Public Outdoor Pool in Portsmouth, NH, Set to Open July 6th

According to Seacoast Online, residents of Portsmouth are going to have somewhere to cool off starting Monday, July 6th. Pierce Island Outdoor Pool will allow up to 50 residents at a time (you must bring a photo ID to prove residency) and the site states the pool will be open from 11 am to 6 pm daily.

I know what you might be thinking. Is a public pool really a great idea during a global pandemic? FEAR NOT! Precautions are being taken to ensure the safety of the pool-goers.

*The site says that each person must affirm that they are not ill and haven't in contact with someone who has or is suspected to have COVID-19.

*The 50 person maximum will be monitored closely because pool use is by reservation only. Each reservation is for just one hour block and after that block the bathhouse will be thoroughly disinfected. When I go to a pool, I like to lay out the entire day and not move so I don't think an hour would be enough for me. But I completely understand why they want to enforce that rule so more people can enjoy the pool.

*The 6 feet of physical distancing rule will be strictly enforced in and out of the pool. Unless you are a parent with your small child, of course you are allowed to stay in close proximity of your family members.

*Masks are required when entering and exiting the pool as well as using the bathhouse. We are all getting mask tan lines this Summer. It is inevitable! Mask tans are the new Farmer's tan so we might as well embrace it.

*There will be no snack bar for obvious reasons. Pool goers can feel free to bring their own refreshments and blankets/towels to eat on.

Summer 2020 is certainly looking different that any other Summer we have experienced. But It is good to see that our city officials are taking the precautions to keep us safe. Hopefully we can beat this thing and no one will have to rock a face mask tan line next Summer. That is my wish for us all.