Pool Use Instructions & Chemicals Testing Procedure with Video

Pool use instructions and video walk-through of testing procedure

In line with Department of Health requirements for the WHQ to retain its pool license, all pool users are required to:

1. Sign in with their unit number and the number of people in their party (no unaccompanied minors allowed).
2. Test and record the chemical levels of the pool (bromine three times a day, pH level once).

The Department of Health does check both logs from time to time and the DoH will revoke the WHQ pool license if the logs are not complete!

Regulations for use of the Pool. 2019 Season

1. Westchester County Sanitary Code. The pool is operated under the provision of Section 873.1181(1)(a) of Article XII of the Westchester Country Sanitary Code, and Rules and Regulations for the Implementation and Enforcement of the Section promulgated by the Commissioner of Health of Westchester County on August 10, 1981, under which a “responsible person” is accepted in lieu of a lifeguard.
2. Exclusive use of the pool by homeowners and their families. The pool is for the exclusive use of the homeowners of the Washington’s Head Quarters Condominium and their family members; non-owner residents (renters) may use the pool, for the duration of their valid lease agreements, under the same terms and conditions as the homeowners. Owners renting their homes are NOT eligible to use the pool.
3. Responsible person. Whenever the pool is in use, a “responsible person in lieu of a lifeguard” must be physically present, who shall be responsible for the full compliance with the present regulations and for the safety and security of the area.
   The term “responsible person” means a competent individual, at least 21 years of age, who him/herself is the homeowner or a member of his/her family residing at the Condominium.
4. Guests. Guests may use the pool at the invitation of the homeowners, on the condition that the respective homeowner is personally present at the pool at all times. No more than four guests per unit are permitted at any one time. Requests for exceptions to the rule of four (4) guests should be made to a board member.
5. Children under 16. Children under 16 years of age, at their last birthday, shall be accompanied at the pool at all times by a parent or guardian. Those children who are not toilet trained may use the pool only if using cloth diapers w/rubber or plastic pants or disposable swim pants.
6. Keys to the pool and its facilities. Homeowners are issued a key by the Board of Managers which fits both the main and side doors. The key shall remain in possession and under the control of the respective homeowner and shall not be given or entrusted to any unauthorized person. No duplicate of the key shall be made, except by the Board and under its authority. At all times when the pool is not in use, it shall be kept closed and locked. The key to the pool shall be taken away and pool privileges revoked if any rules or regulations are broken.
7. Smoking. No smoking or vaping is permitted at the pool.
8. Food and Beverages. Neither food nor beverages, alcoholic or non-alcoholic, shall be brought to or consumed at the pool.
9. Radio Playing. There shall be no loud music permitted at the pool.
10. Thermostat Setting. Thermostats and pool heating controls are set to provide maximum comfort to the greatest number of people at minimum energy consumption. No one shall change the settings unless expressly authorized to do so by the Board of Managers.
11. Safety equipment and telephone. Safety equipment required by the Westchester County Safety Code is provided at the pool, as is a telephone equipped for free and direct calls to the police and fire department and emergency medical service.
12. Leaving the pool. On leaving the pool, the responsible person shall ensure that:

• • the two rear sliding doors are closed and locked;
  • sauna heating is switched off;
  • all lights are off;
  • both front doors are closed and securely locked;
  • all personal belongings shall be removed from the pool area.

13. Log Book. All persons entering the pool are required to sign the log book.
14. Pool Hours. Use of the pool is restricted to dawn to dusk. By order of the DOH, night swimming is not allowed. Violation of this rule will jeopardize our permit with the Department of Health.

POOL TESTING PROCEDURES

Bromine test procedure (ideal range 2.0 – 5.0 ppm):

1. Insert Bromine Octa-Slide 2 Bar (306-01) into the Octa-Slide 2 Viewer
2. Fill tube to 5 ml line with sample water.
3. Add one Chlorine DPD #1R tablet to tube. Cap and mix until tablet disintegrates.
4. Insert test tube into Octa-Slide 2 Viewer.
5. Match sample to color standard. Record as ppm Total Bromine.

pH test procedure (ideal range 7.2 – 7.8 pH):

1. Insert pH Octa-Slide 2 Bar (3403-01) into the Octa-Slide 2 Viewer.
2. Fill tube to 10 ml line with sample water.
3. Add one Phenol Red Tablet to tube. Cap and mix until tablet disintegrates.
4. Insert test tube into Octa-Slide 2 Viewer.
5. Match sample to a color standard. Record as pH.

NOTE:  High bromine levels (more than 10) may interfere causing a purple color.

Water temperature is set to remain at 84 degrees Fahrenheit. 

The below video provides a detailed walk-through of the necessary steps to carry out when using the WHQ pool:

In case of any problems (e.g. bromine or pH levels out of recommended ranges, water temperature too high or too low, chemicals or test equipment missing, etc.) please write to the WHQ Board (board@washingtonshq.com), so that the pool maintenance company can be informed. Do not adjust the chemicals or water temperature yourselves!