Multi-Unit Housing Pool Guidance - COVID-19

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MultiUnit Housing Pool Guidance_COVID 19

This document provides guidance regarding the use of multi-unit housing pools. Residential pools at apartment and condominium complexes have not been ordered to close, but many property managers and homeowner's associations (HOAs) have chosen to close pools, spas, and barbeque areas in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect residents. If a property management company or HOA decides to open the pool, they are responsible to do the following:

CREATE A DISINFECTION PLAN

  • Create a written disinfection plan that identifies frequently touched surfaces, a schedule, and designated person to complete disinfection tasks
  • Use an EPA approved disinfectant on commonly touched surfaces, including but not limited to: 
  • 1) Pool Area  - gate, latch, tables, chairs, drinking fountain, pool handrails, and countertops
  • 2) Shared Restroom - door handles, light switches, faucets, latches, and dispensers

POST SIGNAGE

  • Post signage instructing residents to swim only with members of their household, and maintain a safe distance of 6 feet or greater from neighbors
  • Post signage reminding residents to wash their hands frequently with soap and water, cover coughs and sneezes, and to avoid the pool area if they are experiencing symptoms of illness including a fever of 100°F or above, sore throat, runny nose, chills, not feeling well, sneezing, coughing, abdominal pain, or diarrhea

IMPLEMENT SOCIAL DISTANCING PROTOCOLS AND HAND HYGIENE RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Lower the pool occupancy to reduce crowding and ensure 6 feet of distance between users 
  • Prohibit parties or gatherings in all common areas including the pool
  • Implement scheduled time slots for use on the busiest days to control the flow of users
  • Close the spa or limit use to 1 person or household at a time (post signage)
  • Rearrange or remove some furniture to provide adequate spacing
  • Remind residents to wear a cloth face covering when traveling through common areas of the property where it may not be possible to maintain physical distancing, including to and from the pool, barbeque area, and shared restrooms
  • Provide, or ask that residents bring, a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • Frequently check shared restrooms to ensure they are stocked with hand soap and paper towels

CONDUCT A POOL SAFETY CHECK

There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to humans through water. Pool use is associated with other risks including drowning. Conduct a daily self-inspection.

  • Pool enclosure is in good condition; gate self-closes and self-latches
  • Pool chemistry is adequate for disinfection
  • Chlorine with cyanuric acid 2-10PPM
  • Chlorine without cyanuric acid 1-10PPM
  • pH 7.2 - 7.8
  • Cyanuric acid 0-100PPM
  • Safety equipment, including the life hook and rescue ring, are in good condition and installed in an easily visible and accessible location
  • Water is clean and clear, and the main drain located at the deepest part of the pool is visible 
  • Pool light is mounted flush to the wall with no gaps or exposed wires

If you have questions reach out to the Environmental Health office at 626-744-6004 or email pool inspector Elaine Zita at http://ezita@cityofpasadena.net.