Everybody is bored out of their gourd and looking for enjoyable things to do. Never fear if you have a pool, my dear, because pools are an excellent way to stay safe while you ratchet up the fun a notch. So plan your Labor Day pool party and keep your pool open as long as you can to relieve your stress, keep your kids occupied (same thing, right?), socialize with friends and break out that new cannonball you’ve been wanting to try!

During a pool party, you’re already outside, so that is a check in the “win” column, but here are some other things you can do to help keep you and your guests as safe as possible…

• Keep invites limited so that guests in the pool and seats can be adequately spaced.
• Fill a huge bucket with iced sodas, waters and beer so everyone only touches their own beverage.
• Food items can be grilled and served with tongs by one server. 
• Side items, such as fruit salad, potato salad, macaroni salad, etc., can be placed in individual cups and prepared ahead of time.
• Place individual condiment packets and disposable utensils at each place setting.
• Frequently disinfect commonly touched items, such as pool railings and door knobs.
• Equip your bathroom with hand sanitizer and disposable towels and keep it frequently disinfected as well.

The CDC says that there is no evidence that swimming pools are a problem at this time. Properly chlorinated, pools are probably one of the safest places you can be, so go ahead and make a splash this swimming season! You deserve it!