A study has found that swimming pool water can inactivate the Corona virus in 30 seconds. The study has been conducted by virologists and experts in respiratory viruses at Imperial College London.
Interestingly, the findings suggest that the Chlorinated water in indoor swim pools is one of the safest environments during COVID times. The risk of COVID-19 transmission via swimming pool water is extremely low.
Virologists considered the effects of swimming pool water on the virus that causes Covid-19 – SARS-CoV-2. So, they assessed the time taken to inactivate the virus in varying chlorine and pH levels.
Researchers found that a concentration of free chlorine of 1.5 milligrams per litre with a pH between 7–7.2 reduced the infectivity of the virus by more than 1,000 times within just 30 seconds. Additional testing confirmed that chlorine in swimming pool water was more effective with a lower pH level.
The study adds to the evidence that swimming pools are safe if appropriate measures are taken. It’s great news for the swimmers. So, it will give peace of mind for those who rely on the water to stay physically active.
