Etiquette Rules for Your Building's Pool
Now that winter has driven us indoors for the season, it's the perfect time to make the most of the indoor amenities in your building. In particular, the pool and fitness clubs are always a favorite spot to go in the colder months; after all, is there anything more luxurious than swimming laps while there's a snowstorm outside?
But working out in front of your neighbors can be somewhat stressful; since you see them everyday, you want to make sure you don't embarrass yourself by accidentally committing an atrocious faux pas. To get an idea of apartment pool do's and don'ts, we talked to Patricia Drury, the General Manager of the Equinox Club at MiMA, who shared with us the apartment pool etiquette that she recommends all visitors follow so that everyone can have a happy, safe and fun time splashing around.
Kids are welcome – to stay in their lane: There's hardly anyone happier than a kid in a pool. But our pools are primarily designed for adults who want to exercise and swim laps. So while children are welcome to swim in both lanes as long as the pool is otherwise empty, if a lap swimmer does come in, kiddies will need to move their fun to one lane.
No glass allowed: Yes, having a drink by the pool may make you feel like you're on vacation. But we think you'll agree, bare feet and broken glass are not a good combo. "It's the cardinal sin of being on the pool deck," Drury says.
Dress appropriately: Let's just put it this way: you neighbors see you a lot – they don't need to see a lot of you.
No selfies: Yes, we certainly do understand the temptation to brag about your building's amazing amenities on social media (and by all means, please tag us in all your pictures), but it's also important to respect the privacy of your neighbors, who may not appreciate their bathing suit-clad bods being featured on your feed. So unless there's no one else around, it's best to keep your camera in your pocket.
Keep your music to a minimum: Like most things in life, the experience of swimming is enhanced by a musical accompaniment. The pool at MiMA does have a music system, which they set to a low volume, and Drury says she sees many residents using underwater headphones. But if you'd like to blast your own music, the official policy is you can only do so if there's no one else around. The minute someone else comes, you need to turn it off. Your neighbor may not feel comfortable saying no to you, but that doesn't mean they don't prefer quiet.
Don't speak on the phone: No one wants to hear your conversations either.
Shower first: "People are often insulted when you tell them that that's what they need to do, but in fact, any kind of biological product on your skin, either from you or something that you've put on your skin, affects the water quality," Drury says. And no, taking a shower in your apartment is not enough; just hop under the shower on the pool deck for 30 seconds before you dive in. After all, you're going to get wet no matter what, why protest?
If you're sick, skip the pool: We would hope this is obvious, but unfortunately it's not. Contagious diseases are just that – contagious. And a pool is a great way to spread germs from rashes, stomach bugs, or an open cut. Don't be that person. "If you feel ill, the pool is not the place for you," Drury says.
Respect the pool hours: For your safety, Related requires that all of our swimming pools are staffed with a certified lifeguard whenever people are swimming in it. That means that when the pool is closed, it's closed. Check the hours of the pool before you head downstairs for an evening swim, and respect the lifeguard if they tell you the pool is closing up.
Follow these rules and you'll be sure to enjoy your time in the pool – safely assured that you're not breaking any etiquette rules. As Drury puts it, "our focus is to promote quality of life for everybody that's using the area."
The Related Life is written and produced by Related Luxury Rentals. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest events, news and announcements in your area, and tag us for a chance to be featured @therelatedlife and #therelatedlife.