Swimmers told pools will contain more chlorine
SWIMMING pools will be told to use more chlorine when they reopen in order to kill the virus, new guidelines are expected to say.
After outdoor lakes and ponds reopened for swimming, those who run lidos and indoor pools have met to discuss how to open their lanes safely once the Government lifts restrictions.
Some argued that swimming pools should open sooner than other facilities as, according to the World Health Organisation, chlorine kills the virus.
Swim England, which has been working with pool operators to set safety guidelines, is now writing social distancing and chlorination rules for when they reopen.
Richard Lamburn, head of facilities at Swim England, said the water could be very safe if properly treated: “Scientifically, water that is well filtered with the appropriate level of disinfectant has been shown to be an environment where viruses and bacteria cannot survive. What’s more, chlorination, high temperatures and high humidity in the environment significantly reduce the transmission and spread of this virus.”
Swim England has set chlorine targets for pools when they reopen, and some may have to increase the amount they use.
Places for People, which runs council swimming pools in London, is preparing for reopening.
John Oxley, the group’s chief operating officer, said: “We are working tirelessly with Swim England to develop the necessary measures that will provide the Government with the confidence that will permit us to reopen.
“These measures will take account of water chlorination, social distancing, plus sanitising and operational protocols within changing rooms.”