The Hot Tub Emergency Shutoff

Among the things our neighborhood's pool committee does is check the pool area each evening to ensure umbrellas are tied down and the hot tub is operating normally.  Why do we check the hot tub?  Well, when residents use the tub the bubble feature is often turned on.  Turning the bubbles off is a simple matter of rotating the timer back to zero...but all too often otherwise well meaning users use the emergency shutoff (the big red button).

That is not a good thing to do.  The emergency shutoff is for emergencies only.  It shuts off the pump, heater, and everything else associated with the tub.  Water circulation stops.  Sanitizing stops.  Everything stops.  Except bacteria growth.  So the tub turns green and is unavailable the next day.  This occurs fairly often.

So, if you find yourself ready to go home after a good hot soak and don't want to leave the bubbles on, just twist the timer knob counterclockwise back to zero.  That will lead to the desired outcome and the tub can continue to run as it should.

Hot Tub Rules

Here are the posted rules for our hot tub. 

TRADITIONS AT CAMBRIDGE

Hot Tub Rules

1. No toys in hot tub

2. No diving under water

3. No jumping into hot tub

4. No children under age 6 per CDC

5. Children under age 10 must be accompanied by an adult

ABOVE RULES ARE FOR SAFETY AND ENJOYMENT OF ALL RESIDENTS

So why would the Association ban kids under 6?  Well, in addition to the CDC guidance I mentioned in my earlier post, there is additional guidance from the Red Cross water safety folks who recommend no children under 5 years be allowed in hot tubs.  The Red Cross is concerned about water temperature and childrens' inability to regulate core body temperature the way adults can.  The potential for a heat related illness is significant and can lead to very bad things for children and their unsuspecting parents hence the guidance.  So... no children under 6 and no diving under the water.  Both rules are designed to prevent heat related illness. 

Another nice thing for parents to know when accompanying children between 6 and 10 years is that turning on the bubbles, while fun for kids, heightens their exposure to bacteria just above the water surface.   The bubbles look harmless, but I would urge parents to exercise caution anyway.

 

Hot Tubs and Recreational Water Illnesses

So there I was, just finished with my Monday morning lap swim, noticing a tinge of green in the hot tub.  This happens quite frequently and is something we should all be concerned about.  Why?  Well, try this:  google "CDC+hot tubs+RWI" and see what you can learn about all the marvelous things the Centers For Disease Control has to say.
A careful read of the CDC guidance will make clear why hot tub users must shower thoroughly before using the hot tub.  Clarity about why children under 6 are banned per the Associations Pool Rules also emerges.  Young children do not necessarily have robust immune systems.  Moreover, they often relieve themselves in the tub.  It is what very little people do.
Remember the hot tub is a closed system, separate from the main pool and is constantly heated.  Sanitation is paramount.  Good neighborly habits are also paramount in a common use facility like our hot tub.  And...green is just not good.  Please do your part to keep the tub clear.
Remember, children under 6 years of age are not permitted in the tub.  That is for their protection and the protection of everyone else who uses the facility. 
And...if it is green, refrain from use until it has been sanitized.  Don't fall prey to Recreational Water Illness!

Pool Rules

For those who want access to the guidelines regarding pool access and use and would rather not trek over to the pool gates to read them, here is a copy of what is posted.  Please keep in mind there are additional rules posted for the children's pool and the hot tub.  

 

THE TRADITIONS AT CAMBRIDGE

Community Pool Regulations

Safety is our First Priority and must be practiced by all

Pool Hours 9am to 9pm

1. Guests

   A.  Owners may have a maximum of four guests, and must be present at all times.

   B.  Any non-owner resident 14 years of age or older may bring one guest when unaccompanied by the owner of the condo.

2. NO SMOKING is allowed inside the pool gates. There is a designated smoking area outside each gate area for your convenience.

3. Children 12 and under, non-swimmers, or others unlikely to exercise mature judgement in health or safety matters, are not permitted to enter the pool area unless accompanied by an adult resident or caregiver over 18 years charged with the responsibility for their safety and conduct.

Please remember, THERE IS NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY.

4. Running, boisterous or rough play, ball throwing, rough language, or other accident prone or disruptive activities are not permitted.

5. Glass containers of any kind are not permitted within the pool area.

6. Alcoholic beverages of any type are strictly prohibited. Persons under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants will be denied access to the pool area.

7. Amplified sound equipment such as boom boxes is not permitted in the pool area.

8. Proper swim wear is required. No cutoffs or street attire is permitted.

9. Food is permitted on the pool deck only. No refreshments are to be consumed while in the pool. Trash receptacles are available for your convenience. Grills are not permitted.

10. Pets are not permitted inside the pool fencing.

11. Bicycles, scooters, skateboards, etc may not be brought into the pool area.

Infractions will be handled in the following way:

1^st infraction – warning

2^nd infraction – loss of key fob access to the clubhouse for your unit for 1 week

3^rd infraction – loss of key fob access to the clubhouse for your unit for the remainder of the summer

Pool Umbrellas

Just a quick shout out to everyone at the pool who has helped us all by taking down the pool umbrellas at the end of the day.  Not everyone recognizes the need, but those of you who do so are saving expensive equipment (that we all share ownership of) from storm and wind damage.  For anyone who hasn't thought about it...please do feel free to bring umbrellas down and tie them down before leaving in the evenings.

Pool Access

As the end of summer draws near and we enjoy a final couple of weeks before our outstanding pool facility closes for the season, please remember a key point. Pool access is limited to co-owners with an active key card and their guests. Please....please, do not loan out your card to non-owners. If you arrive at the pool and find you've forgotten your card, do not ask others to let you in. The card is your credential for access to the area. Asking to be let in places fellow co-owners in a difficult position and can compromise our liability protection in case of accidents. The pool is a limited access facility; that is not an arbitrary situation, rather it is necessary to keep our association insurable and protected from lawsuits in case of accident.