As the weather starts to heat up, many homeowners will want to cool down and enjoy their community pool. While they are a wonderful amenity, pools always come with risk. Below are some tips and tricks to make sure your association’s pool is prepared for the summer season.
- Inspection: Prior to opening your community pool, the association should conduct an inspection of the pool and the surrounding area, such as gates and signs, to ensure everything is in working order after the harsh winter months.
- Insurance: The association should also confirm that all insurance coverage is up to date and provides adequate coverage for not only the pool, but also pool-related facilities. Speak with your association’s insurance agent for any potential issues, liabilities or opportunities for savings surrounding pool coverage.
- Contracts: All related contracts, such as for pool maintenance and lifeguards, should be reviewed to make sure that they are also up to date. If your association employs lifeguards, the association should verify each individual lifeguard’s training and certifications.
- Pool Rules: Did you know your pool rules must be compliant with the Fair Housing Amendment Act (FHAA)? This means that the association’s pool rules must apply equally to all homeowners regardless of familial status. For example, with certain exceptions, your pool rules cannot require children under a certain age to be accompanied by an adult.
Your pool rules should also include adequate safety provisions, such as:
- No running;
- No diving in shallow areas;
- No smoking/vaping or use of tobacco products;
- No glass containers; and
- No pets.
If you have any questions about your association’s pool or pool rules, please contact one of our Altitude attorneys at 303-432-9999 or email us at [email protected].