When can pools open in North Carolina?
Many areas of North Carolina have been struggling with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) since early March. As the state works to reopen its economy, residents are looking for ways to get back outside. There have been many changes, including revised guidelines from the CDC, as the state works to limit the spread of the pandemic. Now that the pandemic is under control in North Carolina, residents are eager to get back to normal. However, before they can do that, they must first get comfortable being around other people once more.
Pools are one of the activities that fall under the category of ‘getting back to normal’ and are therefore allowed to open in North Carolina. With summer now around the corner, many areas are looking for ways to get wet. There are a few guidelines that you must follow if you decide to open your swimming pool or spa. First, make sure that your pool is up to code and that it has all the appropriate safety features. Next, check with your local government to see if there are any regulations regarding pool openings during the year. Last but not least, make sure that your pool area is well stocked with lifesaving equipment.
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The Importance Of Testing
Since the beginning of the pandemic, many homeowners have rushed to get their pools opened. However, before they did that, they had to take a leap of faith and assume that the water in their pool was safe to drink. Unfortunately, many infections are now known to be spread by water, and there’s a good chance that some of those people contracted the virus through their pool. Testing the water before you use it is therefore critical if you want to avoid the spread of COVID-19. You can either test it yourself with a home kit or hire a professional pool cleaner to do it for you.
If you decide to open your pool, you must also decide whether or not to put up any sort of fence around it. This is something that many North Carolina residents have decided to do, but it’s not necessarily required. Having a fence around your pool can help keep intruders out as well as provide a retreat for you and your family in case of an emergency. Just remember that if you do decide to install a fence, you must first consult with your local government to see if there are any regulations regarding pool fencing during non-summer months.
Additional Considerations
Once you’re certain that your pool meets all the criteria set by the state and your local government, you must decide how you’ll manage it. This will depend on many factors, including how big you want your pool to be and how much space you have for it. If you have a lot of land, you could build an in-ground pool that’s 10 or 12 feet deep. For smaller spaces, you could use a portable pool or a wading pool. For added protection, you could install a security camera.
If you live in an area where freezing temperatures are commonplace, you’ll need to install a roof or an indoor pool. If you live in a warmer climate, you don’t need those extra measures but should still install a security camera to protect your family.
Although it’s tempting to open your pool as soon as possible, you must take the time to prepare for it. First, make sure that your pool is clean and that there are no unwanted animals near it. Next, check the weather in your area to see if it will be warm or cold where you live. If it’s warm where you are, you can assume that it will stay that way all year, so you’ll probably have no need to heat the pool. On the other hand, if it’s cold where you are, you’ll need to prepare for both warm and cold weather. This means you’ll either need to heat or cool the pool according to need. In either case, you’ll need to do some research on how to properly maintain your pool so that it’s in good condition and doesn’t lead to any health issues for you or your family.
Whether or not you put up a fence around your pool, you must remember to keep it clean. If possible, use a chlorine-free pool cleaner, otherwise, use saltwater mix. Testing the water often is also advised so that you can ensure the safety of your family. Doing these things will help you get back to normal as quickly as possible and allow you to enjoy the outdoors without any worries.