A public pool is a wonderful amenity to have in your community, but if not properly maintained and monitored, homeowners’ safety could be at risk. While some risks can not be completely eliminated, there are protocols and initiatives that can be put in place to mitigate hazards and liabilities that come along with operating a public pool.
To see if there are additional safety strategies that could be implemented at your community, our Tampa HOA management team has outlined some important tips for increasing public pool safety.
1. REQUIRE RESIDENT ID TO ACCESS THE POOL
Requiring that the pool be accessed with a resident id serves two purposes. One, small children can not access the pool area without an adult. Two, the pool will be limited to the people it is intended to serve, homeowners in the community.
2. PERFORM REGULAR WALK THROUGHS
Do regular walkthroughs of the pool area to identify potential risks. Once a month or even once a week, schedule time for pool safety inspections. Check for things like broken chairs and tables, slippery flooring, broken life preservers, etc. If issues are present, remove them immediately to insure an accident does not occur from the potential hazard.
3. CONDUCT REGULAR MAINTENANCE CHECKS
As an experienced HOA management company in Tampa, we highly recommend hiring a pool management company who is experienced with proper chlorine and chemical levels and checking the infiltration systems. As of 2008, HOAs are required to have a licensed pool contractor when replacing or repairing pool grates and covers, so it is important to keep this in mind during maintenance checks, too. If your community is found to be in non-compliance with this law, legal ramifications could occur as a result.
4. MONITOR POOL
If possible, set pool hours around clubhouse hours to allow for standard check-ins throughout the day. Because this is not always possible, you can also monitor activity at the pool by installing security cameras. If you have a community security officer, they can also assist with check-ins, especially in the evening hours when trespassing is likely to occur.
5. CLOSE POOL WHEN NECESSARY
Whenever a risk that poses real threat to pool visitors is present, temporarily close the pool. Some people may get upset, but remember, it is for their own good. Reasons for closing the pool could be dangerous chemical levels found during maintenance inspection, harmful bacteria in the water, or adverse weather conditions.
6. CHECK YOUR GENERAL LIABILITY COVERAGE
No matter what steps are taken to enhance pool safety, accidents can still happen and your community needs to be protected. Check with your insurance provider and ensure that proper general liability insurance is present should an injury occur at your community’s pool.
Speak with a member of our Tampa HOA management team by calling us at (813) 968-5665 or request a proposal.