Q1: Why isn’t the pool open to full capacity now that the state of California has relaxed covid related restrictions?
A1: There are two reasons:
- Although the state of California and Nevada County have relaxed restrictions as of June 15, they have not eliminated them. There is also a mask mandate still in place. You can learn much more by going to https://mynvcounty.com/2924/coronovirus. Additionally, the CDC still has guidelines in place; Go to https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/parks-rec/park-administrators.html to learn more. We are trying to keep people well in our facilities and minimize risk to the association. Other facilities/businesses make their own decisions and take their own risk.
- We simply do not have enough lifeguards to provide addition open times or more people in the pool area at a given time. Due to covid, lifeguard training by the American Red Cross was suspending last year and only started again a couple of months ago. We started the season with zero certified lifeguards. We now have five. The only reason we even have the 5 is because the pool manager completed the American Red Cross lifeguard training course, a lengthy course completed while she was working full-time, studying, and helping the rest of us get the pool open. This was done so she could re-certify our previous lifeguard staff and to certify new hires timely and not wait for the American Red Cross training schedule. We are still looking to hire! The more we hire, the more we can open the pool for use. If you know anyone who would be interested in lifeguarding, have them contact us! We will train!
- Re: Guests – We also want everyone to understand that we are not allowing guests at the pool this year. Because we have limited capacity, those slots have to go to GDRA members first. This also is a precaution we feel is necessary to keep our community safe! We will also not be doing any parties since we are set up to social distance with your family.
- The pool is planned to be open Wednesday through Sunday Weekly
Q2: Q: Why do we still need to make reservations?
A2: Staffing & time limitations. With minimal staff, we cannot run the pool at full capacity. To provide pool access to as many members as possible we still need reservations and swim session times.
Q3: Q: What are the rules for cancelling reservations?
A3: In efforts to provide as many openings as possible to Members, please note the following cancellation procedures:
- Once you know you can’t show up for your reservation, please let the pool office know at 530-587-5519. If no answer, please email glenshiredevonshire@gmail.com.
- If you haven’t arrived within the first 20 minutes of your reservation time, the session may be given to someone on the wait list.
- After two times of no showing to a swim reservation, the swim membership may be suspended for that person, pending review.
Q4: What have you done differently this year than last?
A4: Several things:
- We have gained the ability to train and certify our own lifeguards. This has allowed us to attract new employees and get lifeguards onto the schedule as soon as possible.
- We have increased the number of people we can allow in the pool area. Last year it was 30, this year it is 45. With that said, we frequently have spots available; you can sign up on-line at the Association’s website, https://glenshiredevonshire.com.
- We have relaxed some Covid restrictions. Masks are no longer required on the pool deck, and you can walk freely around the pool deck (while maintaining distance from non-household members, see question 1).
- We are no longer assigning spots around the pool. Members can choose a spot they are comfortable with.
- We have added swimming lessons!
- We have changed the lap swim sessions from scheduled to first come first serve and allowing lap swimmers to share lanes if they wish.
- We have hired defensible space inspectors to help the members of the association learn about defensible space and prepare their properties for protection from future fires.
- We have hired a new Facilities Manager to fill a position vacated a year ago. He is working diligently in making improvements, completing repairs, improving safety, and living the Associations moto: “To Protect & Enhance the Quality of Life & Property in Glenshire Devonshire.”
- We have gained the ability to train and certify our own lifeguards. This has allowed us to attract new employees and get lifeguards onto the schedule as soon as possible.
- We have increased the number of people we can allow in the pool area. Last year it was 30, this year it is 45. With that said, we frequently have spots available, you can sign up on-line at the Association’s website, https://glenshiredevonshire.com.
Q5: Why do I pay a fee to use the swimming pool when I already pay annual assessments (dues)?
A5: It was brought to the attention of the Board of Directors in 2013 that the pool repairs and operatin costs were significantly increasing, and that approximately 70-75% of Members did not use the pool. After much deliberation, a Board of Directors implemented “user fees” in 2014 to help offset annual costs of pool operations, with hopes of gradually increasing to offsetting most or all of the operations cost. This has proven successful in covering a good portion of “operation costs”. Members who use the pool pay the user fee. Those who do not use the pool pay no user fee. The Annual Assessments (Dues) do in fact pay into the “reserve replacement pool fund”, all owners paying equally. The scheduled amount for the pool reserves over the next five years is $56 per parcel.
Q6: Why does Glenshire have lifeguards and other places do not?
A6: There are several factors: Insurance coverage, safety, and state law.
The Association has stringent insurance requirements to teach swim lessons. One of those requirements is to have lifeguards. The Association cares about the wellbeing of its members. Lifeguards have the training to provide life-saving efforts to potential drowning victims or other on-deck medical emergencies. Lifeguards don’t just provide life safety actions. They also enforce pool rules and safety such as restricting horseplay, running, and diving. They are constantly on the watch for unsupervised swimmers or swimmers who have gotten themselves into swimming challenges. In between those primary functions, lifeguards provide general maintenance activities at the pool area such as trash removal and cleaning. Last, state law requires lifeguards if there is any type of fee to use the facility.
Q7: Why is eSoft, the pool software, not fully updated?
A7: We are operating with minimal staff. There is a tremendous amount of work in managing the HOA and a facility. Unfortunately, what staff is here cannot do it all or as timely as they would like. The eSoft pool software is updated when we can and as circumstances change.
Q8: If I only wish to use the pool a few times this year. Do I still need to purchase a season pass?
A8: Of course not! You can purchase a session for $5.00 by calling the Pool Pass office at 530-587-5519.
Q9: You have recently started selling season swimming pool passes. Will I be refunded the single session passes I have already purchased prior to the season passes being offered?
A9: Yes! The eSoft pool software does not allow credits/refunds at this point. We are working with the software developer to change this function of their software. If it is not changed soon, we will manually credit members’ accounts.
Q10: Why is the information that I read on different social media different than what you show on your website?
A10: We cannot control the content posted by other people on any of the social media platforms. Sometimes that content is inaccurate or malicious. For the most accurate and current information regarding this Association, visit the Associations website at glenshiredevonshire.com. You can also sign up to receive emails from the Association that contain an assortment of information. If you still have questions, you can call or email the Association at 530-587-6202 or info@glenshiredevonshire.com.
Q11: When will the Associations business office be open?
A11: The office is currently open from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. New staff is starting soon and we plan to have office staffed on all weekdays once they are trained. It took some time to fill this position. Thank you for your patience!
Q12: What are the Associations pool plans for the near future?
A12: We are working on hiring more lifeguards so that we can improve the pool access. IF we can hire enough lifeguards we plan to:
- Open earlier for lap swimming
- Opening the pool to more people at a time and assume that people will practice Covid safe activities such as keeping distance from non-family members, not visit the pool if they have covid symptoms, where a mask if they are not vaccinated, …
- Open the pool more days per week.
- Change the open swim sessions from the scheduling requirement to first come first-serve.
Please note: two years ago, we had 14 lifeguards. We currently have 5 part-time.
Q13: Why is the staff slow in responding to my inquiries?
A13: The Association has grown over the years and staffing levels have not. In addition, there has been a significant increase in unanticipated new requirements and issues for GDRA. There is simply more work than current staff can effectively manage. We appreciate your patience as we work through the all the tasks that are before us!
Q14: Why can’t I sign-in for pool reservations with my association’s password?
A14: Unfortunately, the association’s main software and pool software, eSoft, are different programs and do not talk to each other. You need separate log-in information for the pool reservations (eSoft).
Q15: Why is the wading pool closed?
A15: For safety. The surface of the pool is badly deteriorated and very rough. If a child few or slipped they would be injured by the rough surface. The wading pool is scheduled for replastering and other upgrades/repairs this year and bids for that work are being solicited now. It is not expected that any contractor will be able to schedule the work until the end of this year or the beginning of next.
Note to reader: For the sake of speeding up this FAQ we are promoting just a general list of Q&A , mostly regarding the Pool.
Some Potential Categories to address in the future (stay tuned!)
Pool Hours
Assessments
Budget
General
Rules
Covid
Clubhouse and Facilities
Property Improvements
Staff Approvals