Can You Catch Coronavirus From A Swimming Pool?

With the weather warming up as summer approaches, many are looking to pools as a way to cool down. But as the coronavirus pandemic continues, a concern for many is if the virus can spread in pools.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, not necessarily. "As of now, there's no evidence that the coronavirus spreads through pool water — and you're even safer if you swim outside because outdoor pools have a lower risk than indoor ones," The New York Times explains. They also add that if the water is treated with chlorine, it's even safer.

Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease expert, confirmed this by saying, "The coronavirus doesn’t survive in chlorinated water." She does add though that the surfaces in or around pools, like decks and lockers rooms, are where the virus can live and spread. Because of this, to be safe, swimmers should always have hand sanitizer handy. Of course, if you don't practice social distancing in a pool, you could contract COVID-19 just as you could outside of the pool.