Swimming and summer time – the two are inseparable. If your community is fortunate enough to offer residents this simple summer treat, let’s make sure your HOA is prepped and ready for some poolside fun!

We’ll start with the obvious and most important: pool safety. Despite their innocent appeal, pools can be dangerous if they aren’t properly managed. Make sure your community pool is:

    • Properly enclosed with a solid fence and a gate that requires a key or electronic key-card.
    • Under carful watch, and consider hiring a lifeguard. A pool monitored by a lifeguard is always safer and better prepared in case of an emergency. If hiring a lifeguard isn’t an option, make sure “no lifeguard on duty” is clearly posted.
    • Clean! No only are dirty pools ugly to look at, they can pose serious health risks. Keep all pool pumps and equipment in good working order, and make sure a professional regularly monitors and maintains proper pool chemistry.

And don’t forget about the rules!

    • Make sure pool rules are posted in a place homeowners can easily access. Rules should include the obvious pool dangers like no running on deck and no diving in the shallow end, but avoid age specific restrictions. According to a recent decision by the Fair Housing Act (FHA), pool rules can’t discriminate against persons younger than 18, and should instead include age-neutral restrictions. For a full explanation on rules related to age restrictions, check out this helpful article.

If you follow the above tips, you’re well on your way to ensuring your homeowners enjoy the community pool this summer. Once you’ve checked safety off your pool to-do list, it’s time to promote some fun, community activities for the residents! Try these three simple ideas to get the poolside fun going:

    • Make it an Inviting Space: Investing in great pool furniture like lounge chairs and table sets for socializing can make your pool environment one that people want to spent time in.
    • Provide activities! While it is fair to expect swimmers to bring their own goggles and pool floats, consider purchasing some bigger items for residents to use while at the pool. For example, look into buying a volleyball net or even a basketball hoop. Having constructive activities may help reduce reckless play that is likely to end in injury.
    • Host a pool party. Provide pizzas (free food always draws people in) and ask residents to bring their own drink and a side dish to share! A pool party is a great way to build camaraderie between residents and to give them warm fuzzies toward their HOA.

Hopefully this gives you some great ideas for your community’s pool. If you keep you pool in tip-top shape, your residents will enjoy it much more! And, a good-looking pool helps improve your community’s curb appeal. Happy residents and great curb appeal…it’s a win-win!