VA - HOA Pool - Self Manage, or Not?

Hi -

I am on the BOD of a HOA in VA - 230 homes. Several years ago, the BOD fired the pool management company for a multitude of reasons (performance, cleanliness, discipline issues, etc). They hired an individual to manage the pool as an employee of the HOA. He handles all of the day to day, hires and manages lifeguards, certifications, coordinates repairs with various vendors, etc. They also increased our liability insurance. It doesn't save any money, and we have the hassle of doing payroll, but the pool looks great, and we get positive feedback on the lifeguards, manager and pool. It runs pretty smoothly. It's really the only amenity we have.

There's been some discussion around going back to a pool management company. Concerns raised have been liability risk given that we are self managed, potential issues re; backfill if the pool manager doesn't want to return or wins the lottery, and not having a maintenance contract through a management company. so far no issues, but the pool is pushing 15 years old.

Anyone have any thoughts or experiences to share? Looking for pros/cons either way.

Thanks!

Ray,

If your HOA's pool manager is doing a job to the satisfaction of all parties, I'd hesitate to make a pool maintenance change. When you have 100% satisfaction of stakeholders, you can't get better, only worse.

Worry about hiring a pool company when it becomes an issue. Pool companies are always seeking business.

Ray

If all are happy and no significant (or little) savings can be shown/proven, then leave well enough alone.