We’ve all read the typical rules posted along the pool fence (no running, no food or drink, no diving) but there are unspoken, common-curtesy rules that many people seem to vastly ignore. Whether you frequent our community pool or go to a public pool in town, take a look at these etiquette points to avoid being that person:
Noise level, language, and profanity
Nobody likes a loud mouth, and I can’t think of one parent who is okay with curse words bouncing around like a beach ball. Remember you’re in a public, shared community pool full of people who come from all walks of life and might find your language offensive. While you’re certainly entitled to private conversations with friends, family or neighbors, be mindful of your noise level, the language you use, and refrain from profanity if at all possible.
Rafts
In some public or community pools, rafts are banned, and for good reason. If this isn’t already a rule set in place, don’t lug in that giant donut floaty you found at Costco. Remember you are one of many who want to use and enjoy the watering hole, and there’s only so much space to do so. Not only will you take up precious pool real estate, you’ll find yourself extremely annoyed with getting splashed while you’re just trying to float in peace. Do everyone a favor and leave the raft at home.
Trash
This is usually an actual posted rule, but it’s one that needs to be driven home. It’s never a problem to snack on some munchies while poolside, but no one wants to clean up your cans, plastic, wrappers, or worse, broken glass bottles (this one in particular is not only a nuisance, but a danger—just don’t). Put your trash back in the bag or cooler in which you brought it, so you can throw it away when you get home.
Spills
When’s the last time you stepped in a puddle of sticky liquid at the pool, and loved it? You didn’t. Understand spills happen, but make the effort, take the time, and find a way to clean it up. Not only does it cause annoyance to the other pool-goers, it attracts pests like ants, bees and wasps. Simply washing the spill away with some water will take care of the problem pretty quick.
Behavior
Pushing, drowning, stealing toys. These behaviors have been seen by young and old alike, believe it or not. It’s important to treat others with respect, no matter the situation, even if you’re just playing. A game of Chicken is fun and innocent enough in the privacy of someone’s personal pool, but any kind of extreme rowdiness in a community pool will disturb others.
Attire
So you went to Europe and EVERYONE was donning itsy-bitsy, teeny-wheeny swimwear. Cool. But not everyone is a fan of flaunting flesh in a public or community pool. Know your surroundings, audience, and situation. While a speedo might be perfectly fine at a Las Vegas hotel pool party, it’s possible someone could find it to be a bit too much for an afternoon dip in a shared community pool.
Claiming multiple chairs
Don’t do this. It’s great you arrived the second the pool opened and want to save chairs for your friends, but it’s a little rude when you claim more than half the loungers for yourself. Be a good neighbor and only claim one extra chair, two at the most. Also, don’t do anything on the chairs other than sit or lay. Standing, flipping or using them in any fashion that will bend, break, warp or damage the chair is just plain disrespectful. The same goes for any umbrellas, tables, or equipment in or around the pool. Respect the community pool and all of the property in it.