Joining a Neighborhood Pool

By Katie M

If you are hoping to join a private pool this summer, now is the time to do it. Deadlines for registration are right around the corner, and many pools may already be accepting applications. This is one topic that has weighed heavy on my mind for years. Our family does not have a membership to a private pool, and every summer we keep asking ourselves, “Now why did we decide not to join a pool this summer?” Well, this WILL be the first summer we won’t have to ask that question. But finding the right pool requires a little research, and it’s also important to do a little soul-searching about your family habits, schedules and finances before you join. So, here’s what I’ve found out.

Many private pools are neighborhood-specific so you can’t just join any pool that you want; however, I have heard that there are some pools you might think are neighborhood-specific but don’t discriminate based on your address. Or sometimes you can get a friend to “sponsor” you as a new member. That’s good to know for us because we live in a neighborhood that is not associated with a private pool but we live in close proximity to lots of other neighborhood pools that we could essentially join.

The cost to join a pool varies from pool to pool but I’ve discovered that on average you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 - $1,000 to join, and then anywhere from $300 to $1,000 in annual dues. I know that range is pretty big and that’s why it’s important to figure out your budget first, and then call around to figure out which pools make sense for your family financially. And of course these costs don’t pertain to every neighborhood pool. I know lots of neighborhoods have annual Home Owner Association Dues that cover the cost of pool membership, so the fees above may not apply (but you absolutely have to live in those neighborhoods to join those pools).

Another important factor to consider is when the pool opens each day. This could become a deal breaker if you have children who nap in the morning and/or afternoon or both. I think the majority of the pools open in the morning, but some open at noon. You’d hate to miss out on a great pool day – and regret the money you spent joining a pool – if you are house-bound with a napping child until late afternoon. This scenario was one of the biggest reasons we haven’t joined a pool. I’ve been in the nap cycle with my children for the past five years. My oldest rarely naps, but my two-year-old still does. So for us, joining a pool that opens in the morning will be ideal so we can get in those critical morning hours. Unfortunately most public pools in our area don’t open until 11 am, so our hours at the pool over the past few years have been few!

Finding a pool with a separate baby pool is key for those of us who have toddlers. But what’s even better is finding a pool that has an ATTACHED baby pool or shallow area. If you have a toddler who can stand and play in a baby pool, and another child who is too big for the baby pool but not strong enough to swim alone, a separated baby pool can cause a huge problem. When the baby pool is attached to the main pool, it allows you to keep an eye on both your children without worry. You may be doing a LOT of swimming to keep up with both or all your children, but hey – all that exercise makes you look even better in that swimsuit!

Other factors to consider are whether or not the private pool sells food and drinks, and if you can eat on the pool deck or picnic close-by instead of having to pack up and lunch in designated areas away from the pool. Does the pool have tables and chairs on-hand (most private pools do, most public pools do not, or they are few and hard to find)? Swim team memberships and swim lessons are more added bonuses to consider. As well as other perks like tennis or golf facilities for you and your husband to dream about for the coming years (ha, ha).

So, that’s my skinny on pool scouting. Please share any other thoughts on finding the right pool, and if you have any smarty scoop on great pools in the area that should be high on anyone’s list, please dish!

Posted by Triad Smarty Pants at 5:00 AM