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ElaineI (Georgia)
Posts: 33
Posted:
Good Morning,

You guys have been amazing so I figured I would reach out again. We have a problem in our community with people using the pool that don't live here. We know the fence needs to be higher but that is an expense at this time that is not in the budget sooooooo.. What kind of security do you have? What type of locks do you have on your gate? We have a Key fob in the front but the back has a Push Bar and people can actually can reach over and open it on the backside.

Any suggestion will be helpful so I can pass it along to the Board.

Thank you in advance.

SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964
Posted:
Reason #999 for why we finally got rid of our pool!

Anyway, we had a gate that opened with a key from the inside - you got to the pool through it or tge clubhouse. When the pool was open, we had pool monitors (off duty police officers). You had to have a pass, which you could only get from the owner. If you misbehaved, the monitor was empowered to kick you out or shut down the pool.

We also had security officers (more off duty cops) who'd occasionally drive by at night and I believe we also told the police district office serving our area that officers were welcome to sit in front of the clubhouse next to the pool for breaks or writing reports - that was very helpful because people usually that ballsy to sneak in a pool where you can be seen by a cop.

And of course there are security cameras, but the need to be monitored so you can catch people in the act, which will cost more than a fence. However, you have what's called an attractive nuisance so extra money for security is part of the price of the ticket - and this STILL doesn't guarantee people would h t sneak in and succeed.

Start by getting another gate and then ask around with other communities to see what works better than others. Keep the homeowners informed and perhaps offer a reward for information leading to the arrest of the trespassers and be sure to prosecute them criminally and civilly (sue for damages). The word might get out that trespassing in your community pool is far too risky. Good luck!

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius
LetA (Nevada)
Posts: 2,679
Posted:
We too have/ had issues that come and go with unauthorized people entering or being let in by others. Fence extensions are definitely helpful, you can get them to match the gates
you currently have. We had ornamental gate extensions added to our pool area. Two more items too ponder. RFID electronic locks that have individual serial numbered fobs for each lot and
surveillance cameras so you have a time and date of each incident you can match the user to the event. You can also hire armed and unarmed security. DO NOT low bid this, get guards that are
effective. most of the low bid guards are just mirror foggers and you will be wasting money. Perhaps look into hiring a lifeguard, with security credentials. Lifeguards know the pool rules.
hope that helps.
KellyM3 (North Carolina)
Posts: 2,239
Posted:
Elaine,

A welder can extend the fence height around the gate and install metal plating or plexiglass to prevent people from reaching through the bars and pushing the panic bar. Coupled with a community email that warns "qualified" users that allowing access to the pool for people who don't have access fobs/cards will result in them being held accountable and lose pool privileges can be effective. We had this same problem.

For those truly determined to jump a high fence to access your pool, they'll get through and you'll have to personally manage those situations but there's a point when it's obvious access is restricted and a trespasser has no legitimate excuse if they are injured trying to access your private property.

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