2016 FAQ's
What is the purpose of this FAQ?
The purpose is to share information the current MCC Board has learned and investigated regarding the classification of the pool and changes to the way we all enjoy the pool.
What is our pool’s classification and has it changed?
There are two classifications in King County, general use and limited use pools. We have always been a general use pool subjecting us to the changes we're making now. The County inspector all these years incorrectly classified us on inspection forms as a limited use pool, and last year's inspector caught the error. The MCC was evaluated as a limited use pool when we were, in fact, a general use pool all along.
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=246260131
How does our classification affect pool hours?
No one under 16 years of age can swim unless there is a lifeguard on duty. As tough as this is to bear, County regulations do not allow parental supervision of their children in lieu of a lifeguard. In addition, our insurance policy and Board member insurance will not provide protections in the unlikely event of an injury or death if appropriate measures aren’t taken to enforce this bright line rule.
The MCC Board will evaluate options to bring in additional lifeguards and make up as many pool hours as possible. However, during school hours, this is obviously tough since our lifeguards are all in various grades of high school and college. We’ve added hours in June from 48PM on weekdays and we will try to carry this forward into September.
Water aerobics is not adversely affected so long as all participants are over age 16.
How does our classification affect food and drink inside pool grounds?
Until midOctober 2015, the rule against food on the deck for a general use pool was a brightline rule. No food on the deck. In midOctober of 2015, the State DOH issued new guidance for general use pools that relaxed rule somewhat. The consumption of food on the deck is now somewhat discretionary by the inspector. Yes, there must be at least a 4’ separation between the pool and the eating area. However, large parties that threaten to contaminate the pool can be written up as a violation of the requirement. That being said, the actual regulation HAS NOT been changed. It still
reads the way that it reads; it’s just that the state and the county will not automatically ticket us for a violation of the regulation. The County liked the separation of the eating area from the deck, but was careful to ask for measurements, i.e. a small grass separation between the eating area and the kiddie pool would not satisfy the requirement. That being said, we do not need to freak out if people are eating food at the tables as long as they are at least 4’ from the pool and there is no danger of contaminating the pool (e.g. while walking with trays of food).
BBQ – Previously, not allowed on the deck. Now, there is a bit more discretion. It could be located on the deck, provided that the inspector does not believe that it interferes with any lifesaving process. The County preferred to have the BBQ away from the deck as we described it to him. We do not believe the BBQ anywhere near the pool or near a point of ingress/egress would be tolerated and was not upon our inspection last summer.
Liquor – no liquor consumption is allowed at a general use pool. The County said there was no discretion about it.
Can I use the playground outside of pool hours?
For now, please continue to enjoy the playground outside of pool hours. We may need to make adjustments to this as there is no physical barrier between the playground area and the pool. We will post signs at the entries stating “no swimming unless a lifeguard is on duty” or similar. Please watch your kids closely and keep them away from the pool. Please also enter from the clubhouse vs. the side pool entrance.
If I’m at the pool at closing time, and the lifeguard is closing, do I need to leave?
The lifeguard will announce that the pool is closing and the cover will be put on the pool at closing time. Please respect the guard on duty and kindly prepare to leave for the night. Please remember “no swimming unless a lifeguard is on duty”. Guards should not be asked to stay late for any reason, with or without compensation.
Will my card key operate outside pool open hours?
Currently there is no restriction on access. This may change to core pool hours (will work some time prior to adult swim until the pool closes.
Can adults (over 16) use the pool without a lifeguard?
At this time we have Adult only swim hours from 78AM Monday, Wednesday, and Friday beginning June 13th. Water aerobics is Monday thru Friday 89AM.
Are we looking for lifeguards for weekdays in Sept?
Yes. We hope our current staff can work in September but hours will be limited to times after school. We will seek other options, but this is our current plan.
What is the purpose of this FAQ?
The purpose is to share information the current MCC Board has learned and investigated regarding the classification of the pool and changes to the way we all enjoy the pool.
What is our pool’s classification and has it changed?
There are two classifications in King County, general use and limited use pools. We have always been a general use pool subjecting us to the changes we're making now. The County inspector all these years incorrectly classified us on inspection forms as a limited use pool, and last year's inspector caught the error. The MCC was evaluated as a limited use pool when we were, in fact, a general use pool all along.
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=246260131
How does our classification affect pool hours?
No one under 16 years of age can swim unless there is a lifeguard on duty. As tough as this is to bear, County regulations do not allow parental supervision of their children in lieu of a lifeguard. In addition, our insurance policy and Board member insurance will not provide protections in the unlikely event of an injury or death if appropriate measures aren’t taken to enforce this bright line rule.
The MCC Board will evaluate options to bring in additional lifeguards and make up as many pool hours as possible. However, during school hours, this is obviously tough since our lifeguards are all in various grades of high school and college. We’ve added hours in June from 48PM on weekdays and we will try to carry this forward into September.
Water aerobics is not adversely affected so long as all participants are over age 16.
How does our classification affect food and drink inside pool grounds?
Until midOctober 2015, the rule against food on the deck for a general use pool was a brightline rule. No food on the deck. In midOctober of 2015, the State DOH issued new guidance for general use pools that relaxed rule somewhat. The consumption of food on the deck is now somewhat discretionary by the inspector. Yes, there must be at least a 4’ separation between the pool and the eating area. However, large parties that threaten to contaminate the pool can be written up as a violation of the requirement. That being said, the actual regulation HAS NOT been changed. It still
reads the way that it reads; it’s just that the state and the county will not automatically ticket us for a violation of the regulation. The County liked the separation of the eating area from the deck, but was careful to ask for measurements, i.e. a small grass separation between the eating area and the kiddie pool would not satisfy the requirement. That being said, we do not need to freak out if people are eating food at the tables as long as they are at least 4’ from the pool and there is no danger of contaminating the pool (e.g. while walking with trays of food).
BBQ – Previously, not allowed on the deck. Now, there is a bit more discretion. It could be located on the deck, provided that the inspector does not believe that it interferes with any lifesaving process. The County preferred to have the BBQ away from the deck as we described it to him. We do not believe the BBQ anywhere near the pool or near a point of ingress/egress would be tolerated and was not upon our inspection last summer.
Liquor – no liquor consumption is allowed at a general use pool. The County said there was no discretion about it.
Can I use the playground outside of pool hours?
For now, please continue to enjoy the playground outside of pool hours. We may need to make adjustments to this as there is no physical barrier between the playground area and the pool. We will post signs at the entries stating “no swimming unless a lifeguard is on duty” or similar. Please watch your kids closely and keep them away from the pool. Please also enter from the clubhouse vs. the side pool entrance.
If I’m at the pool at closing time, and the lifeguard is closing, do I need to leave?
The lifeguard will announce that the pool is closing and the cover will be put on the pool at closing time. Please respect the guard on duty and kindly prepare to leave for the night. Please remember “no swimming unless a lifeguard is on duty”. Guards should not be asked to stay late for any reason, with or without compensation.
Will my card key operate outside pool open hours?
Currently there is no restriction on access. This may change to core pool hours (will work some time prior to adult swim until the pool closes.
Can adults (over 16) use the pool without a lifeguard?
At this time we have Adult only swim hours from 78AM Monday, Wednesday, and Friday beginning June 13th. Water aerobics is Monday thru Friday 89AM.
Are we looking for lifeguards for weekdays in Sept?
Yes. We hope our current staff can work in September but hours will be limited to times after school. We will seek other options, but this is our current plan.
