Pool Access

Started by EdH3 • 6 replies • 1616 views

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EdH3 (South Carolina)
Posts: 12

Posted:

What types of security measures do others use to gain entry to your community pools? We use a keypad, and inform each homeowner of the code before each pool season. Recently, we have had issues with unauthorized people in the pool area. The pool rules were established to have a homeowner present with any and all guests. This is not being followed and people are entering our pool, using it and not being accompanied by a homeowner. These people are using the pool code to gain access, with the homeowners permission. A violation of the rules. We have alot of people coming and going during the vacation season, with people visiting homeowners. Our community has 70 townhomes and it is hard to know all the residents by recognition and surely not their guests. It's hard to know who is legal and who is not.
We have heard that keys instead of the keypad may be a remedy and using ID tags for those using the pool. How do you police this type of situation, without being the police?!
What type of entry gate to the pool area do you folks have? I do believe that some folks simply reach around our gate security and unlatch from the inside! Makes you wonder if we need a security expert to design a better fool proof system. Anyway, I am new to this board and relatively new to our HOA. Any help or suggestions on this matter would be appreciated. We have a management company and these question have been posed to them as well. However, sometimes it is better to find out how other communities handle situations similar to ours. Thanks.

JohnS43 (Colorado)
Posts: 24

Posted:

The last condo I lived in had key and security cameras, but it was a rooftop high-rise so there were other security points / fewer ways to circumvent the latch that I’m guessing you have around an outdoor pool. Keys are obviously less prone to over-distribution than PINs but still open you up to a “first degree of separation” where friends visiting an owner could borrow the key without the owner being present. All in all, though there are holes in any security, it was a pretty low maintenance way of dealing with the issue.

The cameras could be construed at first as being draconian, but were accepted pretty easily in our building.

Higher fences and better locks are measures. I’d suggest the key and camera to start and get the word out that there are rules both for the enjoyment and liability mitigation for the whole community. From there it’s matters of degree whether you explicitly state the cameras may/will be used to hold owners accountable or add more obtrusive gates / fences, etc.

SteveM9 (Massachusetts)
Posts: 3,699

Posted:

Key cards.

JanetB2 (Colorado)
Posts: 4,219

Posted:

Our family vacation home in Vegas for the two pools utilizes key cards similar to hotel properties. To date there have not been issues as individuals must have the physical card and not just a number which can be verbally given to just anyone.

JohnG23 (West Virginia)
Posts: 2

Posted:

we are planning on using key cards. What is the approx cost for this system for 130 homeowners?

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

My recommendation is to concentrate on your insurance. Call your insurance company and ask them what is best for controlling access for them. Plus ask about any other safety steps the HOA may want to take. Make sure your coverage covers different situations too. You may find they have some suggestions as they may be responsible if something was to go wrong.

We used a combo lock and only 2 entrances unless you rented the clubhouse too. It's hard to control visitors/guests but don't be afraid to ask "where do you live?" to anyone at the pool. It's up to the owner's to monitor.

Former HOA President

EdH3 (South Carolina)
Posts: 12

Posted:

Can you explain what a "Combo Lock" is? We are thinking of a 6 ft entrance door with a keyed lock. Thanks.

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