Apartment Swimming Pool Rules and Etiquette for a Fun, Safe Summer

While summer doesn’t officially start until mid-June, the temperature is already starting to climb. Amid all the graduation parties, end-of-the-year school parties, weddings, and vacation planning, you may be anticipating some fun-filled days by the pool. With temperatures already flirting with 90 degrees here in Atlanta, we’re with you! But before grabbing your beach towel and sunscreen, review these common rules and etiquette for an enjoyable and safe summer.

7 Rules for Apartment Community Pools

Apartment community pools are for all residents, even the very young ones, so it’s important to follow the community’s guidelines. Usually, these are posted at the entrance or just inside the pool area. While your community may have different rules, here are a few of the more common rules to be aware of.

1. Swimming Pool Hours. Most apartment communities will have specific hours when the swimming pool is open. This helps ensure the safety of residents and allows for proper maintenance and cleaning of the pool area. It also minimizes noise and disturbances during late-night or early-morning hours, contributing to a peaceful living environment for all residents. Entering the pool area when it is closed could be considered trespassing.
2. No Glass Containers or Breakable Items. Glass can easily break and create dangerous shards that could cause injuries to swimmers and those walking barefoot. By prohibiting glass containers and other breakable items, apartment communities help ensure the safety of residents at the pool. Additionally, this rule helps keep the pool area clean and free from debris that could damage pool equipment.
3. Children Must Be Accompanied by an Adult. Drowning and other water-related accidents can happen quickly and without warning, especially for young or inexperienced swimmers. By requiring that children be supervised by an adult, apartment communities help to prevent such accidents and ensure that someone is always present to provide immediate assistance if needed.
4. No Running or Pushing Around the Pool. Wet surfaces can get slippery, increasing the risk of falls that can lead to serious injury. Pushing others can also result in unexpected falls or people being unintentionally pushed into the water, which can be dangerous, particularly for non-swimmers.
5. No Smoking, Alcohol, or Drug Use in the Pool Area.  Smoking near the pool can expose others to secondhand smoke, which is harmful, especially to children and individuals with respiratory issues. The presence of alcohol and drugs can impair judgment and coordination, increasing the risk of accidents, drownings, and other safety hazards. Additionally, intoxicated individuals may engage in disruptive behavior that can negatively affect the enjoyment and safety of others in the pool area.
6. No Pets Allowed, Except for Service Animals.  We all love our pets and want them with us, even at the pool. However, pets can add fur, dirt, and other contaminants into the water, which can affect water quality. There’s also the potential for allergic reactions among other swimmers. Pets could get overexcited or anxious in a pool environment, where there’s a lot of splashing and noise, which could result in disruptive behavior or accidents. This is why many apartment communities restrict pets from the pool area, except for service animals. If you want to spend the day with your pet, skip the community pool and head for a pet-friendly lake or beach instead.
7. Shower Before Entering the Pool. While it may seem odd to shower before getting into the water, showering before swimming helps remove sweat, body oils, lotions, and other contaminants from your skin, which could interfere with disinfectants like chlorine and lead to the growth of harmful bacteria and algae.

Pool Etiquette for Apartment Communities

While some rules are posted, others might fall under general pool etiquette. Whether posted or not, here are a few additional guidelines to keep in mind this summer to help ensure everyone enjoys a safe and fun season at the pool.

• Follow the posted rules. Apartment communities and other public swimming pools typically have rules posted inside or outside the pool area. The rules ensure a safe, enjoyable environment for everyone so it’s important to read, understand, and follow them. If you have guests, make sure they follow the rules, as well.
• Clean up after yourself. While glass bottles and alcohol may be prohibited, some apartment communities will allow you to bring snacks and refreshments. Don’t leave wrappers, cans, or other debris behind; make sure to dispose of it properly in the nearest garbage or recycling bin.
• Leave the spray bottle behind. Sunscreen is important, but other people might not want to wear your sunscreen. If you must bring a spray, apply it before arriving to the pool area or away from other people.
• Don’t share your pool access. The apartment swimming pool is for residents. Inviting friends over is acceptable (although there may be a limit to the number of guests you can have at a time). However, giving your access key or pool code out to other people could be a violation of your lease agreement.
• Don’t save too many chairs. If you’ve ever had to sit on a towel next to the pool, you know how fast the lounge chairs and tables get claimed. However, it’s generally frowned upon to save more than one or two extra chairs for your friends who haven’t arrived yet.
• Let kids have fun safely. Children love to splash around and have fun at the pool, but make sure they aren’t getting too rowdy or disturbing other people. Make sure they use the bathroom before heading to the pool and keep children who aren’t potty trained in waterproof swim diapers.
• Dress appropriately. Some apartment communities may have a dress code for the pool area, but even if yours doesn’t, consider your surroundings and choose attire that fits the situation. What you might choose for a Las Vegas resort pool party may not match the vibe of your apartment community’s pool on a Saturday afternoon.
• Turn down the tunes. Not everyone wants to hear your playlist. Keep it low, and remember that kids might be at the pool, as well, so songs with a lot of profanity might not be appreciated.

With the long, sunny days of summer just starting to unfold, another fun-filled season is upon us! By making sure you’re following community rules and keeping pool etiquette in mind, you can help make sure your apartment swimming pool remains a safe, welcoming environment all summer long.

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