County Updates Swimming Pool Guidance in Advance of Phase 2 Reopening

For Immediate Release: Thursday, June 18, 2020

Montgomery County health officials are providing swimming pool operators with updated guidance to plan for reopening. Indoor and outdoor pools can begin reopening at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 19.  Per County Executive Marc Elrich’s Executive Order detailing the County’s Phase 2 reopening plans, pools may reopen with capacity limits and other health and safety measures to allow patrons to use pools safely and protect against the risk of exposure to COVID-19.

“We know that many in the community have been waiting for pools to reopen and we believe the guidelines we have put in place will allow residents to enjoy pools, while limiting the risk of spreading COVID-19,” said County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles.

Among safety measures put into place will be limits on the number of patrons allowed in both the swimming pool and the surrounding grounds based on square footage. Limits are based on the ability to ensure six feet of separation between swimmers in the water, on the pool deck, and in the surrounding area. 

Other measures include:

• Restricting the use of lap lanes to one patron at a time;
• The mandatory use of face coverings by staff and patrons unless the individual is in the pool;
• Implementing physical distancing requirements between patrons or household groups to ensure at least six feet of separation in the standing or seating areas;
• No gatherings or events are allowed;
• Ensuring physical distancing while patrons wait to use a diving board or water slide; and
• Hot tubs, spray or splash pads, wading pools, and lazy river pools will remain closed until Phase 3.

The Department of Health and Human Services’ Licensure & Regulatory Services program must inspect and approve the reopening measures before swimming pools may open. 

Montgomery County Recreation outdoor pools and indoor aquatic centers will not open on Friday when Phase 2 goes into effect. Recreation staff continue to work on training, safety plans, and staff placement and will open on a modified schedule in the coming weeks.

To schedule a pre-opening inspection, contact Licensure & Regulatory Services at 240-777-3986 or call 311.  For more information on pool reopening guidelines visit the County’s COVID-19 website section on pools.

For the latest COVID-19 updates, visit the County’s COVID-19 website and follow Montgomery County on Facebook @MontgomeryCountyInfo and Twitter @MontgomeryCoMD.

Put the “count” in Montgomery County! Be sure to complete the Census online, by phone, or by mail. It’s safe, confidential, easy, and important. #2020Census #EveryoneCountsMCMD

# # #

Release ID: 20-328
Media Contact: Mary Anderson 301-529-7669