6 essential HOA pool rules to enforce in your community

This article is not intended to, and does not, constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Board members should consult their association’s attorney to discuss the legal implications of their decisions or actions prior to proceeding.
 

Essential HOA pool rules and regulations

1. Children must be supervised

   Ideally, your HOA pool should be staffed with a trained and certified lifeguard. A property management company can help you hire this professional, and they can assist with ongoing training, too. Remember that your busiest pool hours may require multiple lifeguards. In some states and provinces, pool size is a factor in lifeguard requirements. It is also important to monitor water depth and confirm that children are capable swimmers before they enter deeper areas of the pool. Never allow them to swim in areas too deep for their skill level.

   "It’s important to have a policy stating that all children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult, preferably a parent or guardian. If you don’t have a lifeguard, you must post signs indicating that there is no lifeguard and that all using the pool are swimming at their own risk, and listing basic HOA pool rules such as no glass, no running, and no diving."
   
   Timothy Fowler, director of security operations and community solutions at FirstService Residential

2. No horseplay or roughhousing

   HOA pool rules should prohibit behaviors like pushing, dunking, splashing others, or jumping into crowded areas to help prevent injuries and keep the atmosphere welcoming. HOA pool rules should call out roughhousing explicitly to avoid confusion and keep the environment safe. Use professionally printed signage that is direct, easy to read, and placed in highly visible areas of the pool and deck. Staff or board members can also help reinforce this expectation through resident communications during busy seasons.
   
   In addition to constant supervision, your community should always keep emergency equipment nearby. Most state and provincial regulations require a phone, first aid kits, and a life-saving device, such as a flotation ring or a reaching pole, near the pool at all times.
    

3. Capacity limits

   Setting a clear, reasonable capacity limit for your pool can help avoid safety risks and overcrowding, especially during weekends or warm-weather holidays. This number should reflect local safety codes, pool dimensions, and any staffing considerations that apply. Rather than relying on guesswork, your board or property manager can request guidance from your pool vendor or local regulator. The limit should be clearly posted and integrated into any pool access system or check-in process your HOA community uses.
    

4. No diving

   Most residential pools aren’t deep enough for safe diving. Head and neck injuries from diving accidents can have serious consequences for both residents and the association. Even if your pool meets minimum depth requirements in one section, it’s often safer to prohibit diving altogether. If your insurer has made a specific recommendation, the board should keep documentation on file and revisit it during annual reviews.

Support safer HOA pool use through training and awareness

Whether you have a lifeguard or not, the more people trained in CPR and emergency response techniques, the better. Hosting CPR, first aid, or water safety training sessions can equip residents and staff with the knowledge to respond confidently when it matters most. Your local Red Cross can be a great resource! A property management company can also be instrumental in helping you implement these programs. Swimming lessons are another valuable option — they can build stronger swimmers, reduce risk, and create shared experiences that support a more connected HOA community.
 

Check that your pool enclosure meets local requirements

Most states and provinces have specific standards for how far a pool enclosure must be from the water’s edge, how the entrance gate should function, and what materials are permitted. Following these rules isn’t just a matter of compliance — it’s a matter of saving lives. A qualified property management company will be familiar with these standards and can help your board meet these crucial requirements. If your community is self-managed, consult your association attorney about local laws and regulations.
 

Watch for unenforceable HOA pool rules

Some HOA pool rules may be unenforceable if they aren't written with care. Age restrictions, guest limits, and attire or behavior policies must be crafted to avoid potential violations of fair housing or anti-discrimination laws. For example, blanket rules based on age, or restrictions on service animals, may raise compliance concerns. Boards should consult legal counsel before adopting any HOA pool rules that could affect protected classes or limit access based on personal characteristics.
 

How to maintain your HOA pool

Maintaining your HOA pool starts with a professional maintenance schedule. Your property manager should work with a licensed pool vendor to manage water quality, equipment, and safety systems. This may include chemical treatments, routine inspections, skimming, brushing, and cleaning the pool deck and furniture. When done right, these services can reduce the risk of health issues and extend the life of your equipment.

Good maintenance also requires good documentation. Boards should keep digital or physical records of:

• Chemical treatment logs (often required by law)
   
• Routine vendor service reports
   
• Incident reports or HOA pool rule violations
   
• Equipment repairs and warranty information

This paper trail can help protect your board in case of a dispute and simplifies communication with vendors, regulators, and insurance providers. Master insurance policies may not cover everything related to your pool, and some insurers require specific HOA pool rules to be in place. Learn more in our guide to HOA pool insurance coverage.

Learn more in our guide to HOA pool insurance here. 

Finally, prepare for the off-season. A proper closing and reopening plan should include inspections, winterization, staff scheduling, and communication with residents.

As part of our commitment to providing exceptional service to our residents and communities, we are sharing this article in support of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) Pool Safely campaign, a national public education effort aimed at reducing child drownings and non-fatal submersions, as well as entrapments in public swimming pools and spas.

FirstService Residential is committed to supporting this initiative alongside other national organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, the United States Swim School Association, and the American Red Cross, to promote pool safety across residential communities in the U.S. and Canada.

To learn how a professional management company can provide additional support to your community, contact a member of our team at FirstService Residential.