Topic: Swimming Pool

This will be my first summer at a property with a swimming pool, the previous manager let anything go on in the pool area so the rules need to be revised. What are some rules you enforce at your property? Would it be wrong to have the pool close at 7 pm (this is when our office closes)

The community (conventional) where I live has a pool. They enforce pool passes, guest limits and closing time. Each resident has to sign for their pool pass in the office and they are allowed 2 guests per apartment. The pool closes at 8pm and the office closes at 6pm. The on call maintenance tech locks up and makes sure area is clean (generally about 15 minutes of OT). We've been here for 3.5 years and it seems to work well.

Student housing is a bit more difficult to manage since the residents tend to push boundaries. You can often curb issues by explaining the rules when they sign for their pass. If necessary, outline and enforce penalties for breaking the rules. I have seen replacement fees for lost passes and lease violation notices sent if multiple verbal warnings have been ignored. The pool should be fun so penalties are a last resort.

Hi Amber,
Most of my pools were open from 10AM to 10PM. The on call maintenance person locks the gates in the evening.

Pool passes help, however it is difficult to 'police' the pool. Make it clear that the resident will need their pool pass everytime they are in the pool area. Just becasue you know them is no excuse NOT to have the pass!

Here is an example of some 'rules' that are typically used:
• Clean and proper swimming attire is required. Cutoff shorts are not allowed.
• Children (under ____ years of age) shall not use the pool without an adult in attendance.
• Do not swim if you have an infectious or communicable disease.
• All infants and children not potty trained must use little swimmer pants or have rubber pants around their diapers.
• No food, drink or wrappers shall be permitted in the pool area.
• No glass articles in or around pool.
• No pets allowed.
• No running, rough play or excessive noise in the pool.
• All guests must be accompanied by the resident at all times.
• Place all trash in proper containers.
• Pool hours are from Sunday thru Saturday _________ a.m. to ________ p.m., weather permitting. The gate is locked when the pool is closed. Persons who are in pool area when the gate is locked may have residency terminated.
• Pool capacity is limited; residents have first priority over guest(s).

I hope this helps.
Gerry

If you are looking to revise or rewrite your pool rules, below is my recommended set of pool rules. I have also attached my recommended pool rules as a word document. Please feel free to download it and adjust it to your community preferences.

Safety

1. A parent or guardian must accompany a non-swimmer in the water at all times even if the non-swimmer uses a U.S. Coast Guard approved life vest.
2. To support a non-swimmer, the only item permitted is a U.S. Coast Guard approved life vest. Water wings, bubbles, inflatable objects, floating baby carriages, rings, or any other flotation device is prohibited.
3. If a parent or guardian needs assistance in determining a child’s swimming ability, they must ask the manager or lifeguard for assistance.
4. Patrons shall not behave in a way that jeopardizes the safety of themselves or others. The pool manager or lifeguard has the authority to temporarily remove any member or guest of this facility and may use discretion in enforcing rules.
5. Lifeguards are on duty to enforce rules, respond to emergencies, and promote a safe environment. The parent or guardian is responsible for the supervision and safety his or her children.

Pass Policy

1. All patrons entering the pool area, including people who are not swimming, must present a valid pool pass.
2. A resident/member must accompany guests at all times. Guests must present a guest pass.
3. Persons under the age of number (#) do not need a pool pass or guest pass.
4. Children under the age of number (#) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian number (#) years old or older.
5. Residents/members are responsible for the actions of their guests.

General Policy

1. No one is permitted to use the pool until it is officially open and a lifeguard is on duty. Entering the pool area when the pool is closed is prohibited and may be considered trespassing.
2. All patrons using the pool area do so at their own risk. Owners and management does not assume responsibility for any accident or injury in connection with such risk.
3. Immediately report any accidents to the lifeguard or manager on duty.
4. The facility may be closed at any time due to mechanical breakdown, water chemistry adjustments or inclement weather.
5. All swimmers shall exit the pool area at the lifeguards or managers request.
6. Proper swim attire is required. Street clothes, cut offs, or denim shorts, are prohibited in the pool, unless deemed appropriate for religious purposes.
7. Patrons may not use the pool under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
8. Smoking, including electronic cigarettes, is permitted in designated areas only.
9. Rafts, tubes, mats, or any flotation device is prohibited. The only exception is noodles are permitted.
10. Patrons who are not toilet trained must wear tight fitting rubber pants or swim diapers.
11. Disruptive behavior and profanity will not be tolerated.

Health Department Regulations

[These recommended pool rules are base on the Model Aquatic Health Code’s Recommendations. For more information on the MAHC visit the CDC. Substitute this section with your local health department regulations if available]

1. In case of emergency call 911.
2. [Hours of Operation]
3. All occupancy limits posted at the facility must be followed.
4. Pollution of the facility is prohibited.
5. Do not swim if you have open wounds.
6. Do not swim if you are ill with diarrhea or have had diarrhea within the past two weeks.
7. Shower before entering the water.
8. No glass items are permitted in the facility.
9. Do not swallow water or spit water.
10. Diaper changing on the deck is prohibited.
11. No diving in areas specified “No Diving”.
12. No prolonged underwater swimming or breath holding. Competitive or repetitive breath holding is not permitted.
13. No animals are permitted in the pool enclosure except service animals.

Adam Nagy
www.swimmingpoolpasses.com

Here is the copy of the pool/amenity rules we give to all of our new move ins.
We have WiFi Lounge and Fitness Center as well where we require kids to have adults with them.