Safety First: Guidelines and Procedures for
Enjoying the Swimming Pool in your
Cooperative Housing Society.

As the scorching heat of summer descends upon us, so does pool season, and there’s no better
way to beat it than by taking a refreshing plunge into the cool waters of the swimming pool
within your society. It is also a convenient and luxurious amenity for the residents and guests,
especially after an exhausting session in the gym. However, amidst the excitement of
capturing your spot and enjoying a leisurely swim, it’s imperative to adhere to a set of
complex swimming pool rules and regulations to guarantee safety. Following certain
guidelines and procedures helps make a swimming pool a secure, worry-free environment for
all members using the pool.

1) Slot allotments

Booking a time for your pool time is a privilege extended to all the residents. However,
complying with society’s rules and regulations for booking procedures is crucial to maintain
order. Neighbors can either download the app or physically register, but they must adhere to
the specified time slots for the accommodation of other members.

2) Pool Usage Rules and Regulations

Firstly, the most common and basic risk around a pool is slipping and falling. Children,
especially, tend to get excited and run around areas where the ramp might be slippery.

Therefore, it is very important to make walkways and deck areas with materials that are non-
slippery and rough. Along with that, it must be ensured that any walking around the pool

should be very cautious and slow. Having responsibilities as residents towards the society and
adhering to them is as important as those of the society towards the residents.

As per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the pool area and facilities should be

accessible to individuals with disabilities. Modifications such as wheelchair ramps, ADA-
compliant pool lifts, and pathways within the pool facility may be required for accessibility.

Accommodating the diverse needs of all residents establishes an inclusive pool experience for
everyone within the community.

3) Mitigation of Hazards

Secondly, it is imperative to maintain separate pools for children and adults, with designated
water depths clearly marked to avoid mishaps. Installing multiple ladders, steps, and ramps
facilitates safe entry and exit from the pool for everyone. Additionally, pool dimensions,
structures, and materials should meet safety standards to mitigate any potential dangers. For
that and to ensure the security of the residents, lifeguards may be stationed during operational
hours. Additionally, hazard signage, depth markers, and regular inspections help identify and
address any safety concerns promptly.

4) Diving and Diving Board Rules

Diving is one of the activities that is very natural and common around a pool. These diving
activities should be permitted only under certain terms and conditions like no diving in the
shallow end, provisions of multiple diving boards, etc. The rules must also be prominently
posted near the pool area. Water can carry and pass on a number of diseases, so sanitation
should always be well-maintained and consistent.

5) Bathrooms and Sanitation

Bathrooms should be segregated by gender, equipped with showers and essential sanitary
facilities, with proper ventilation to avoid health issues associated with humidity. Residents
always remember to shower before entering to keep the pool clean and maintain hygiene
standards.

6) Maintenance and Disease Prevention

Maintenance of the pool and surrounding areas is critical to prevent the spread of waterborne
diseases. This includes inspecting swimming pool water quality, equipment such as filters
and pumps, and cleanliness of bathrooms. Designating specific times for daily cleaning
ensures that the zone remains safe and inviting for all residents to enjoy. People who are not
proficient swimmers should be encouraged to use support like lifebuoys, floats, or kickboards
to assure their own safety. Residents must wear appropriate swimming gear as well. The pool
manager shoulders the responsibility of ensuring that the swimming pool and its surrounding
areas are well-maintained and hygienic.

Regular maintenance activities, such as debris removal, drain inspection, and filtration system
checks, must be conducted on a weekly basis to conform to the highest standards of
cleanliness and safety. This includes maintaining optimal chlorine levels, pH level balance
(between 7 to 7.2), and using disinfectants to prevent contamination by algae, pathogens, etc.
Adhering to best practices in pool operation and maintenance is essential for the well-being
of all residents. This includes regular cleaning, testing water quality with test kits, and
conforming to municipal regulations regarding pool maintenance charges and health
standards.

A well-defined set of pool rules and regulations governs the conduct of pool users to create a
safe and enjoyable experience for all. These rules may include maintaining appropriate attire,
refraining from running or diving in non-designated areas and adhering to specifications

regarding pool timings. Failure to comply with these rules may be subject to violation, and
disciplinary action may be considered as determined by the management committee.

An accident can always be prevented but rarely fixed.

Pool accidents are no joke. Therefore, it is imperative to acknowledge the inherent risks, and
so is compliance with the rules. Drowning remains one of the foremost causes of
unintentional death worldwide, with children particularly vulnerable. In the serene confines
of a cooperative housing society, where residents of all ages converge, the onus of
safeguarding lives is most important. There are plenty of times when we read in the

newspaper about another small, playful act around a pool turning into something life-
threatening.

One of these accidents is about a 6-year-old child who was left unattended for several
minutes in the pool while the guardian attended to another child in the bathrooms. During the
time the child was unattended, she somehow managed to reach the deep end of the pool and
ended up drowning. Not only that, but her distress had gone unnoticed for about 4-6 minutes.
The child was later announced to be dead on arrival at the hospital.

Another incident comprises the tragic death of a 10-year-old girl due to faulty electrical work
near the pool. One particular evening, the daughter and father went swimming in their
society. While the father decided to walk, the girl mingled with other children in the pool.
Shortly afterward, the father was informed that his daughter had collapsed. Upon arrival at a
nearby private hospital, the girl was pronounced dead. It was later discovered that the
maintenance personnel and the electricity traders were aware of the malfunctioning work near
the pool. This caused multiple arrests amongst the faculty responsible.

To avoid these life-altering adversities, here’s a checklist of do’s and don’ts: Swimming Pool
Edition.

DO

• Religiously comply with safety rules.
• Use a shower before entering the pool.
• Maintain cleanliness inside and near the pool.
• Be careful of water depths.
• Dive responsibly
• Report possible risks
• Be respectful of other people in the pool.
• Instruct children to walk, not run, around the pool premises.
• Run the hydraulic pump for 8 hours minimum to avoid cloudy bacterial water.
• Put on a swimming cap if you have long hair.
• Keep your swimming goggles on if you are swimming in the deep end.
• Carry a 6-monthly re-circulation of the pool rules and etiquette manual for the
  residents beforehand so that violations are prevented from occurring.

DON’T

• Leave your children unattended
• Run or move hastily around the water
• Disobey diving rules, like diving in shallow areas
• Ignore pool safety regulations
• Bring electronic devices near the pool
• Litter around or inside the pool (spill food, throw wrappers or trash)
• Bring pets near the pool
• Tamper with safety equipment
• Play loud music or scream
• Disrespect/distract lifeguards while they are on duty

And lastly, don’t forget to have fun! Swimming pools are the most refreshing and timeless
activities one can indulge in, especially in the hot summer. It is necessary to remember that
the residents have an equal number of responsibilities and duties towards their society as the
society does towards them, so as long as you respect and follow the pool rules and
regulations, you are guaranteed a rejuvenating hangout by the pool.

Having a pool in your society is something you can thoroughly enjoy every single day, so to
continue with that benefit, better be safe than sorry.