Security Camera at the pool

We have an issue with people not from our community coming in and using the pool by just reaching over and opening the emergency exit gate. We are in the process of fixing that but are not too sure that will be the solution, but more of a deterrent. The idea of a security camera was proposed by a homeowner so myself and the other board members have been kicking it around the last couple of days. What are your thoughts? Do any of your pools have security cameras?

We have considered cameras to deal with inappropriate behavior at the pool (unattended children, damaging the pool furniture, dogs brought into the pool area) but we would also be able to connect video footage to the access card timestamp and identify people. I'm not sure how video of people who don't live in the community will enable you to stop them from entering.

Our cameras installed last summer have already enabled us to identify and prosecute vandallism and other prohibited activities. We installed cameras and DVR ourselves for around $1500.

Consider piggybacking your surveillance system with RFID fobs on the doors to the pool and bathrooms so you can easily identify the culprit.

Lowell,
First Cameras are a great tool for the HOA to have in the Pool area. I highly recommend very bright signage posted that is also a deterrent. It also warns others who may reconsider doing vandalism. It will not stop all issues and in many cases may only be used as a way to figure out how the act was done.

Here are things to consider.

1) How many cameras do you need to cover the Pool area?
2) Do you have internet access in that Pool area?
3) Who will have access to the cameras? Usually your board and PM should have access
4) I agree that the Cameras also should be used along with the card access system to figure out who was in the area at any given time it this information is needed.
5) be prepared for some push back from some owners who will thing you are spying on them. They have no extra right to privacy when in a outside venue. I always say if you go into a typical Wall Mart you are under constant surveillance.
6) When placing cameras you should be aware that you are not looking to get close up views of people but the general view of the areas you are covering.

I always say that Camera are the best thing a HOA can purchase for the community. They work 24/7/365 and are really inexpensive these days.