Nothing beats the summer heat quite like a pool day. And with everyone wanting to have fun in the community pool, homeowners should practice proper pool etiquette at all times. This way, everyone can enjoy the pool together safely and responsibly.
Why Homeowners Should Observe Proper Pool Etiquette
One of the benefits of living in a homeowners association is getting access to amenities such as swimming pools. Just as you would practice proper etiquette at the dinner table, it is important to practice proper etiquette at the pool.
Pools in HOA communities are open to members and their guests. Some pools are even open to the general public. As such, visitors should be respectful and display proper decorum so that everyone can have a fun and pleasant experience.
When you behave badly at the pool, other visitors won’t have a good time. They will take their complaints to the HOA board, who will then take action against you as per the governing documents. Bad pool manners can also affect the reputation of the community, affecting property values along the way.
8 Tips for Employing Proper Pool Etiquette
If you’ve never spent time at the pool, it’s normal not to know what protocols to follow. That’s not a good enough reason to behave poorly. Here are some tips for practicing proper pool etiquette for homeowners.
1. Take a Shower
You might wonder why taking a shower is necessary when jumping into the pool will soak you all the same. But showers serve an important purpose.
Showering before getting into the pool ensures a cleaner swimming environment for everyone. By showering, you can rinse off any impurities, such as dirt and germs, preventing them from entering the pool. This reduces the risk of waterborne diseases like ear pain and skin rashes.
2. Mind Other Swimmers
As part of proper swimming pool etiquette, you must mind other swimmers. Never jump or dive into oncoming swimmers. Don’t push people from the edges of the pool or a diving board. You should also avoid getting into the pool near the diving board to prevent injuries.
3. Don’t Break the Rules
More often than not, HOAs have pool rules that pool goers must follow. You will find these rules posted in and around the pool area – even outside the pool deck. If there are any changes to the rules, your HOA will usually give you proper notice. While you might think these rules interfere with your fun, they actually promote safety for all pool goers.
Pool rules can vary depending on the association. But, there are some rules that most HOAs share in common.
Rules such as no diving, pushing, or running are self-explanatory. Some pools prohibit splashing as it can be a nuisance to others. Associations also tend to forbid roughhousing or horseplay as these can increase the risk of injury. And HOAs don’t allow you to drink by the pool or swim while under the influence for obvious reasons.
4. Orient Guests on the Rules
Homeowners aren’t the only ones who must follow the rules. All pool goers must abide by the pool rules – no exceptions.
Many HOAs allow owners to invite guests to the pool. Some open their pools to the general public in exchange for a fee. But, even paying guests must follow the pool rules.
If you’re having visitors over, make sure they’re aware of the rules as well. When guests break the rules, the HOA typically holds the homeowner accountable. That means possibly facing fines or a temporary suspension.
5. Don’t Play Loud Music
What’s a common swimming etiquette in a public pool? Refrain from playing loud music. You can play music in your private pool. But, when others are involved, you should respect their space and resist the urge to play loud music.
You can listen to music at an appropriate volume. Better yet, use earphones to better keep the music to yourself. While blasting summer hits on a hot Saturday afternoon may be your idea of a perfect pool day, others might not agree.
6. Hold It In Until the Restroom
In 2019, a survey showed that 40% of Americans have relieved themselves in a pool as adults. If you can relate, now is the time to kick that nasty habit.
You might feel too lazy to make the trip to the restroom. But, those extra steps will help keep everyone a little bit healthier. Urine reduces the amount of chlorine in pool water, making it less effective against germs. So, the next time you feel nature calling, get out of the water and into the restroom.
7. Avoid Bringing Glass Containers
As part of proper poolside etiquette, you should avoid bringing glass containers to the pool area. With glass containers, there’s always a risk of breaking. And broken glass poses safety hazards to pool goers. People can step on them and hurt themselves. Plus, you can’t really spot them by the poolside or in the water because they’re transparent.
Swimmers aren’t the only ones at risk here. Maintenance personnel coming in to clean the pool may also get hurt. Trust us – that ice-cold drink will taste just as refreshing from a plastic bottle.
8. Feeling Sick? Skip the Pool
It’s normal to feel unwell every now and then. But, when you swim while sick, you’re spreading bacteria and viruses through the water. Thus, proper pool etiquette means staying away from the pool when you’re under the weather.
The same principle applies if you have a skin rash or an open wound/cut. It might not be the flu, but you might still infect others. Chlorine can’t kill everything, after all. You might want to take a dip to feel better, but you’re endangering others in the process.
It Begins With You
All pool goers must observe proper pool etiquette. But, as they say, being a good example is important. If you expect everyone else to display proper decorum, you should do the same. It’s a two-way street.
You Can Also Read These:
- It’s Pool Season – Follow These HOA Swimming Pool Safety Rules
- 7 HOA Playground Safety Rules And Maintenance Tips This Spring
- How To Create A Neighborhood Watch For Added Security
