The good news: There is no evidence that the Coronavirus Disease 2019, COVID-19, can be spread to humans through the use of pools and hot tubs, states the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

But there is a caveat: "Proper operation, maintenance, and disinfection (e.g., with chlorine and bromine) of pools and hot tubs should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19."

The COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking water, the CDC adds. "Conventional water treatment methods that use filtration and disinfection, such as those in most municipal drinking water systems, should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19," the CDC says.

Nonetheless, both adults and kids at private or public pool gatherings should maintain "social distancing" practices, particularly staying away from people who are coughing and sneezing.

In addition to making sure kids are well-supervised when in the water, the CDC reminds pool operators about potentially unseen health hazards. Chemicals like chlorine are added to pool water to kill germs and stop them from spreading. However, mishandling pool chemicals can cause injuries, the CDC states.

Operators of public pools, hot tubs/spas, or water playgrounds — and owners of residential pools or hot tubs/spas — can take steps to prevent pool chemical injuries, such as reading and following directions on product labels of pool chemicals before using them, the agency emphasizes.

"When swimmers don't shower before getting in pools, hot tubs/spas, or water playgrounds — or pee in the water — free chlorine (the form of chlorine that kills germs) combines with pee, poop, sweat, dirt, and personal care products," states the CDC. "This means there is less free chlorine to kill germs and (as a result) unwanted chemical compounds are produced."

One of those unwanted chemical compounds is a group of irritants called chloramines, which can makes eyes red and sting, skin irritation and rashes, and respiratory problems, the agency states. These chloramines are different from the type of chloramine that is sometimes used to treat our drinking water.

Tips for Healthy Swimming

As far as public pools, hot tubs and spas are concerned, here are tips from the CDC:

• Check out the latest inspection score assigned to a public pool or hot tub/spa. You can typically find inspection scores online or on-site.
• Do your own mini-inspection. Use test strips to check disinfectant (chlorine or bromine) level and pH before getting in the water. Most superstores, hardware stores, and pool-supply stores sell test strips.
• Shower before you get in the water. Rinsing off in the shower for just one minute helps get rid of most stuff that might be on swimmer's body.
• Check yourself! Keep the pee, poop, sweat, blood, and dirt out of the water.
• Don't swim or let children swim when sick with diarrhea.
• Don't swallow the water. Just one mouthful of water with diarrhea germs can make you sick for up to 3 weeks.

From https://baptisthealth.net

Nope - no au natural photo here.You may be aware of the health benefits from sauna use.  There are, however, a few steps to maximize your health benefits.

Do you know how long you should be in a sauna or how frequent you should sauna? How to get the most out of your sauna:

• Maintain a regular schedule and routine
• Exfoliate and boost circulation to the skin
• Stay hydrated
• Shower before and after using your sauna
• Maximize skin exposure to heat
• Stretch out or lay down

1. Shower before and after taking a sauna
2. No clothing is best
3. Max 15 minutes
4. Exfoliate
5. Stretch

Above ground pool care and maintenance is just as much work as cleaning your in-ground pool. Tools are all the same as are the steps.  You will need to do some brushing, skimming and vacuuming. Your wall skimmer will catch most of the floating debris. A bag type of leaf rake will work best if you have lots of leaves.  It can also handle scooping debris from the pool floor.

Step 1

The pump and filter is the most important piece of equipment. Pumps provide the force to circulate the water and push it through the filter. The pump should circulate all the water within an eight hour time period. The best time to run your pump is during the day, usually for 8 - 12 hours at a time. Water in motion makes it harder for bacteria and algae to take hold and also directs more debris to your skimmer where it can be captured by your filter.

Both indoor and outdoor settings have benefits.  Most importantly are the health benefits and comaraderie a new hot tub brings to the family.  But there are some other things to consider that will help you get the most out of your new hot tub

Indoor Pros

• Privacy - depending on who is planning to use the hot tub the most this may be the very first consideration

• No worries about the weather with an indoor tub. Your enviroment and temperature is completely under your control

• Create your own paradise getaway in a spare room of the house with an indoor tub without worrying about getting things put away quickly to avoid rain or wind damage

Outdoor Pros

• Ventilation can be a huge probelem with indoor hot tubs but not so outdoors. The wind and weather will naturally help regulate moisture levels which helps with mildew and mold

• It's much easier to have an outside hot tub installed and run electric and water sources

• If you have a beautiful natural setting out the back door then an outside paradise may be for you

Indoor OR Outdoor

Hot tubs provide relaxation and fun for the whole family!