Affordable Housing Apartments and Pools: 6 Safety Tips

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defines blended occupancy as when there's more than one financing source for a housing development project. It's one of the several ways residents can acquire affordable housing. If you own a tax credit property or a housing apartment as a participant of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program (LIHTC), you're helping residents to find a home they can afford!

Now, what exactly does "affordable housing" mean? According to the HUD, it's affordable if it only takes up 30% or less of household income. Some of the most popular types of affordable housing and blended occupancy are apartments and townhomes. If you own an affordable housing apartment with a pool, you must add the safety of your renters into the mix.

Of course, a pool can add to the costs, but many renters also find it a desirable amenity. Having a pool area at a property can be a great way to have some recreational time but it also can pose risks if pool safety isn't top of mind.

If you're thinking of adding that pool into your housing apartment in New York City, Warner Robins, or any of the top cities to rent the best apartment, here are six pool safety tips for affordable housing:

Use Child-Proof Pool Enclosures

Affordable housing seekers often come with a wide range of ages, so pool safety is especially crucial for young children. A pool enclosure can go a long way in keeping them out of the area when they're not supervised. Invest in a pool enclosure with no gaps or openings, and choose one certified to keep kids safe.

Go for fencing at least four feet high so kids can't climb over. Self-closing and self-latching gates are also ideal. Consider any added layer of protection, such as CCTV cameras and alarms. Children might think you're not allowing them into the pool with this setup, but they will soon understand that pool safety should always come first.

Install Anti-Entrapment Drain Covers

Drain covers are critical pool safety components to help prevent entrapment. Entrapment occurs when someone is stuck in the pool filter and can't get out. Yes, swimmers can drown because of drain covers, and the pool owner is held liable.

Pool drain covers are usually made of various materials — including stainless steel, plastic, or vinyl — and some may offer an anti-entrapment design. For pool safety, install drain covers that comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act of 2007. The act was named after the granddaughter of the former US Secretary of State, James Baker, who tragically drowned in a pool due to entrapment.

Invest in Pool Pumps Safety Vacuum Release Systems

Another safety tip to keep pool safety paramount is to use pool pumps that feature Safety Vacuum Release Systems (SVRS). This pool safety system allows pumps to detect changes in vacuum pressure, which can happen if someone is stuck in the pool filter. If this happens, a person will be freed from suction and saved from drowning by:

• Shutting off the vacuum
• Having the system inject air into the pump

The SVRS anti-entrapment functionality is a pool safety requirement in most states, so make sure your pool pumps meet the proper standards.

Train Staff on Lifesaving Techniques

As a housing apartment owner or property manager, you don't want to leave pool safety up to chance. Train staff members and attendants on pool safety procedures, including life-saving techniques. Nobody wishes for pool accidents, but should anything happen, you'll be glad to have your staff prepared.

First aid is a crucial pool safety skill; your staff should know how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). You can look into pool safety classes near you and keep your team up to date on pool safety protocol.

Implement Rules and Educate Renters

Apart from the physical pool safety measures, you should also impose pool rules to keep renters safe. Every pool has a set of pool rules for renters to follow and respect. These pool rules may include the following:

• No running.
• No diving.
• No alcohol.
• No plugged-in devices.
• No glass containers.
• No pets allowed.
• Kid swimmers must always be supervised.
• Toddlers must wear diapers when swimming.
• Limited number of guests per renter.
• Limited number of swimmers at a time.

Some renters may find rules a drag, so educate them on pool safety and etiquette. Explain each rule to keep everyone on the same page and encourage them to help spread pool safety awareness.

For example, it's inevitable for kids to run while playing, but remind them it's a pool safety rule to avoid injuries. Running often causes accidents because pool surfaces are often wet and slippery. Diving also increases pool injury risks, as it can be hard to judge pool depths.

You can also add rules based on how you maintain your properties. Since LIHTC projects must follow HUD safety regulations, remind renters to obey pool safety rules. Place signages and notices near pool areas to inform and remind renters to be cautious when using your pool.

Another rule you could consider is to keep renters out if there's no lifeguard on duty. Hiring a lifeguard may be expensive, but it's an effective pool safety measure. If you can afford to hire even a pool attendant, let the renters understand that they can only swim when they’re present.

Prioritize Pool Maintenance

Lastly, pool maintenance should always be a priority. As a pool owner, you should look into pool safety issues such as water temperature and chemicals. Having an unbalanced pool environment can cause infections and pool accidents.

Check chlorine and pH levels regularly to guarantee the pool water is safe for swimming. Ensure pool filters are clean and walls are free from debris to avoid pool accidents. If anything breaks, have it fixed immediately before anyone gets hurt.

For example, if one of your pool lights fails, replace it as soon as possible. It may be a small part of your property, but failing pool lights can cause accidents. Should you need to temporarily close your pool for maintenance, do so.

It's best to trust professional pool maintenance services to get the job done right. Schedule maintenance visits and inform your renters so they know you're taking pool safety seriously.

Like how you maintain your property to attract better tenants in affordable housing, maintaining your pool conditions will also bring in more renters.

Conclusion

For anyone looking for affordable housing with a pool, it's an absolute bonus! However, the responsibilities lie on your shoulders as the owner. Yes, safety is everyone's responsibility, but you'll be the one to set rules and boundaries that your renters will have to follow.

From pool safety classes to rules, maintenance, and lifeguard presence — all these safety measures will ensure pool safety and make your property a place to enjoy. You'll be liable for pool accidents, so take the regulations seriously. Do your due diligence in pool maintenance and invest in pool safety materials to keep everyone safe!

Moreover, pool safety regulations are important for LIHTC properties and HUD projects. Safety should never take a backseat in affordable housing. Are you ready to give your tenants a safe place to call home, from their units to the pool? ExactEstate is ready to help!