Pools reopening in Salt Lake County... with precautions

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Public pools across Salt Lake County can now open with the proper precautions in place.

Salt Lake City, West Valley, and Magna still fall into Governor Gary Herbert’s ‘orange zone’ risk level, which means pools are limited to lap swim only with one swimmer per lane.

But the rest of Salt Lake County has moved into the ‘yellow zone.’ According to the Salt Lake County Health Department, they can open if they’re following social distancing guidelines.

Separated by lanes, swimmers are getting back into the water at the Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center.

The facility opened its pool to lane-only swimming on Saturday. But, since then, they’ve moved to the ‘yellow risk level’ and are preparing to open their kids' plunge pool, but it won’t happen in time for Memorial Day.

Ben Hill, executive director at the center said:

We’re doing everything we possibly can to get open under the yellow guidelines to where you feel safe and comfortable coming."

According to the Salt Lake County Health Department, in order to open public pools, the facility must screen staff regularly and practice social distancing at the pool.

Hill has his entire staff wearing masks. While they could have opened the kids' plunge pool as of Saturday, he decided to hold off until they have a plan in place.

“We’re moving into this slow making sure we’re being cautious and have everything in place,” Hill said.

Many pools across the county are choosing to do the same. Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation Department said some of its rec. center pools may open on June 1, but outdoor pools won’t open until after July 1.

Bureau Manager for Water Quality and Hazardous Waste for Salt Lake County Health Department Teresa Gray said:

I have homeowners associations that are choosing not to open up at this time because they don’t want to take on that risk for their membership."

The Health Department is not concerned about the virus spreading through water. Gray says:

The CDC doesn’t see this transmitting through water. Swimming pools have a disinfect level that’s in them that should take care of it. The concern is person-to-person and those contact surfaces. So, don’t share paddleboards, don’t share noodles."

Cottonwood Heights is working on a plan to open up their kids plunge pool safely, but Hill said it will take a few weeks. Their goal is to open by June 1.

“We’re just as eager and excited to get this stuff open for you,” he said.