Based on the Prime Ministers message to exercise calm. The reported national view is that businesses, schools and shopping centres with remain open, restrictions to restaurants, pub, clubs and other venues viewed as principle places of social gathering. SPASA will seek clarification on terms used such as what is an essential services and potential shut downs of non-essential businesses. SPASA will continue to lobby that our members who provide construction and maintenance of pools and spas or are supplying the sanitisation and disinfection materials should be considered essential. According to Queensland Health Water Unit, “COVID-19 will be killed at the levels of chlorine recommended for use in public swimming pools”, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to humans through the use of pools and spa’s. Proper operation, maintenance, and disinfection (e.g., with chlorine and bromine) of pools and spas should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19. Additionally, the World Health Organization states that controlling water quality is necessary to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases. SPASA firmly believes the companies that supply pool sanitisation and disinfection materials (through manufacturing, distribution or retail stores), the companies that manage the maintenance of swimming pools, spas and other artificial bodies of water and the companies currently constructing inground pools and spas are essential to preventing the transmission of infectious diseases, helping maintain community health, and ensuring public safety. Without proper pool and spa maintenance (which includes circulation and treatment of water) various pathogens can grow, such as Pseudomonas, Cryptosporidium, E. Coli, Shigella, etc. It can also create a breeding ground for mosquitoes, other pests and the diseases they may carry, which presents a risk not only to bathers but to the entire community at large. Additionally, it is critically important that active inground pool and spa projects be completed. Unfinished projects pose significant public safety risks as potential issues such as cave-ins and pool popping, as well as the dangers resulting from an active construction site. And, the impact of long-term exposure to the elements may result in the community health issues noted above. As children and families across the country are being asked to reduce outside contact or even shelter at home, and with gyms and other public facilities closing, the backyard pool or spa provides the ideal way for families to focus on their health and well-being. These pools and spas should be properly maintained to ensure proper sanitation measures are taking place. SPASA Policy - A Summary The companies who provide pool maintenance and service, are currently constructing a pool or spa, or are supplying the sanitisation and disinfection materials should be considered essential. SPASA advises;
The industry will comply with the social distancing and other regulations
Maintenance of swimming pools and spas is essential to public health
The proper maintenance of swimming pool and spa water can be complex and must be controlled
In poorly maintained swimming pools and spa pools, people may be at risk from infections
It is important to use a qualified Pool and Spa Service Technicians maintaining pools and spas
Providing access to chemicals and equipment through distributors, Pool Shops and Pool and Spa Service Technicians
The most effective way to prevent swimming pool contamination is prevention
The swimming pool industry’s primary responsibility and goal is to provide a healthy swimming environment to over 1.5 million swimming pools and spas in Australia
As an industry, Pool and Spa Service Technicians enjoy unsupervised access to hundreds of thousands backyards weekly to perform the above “essential services”. Thus, the ability of our industry to continue servicing pools and spas and keep people healthy and safe is critical and essential. Lindsay McGrath CEO SPASA Australia
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