Summer is nearly here. With seasonal weather looking to pick up, it’s time for look at your community pool (should your association have one) and make sure the facility is up to the task of providing a way for residents to cool off and relax during the approaching summer heat.

Here are a few things you can do to make sure the season goes smoothly:

Pool Inspection

Schedule an initial inspection with your pool vendor to ensure the facility passes city standards and requirements, if required. Cities can get busy the closer it is to summer, schedule an inspection as soon as you can. The sooner the first inspection is done, the sooner you’ll know if the pool is ready for the summer or if there’s work to do. Be proactive in making repairs to the pool and its facility’s before getting an inspection. Barring city inspection, be sure to test emergency phone lines, fences and gates, update community pool rules, post up-to-date pool hours, and make sure pool furniture is clean and ready for use.

Be Watchful

Consider hiring a lifeguard, if possible. A pool that is monitored by a trained lifeguard is always safer and prepared for any emergency. The position can be advertised in your association’s community newsletter. A volunteer lifeguard could be brought on, but make sure to check their credentials as if they were a paid hire. If having a lifeguard is not possible, ensure that signage is posted indicating “No Lifeguard On Duty” across the facility.

Clear Waters

Keep the pool clean. Maintaining a clean pool is an essential part of running the facility. Pool pumps, drains, and other equipment needs to be in good working order to ensure residents are not at risk of being exposed to contaminants of any kind. Be sure a professional properly checks the chemical levels and monitors the pool’s chemistry to keep your association and residents safe.

Post Pool Rules

Be sure to post your community’s rules in a place that is easily accessed and visible. These rules should include obvious risks and dangers, such as “No Running” and “No Diving”. Along with posting these rules throughout the pool facility, they can be emailed to homeowners at the beginning of (and throughout) the pool season.

Communicate Pool Schedule and Repairs

Make sure a schedule for the season is always readily accessible to HOA residents. Also, there will most likely be times where the pool needs to be closed for maintenance beyond a regular deep cleaning. These closures should be communicated to residents as quickly and clearly as possible. Be ready to discuss the cost and schedule of repairs at community events and meetings because someone will ask about them.

Pool season is a fun time for everyone in a community. By preparing the pool, you ensure that everything is ready for a fun filled summer. For more HOA management tips be sure to visit our blog, or if you are ready to switch to a new HOA management company, contact us today for a free quote for your community.