Community Pool Access

Started by SteveR6 • 13 replies • 2552 views

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SteveR6 (Virginia)
Posts: 1

Posted:

Looking for some pointers on how other neighborhoods control their pool access... Currently we issue a photo pool pass to each resident over the age of 6. This works great but is very hard to keep up with as we are a developing community with just over 500 homes on our way to 1200... Currently the resident brings their pool pass which has their photo on it and a ID number and the lifeguard check them in at the gate. The lifeguards check a list to make sure the resident is current in dues before allowing them in... There has got to be a better way of doing this... I am open to installing a card or key system but funds are limited... Any suggestions or explain what your community does..

Thanks,

Steve

LarryB13 (Arizona)
Posts: 4,099

Posted:

In the past, how many would-be users have been turned away? I ask because unless there is some significant problem with outsiders or non-paying owners you may be trying to implement a solution to a problem that does not exist.

What happens if a qualified owner brings a guest?

BTW, card readers are great but are easily defeated by good manners. I have worked in many secured areas in the past and the tendancy is when someone opens the door with his card he holds it open for those who follow.

KellyM3 (North Carolina)
Posts: 2,239

Posted:

Steve,

You have the best process for truly keeping pool access tight - provided that "current dues account" list is updated and accurate. Slack pool access will breed the problems you're already avoiding. Guaranteed.

KellyM3 (North Carolina)
Posts: 2,239

Posted:

Steve,

Now to answer your question.....

Our original pool access was by physical assigned to all properties w/ the key never being changed and the "Do Not Copy" printed on the key being ignored. There was no gate check or lifeguard. PROBLEM w/ copied keys being passed around and non-residents filling the pool. Complaints of the pool being too full of people

We installed a keyless card system w/ every property getting to keycards. Trespassing dropped. Delinquent dues payers cut off from access (speeding payments). 2 keycards per property....lost keycards replaced but only 2 keycards are active for any account at one time.

The keycard system needs programming and maintenance and isn't foolproof like a lifeguard checking people in by comparing a list.

LauraR5 (Tennessee)
Posts: 220

Posted:

I think the only other way would be key card access.

CarolR11 (Colorado)
Posts: 2,563

Posted:

We also have a electronic fob to enter the pool, gym, residents' biz center, make the elevator go to the floor you want, enter the secure premises. We deactivate them if the owner's behind on dues without making a plan to pay, won't cure a violation, etc.

JustinI (Alabama)
Posts: 4

Posted:

A combination of access control (aka key card or fob) and a facial recognition resident roll system. I am working on the second part as we speak but essentially we offer to enter parents and adults into an amber alert prevention database for free (normally a $25 -$50 fee) in exchange for submitting new photos to be entered into the system on a yearly basis. A card may get you in, but the facial recognition sounds an alarm if someone isn't in the system. When an alarm sounds it creates a log of the violator and the person who scanned in successfully before them. and emails the violators pic to the committee responsible for pools

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

I say do not throw out the baby because the bat water got dirty. You have a good system in place. Just focus on any weaknesses if any on how to fix those. Once you get a system in place it is always a matter of putting fires out.

Former HOA President

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By JustinI on 02/10/2013 1:48 AM
A combination of access control (aka key card or fob) and a facial recognition resident roll system. I am working on the second part as we speak but essentially we offer to enter parents and adults into an amber alert prevention database for free (normally a $25 -$50 fee) in exchange for submitting new photos to be entered into the system on a yearly basis. A card may get you in, but the facial recognition sounds an alarm if someone isn't in the system. When an alarm sounds it creates a log of the violator and the person who scanned in successfully before them. and emails the violators pic to the committee responsible for pools

This sounds like a bit overkill. Are you issues that bad to demand such technology?

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By CarolR11 on 02/08/2013 6:17 PM
We also have a electronic fob to enter the pool, gym, residents' biz center, make the elevator go to the floor you want, enter the secure premises. We deactivate them if the owner's behind on dues without making a plan to pay, won't cure a violation, etc.

My golf club is starting to use a key fob for various things. One nice feature is someone can be cut off fast and even alarms sounded if necessary.

So far they seem to work real well.

JustinI (Alabama)
Posts: 4

Posted:

Yes. We live i one of the better neighborhoods and there isn't a public pool for kids to use so they assume ours is public

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

I live in Alabama and know how some "Tech heads" operate around here. So wasn't too suprised to hear about the facial recognition system being put into place. Believe me, it's not that unusual that you have some of these "Home Engineers" want to do things like this. Not meaning that insulting at all. I live and work in a very tech-savvy area.

It's just that sometimes technology doesn't always replace simplesticity. I am all for technology but we are dealing with humans when it comes to a HOA and real laws. Unfortunately, our laws have not caught up with our technology world. So even the best technology put into place doesn't mean a crime doesn't take place or there's laws saying it is against the law. Does your documents reflect the policy of using the facial recognition system and it's reject policy? It's not necessarily enough to have a sign posted at the pool door. It may indeed need to be in your by-laws so that members know the rules and violation follow up be applied. Things like this is what is often missing when such technological advances are put into place. Not that I am against them...Just realize the reality of having them.

Former HOA President

PeterD3 (Florida)
Posts: 708

Posted:

"Limited funds"

How about weighing the 'cost-to-benefit' ratio.

The cost of pool maintenance is fairly constant regardless of the amount of users.

It is doubtful you'll save more than you spend on such elaborate means (biometric, etc.) to prevent unauthorized use of the pool.

CarolR11 (Colorado)
Posts: 2,563

Posted:

Sorry, I wrote that we deactivate fobs for a few reasons, but I should have added we only deactivate them for our recreational amenities.

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