Splashing time returns:

Age and time limit, as well as social distancing and sanitising among SoP

A worker sanitising the swimming pool area of an academy in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur. Public and private swimming pools will reopen on Wednesday but the public is somewhat cautious about taking a dip.

Public and private pool operators are enthusiastic about the July 1 reopening of their facilities for the people to have a splashing time.

Yet, they are mindful in ensuring safety and compliance to the standard operating procedure (SOP) for pool users.

“We have carefully crafted our SOP to minimise the number of people in the pool by allowing only four swimmers per lane.

“We have also limited our entry to those aged 12 years and above.

“Any serious swimmer below the age of 12 who can maintain social distancing can apply to the management for same-day approval,” said PJ Palms Sports Centre assistant general manager Rozaimi Rosman.

He said the management had allocated more manpower to guide swimmers on the new norm.

Before the Covid-19 outbreak, he said over 100 swimmers could fit in the 10,000sq ft pool during peak periods.

But for now, Rozaimi said pool time would be limited to 55 minutes per person.

This is to allow more people to enjoy the pool while maintaining social distancing, he said.

All swimmers will also be scanned for temperature.

“We are monitoring the pH and chlorine level of the water every two hours and have our staff ensure swimmers rinse before and after swimming outdoors.

“Swimmers are required to wear a mask when entering the toilets or changing room,” he said.

Alvin Koh, who is the director of operations at the One World Hotel, said that among the precautionary measures his establishment were taking included rearranging lounges, table and chairs to be at least 3m apart, as well as cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched areas, such as handrails, slides, tabletops, chairs and door handles, at least twice a day.

“We also have signages to remind patrons to practise social distancing in and around the pool area,” he said.

Koh said the pH level of the pool water would also be checked twice a day and the number of patrons using the pool at any given time would be capped.

PMC Facilities & Real Estate Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Paul Puah said his company managed 80 residential and mixed development projects around Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Ipoh and Cameron Highlands, and three quarter of these properties have swimming pools.

Among the guidelines issued to them included ensuring that residents and tenants are registered with the MySejahtera QR code.

Puah said residents were also encouraged to book an appointment to swim.

Pool time is also minimised to ensure everybody gets a fair chance to take a dip.

“As for cleaning, even before the reopening of swimming pool was announced, we already had SOP that required for all common areas or frequently touched areas to be sanitised every two to three hours.

“Now we emphasise that it should be done every hour. We will also provide hand sanitisers in these areas,” he added.

Ken Damansara Condominium (1) management corporation chairman Ng Hean Yin said that their pool would remain closed for the time being. He said the pool, even prior to the Covid-19 outbreak, was mostly underutilised.

“Our pool maintenance will continue but with the SOP, our pool service provider cannot station someone to monitor and clean up the pool every two hours after it is used.

“So we decided not to increase our expenses unnecessarily, unless our residents really request for the pool to be reopened,” he said.

Ng said the management would wait until the end of the recovery MCO or until the government eased the SOP further before deciding to reopen the pool.

On June 22, the government announced that public, as well as private pools at hotels, gated residences, apartments and condominiums could reopen from July 1.

These locations must provide either lifeguards, observers or supervisors to ensure the number of people in the pool is controlled at all times.