Translations: For translated content, please select your language under the "Translate" option in the blue bar at the top right of this webpage.
“Clear the pool,” is not a frequent or welcome announcement. But it happens. Under Fairfax County Health Department's procedures, accidents now require longer pool closures, making healthy swimming habits increasingly important. In following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, diarrhea accidents in Park Authority pools will require closure for up to 24 hours to eliminate the possibility of recreational water illnesses.
Prevention is the preferred alternative to cleanup, so please follow the CDC’s recommendations for healthy swimming habits:
- Don't go swimming if you have had diarrhea in the last 2 weeks.
- Encourage children to use the bathroom before entering the pool and take them on frequent bathroom breaks.
- Children who are not toilet trained, and incontinent adults MUST wear snug fitting swimsuit diapers or snug fitting plastic pants beneath their bathing suits.
- Shower before entering the pool.
- Do not drink the pool water.
