop taking precautions.