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The Recreation/ pool committee met on 12 December at 10 AM. There were 9 people in attendance representing both pool users and tennis players. A long discussion with many recommendations took place. The committee recognizes the BOD attempts to save money is foremost. There are two significant costs associated with the pools; the gas bill and the security bill. Therefore the committee endevered to look realisticly at both major costs As a result 2 long range suggestions were made: 1. investigate the use of solar power for heating the pools. 1. Investigate the possibility of covering the Jacuzzis at night to prevent heat loss. In reviewing the heat loss by the hot tubs in the cool months of June and September there is an indication the cold weather significantly increases gas costs to as much as 25% of the total pool bill for the winter months. A small cost of under $100 for a light-weight vynal air pocketed cover could save significant cost if we can arrange the placement and removal of the cover. 2. Investigate the potential of solar heating for the pools. On the more immediate nature. The water temps being at 81-82 Degrees is driving away many of the more frequent pool users. In order to save the money, as the BOD wishes, two immediate proposals were requested to be taken to the BOD for consideration and adoption.. Either action could be executed to provide the best service to the majority of users and at the same time save money. 1. Close both pools at 8PM daily for the months of 1 November thru April 31. Reduce the guards contract to be on duty only for the prime attendence periods of Friday thru Sunday , 4 PM thru 8 PM. A reduction of 176 hours at $13 per hour, equalling $2288 per month. Using the offset savings to keep both pools at 85 degrees. The security cameras would be reviewed daily for any pool infractions. This is the position most supported by all the committee members. 2. The alternate position acceptable to most of the committee is: Maintain the small pool at 85 degrees and keep the large pool (largest Gas user) at 81 degrees. This provides the vigorous exercizer cool water and the less vigorous user more comfortable water. Actual gas savings for each pool are unknown at this time. Close the pools at 8PM daily for the months of 1 November thru 31 April. Reducing the guard contract by 3 hours daily, 30 days a month at 3 hours per day and $13 per hour would be a savings of $1170.
It was understood by those in attendance that closing at 8PM would also affect the tennis courts at this time.
Dan Jones - Recreation Committee Chair
Letter from Rec Chair Regarding Pool Temps and BOD Decision There has always been, even in summer months, a minority of pool users compared to the total number of NR homeowners. Much like the Tennis courts, Bocce ball court, or Basketball courts that have less than full use by all the homeowners. Granted the monthly maintenance costs are nominal on those facilities. But they all represent positive assets that help maintain the property values in NR.
Per the study by the PHD that Mr. Congi sited, Multi-use pools (like ours) should be kept at 83 to 86 degrees. The temperatures of 78 to 82 are established for competitive swimming and training. We don't have a swim team. Per that same study it is the responsibility of the pool operators to maintain the pools in accordance with the resident users. That would be our NR BOD. The community can start to shut down or degrade various facilities due to limited use and they will reduce their home values accordingly. Folks bought and moved here when the saw the excellent facilities for their families. For the NR BOD to to lead the community in this direction is short sighted.
As a board member and also
a pool user, I am in obvious disagreement and would ask the immediate
return to 85 degrees for both pools. If there is to be a test to see
the amount of money to be saved; I suggest the south pool only, be
reduced to the 82 degree temperature. It is the biggest user of gas,
nearly double the gas use in the north pool. This would leave the
smaller pool at an 85 degree comfort level for our users. It would also
track the number of users who prefer to tolerate the lower
temperatures.
OPEN LETTER TO POOL USERS
" Why is the Pool Murky?" " How Can I as a NR Pool User Help?" The pool is murky because it is not only used by more people in this hot weather but abused by most all the folks who try to get the instant tan and cool off at the same time. Abusers? Yes. How many times have you seen folks come to the pool and slather on that goop that protects them from the sun and immediately go in the water. Or that caring mom who puts the creams on her kids to protect them from the sun and they can't wait to jump in. Did that young mother really use the appropriate swim diaper/panty on the baby? How about the sweet young thing (or maybe older person) with the flowing locks who swims with no thought to keeping the hair secured. These are the things that clog and overload the cleaning filters and challenge the chemicals system. The systems are checked daily by the pool maintenance company and they find filters clogged with hair and oil sludge. They must use more chemicals to counter oily solutions and body waste. That lotion being used normally has an oily base to help move the actual protective solution around to cover the body parts. Be sure you rub in excess globs of the solution and then wait a few minutes after you apply it before entering the water. This will give the body time to absorb much of the excess oils. The hair and diaper precautions are a given. We all want Crystal clear clean pools. So will you please help us out? The North Ranch Pool Committee
REC/POOL COMMITTEE REVIVED FROM DEAD - THANK YOU DAN! The long dormant pool and rec committee is back to life, thanks to new board member Dan Jones and an eager group of volunteers. The NRCA has had a long tradition of volunteering. Unfortunately the pool and rec committee fell dormant after past chair Chris Centuori left the board and became the manager in 2007. Dan Jones was appointed to the NRCA BOD to fill the seat of the revered Harry Resnick. Needless to say Dan has not disappointed . He has provided a welcome boost of energy to the floundering rec and pool committee. Dan and his band of volunteers are not afraid to get their hands dirty. They are tackling many of the minor and tedious tasks that frankly could not be addressed by the NRCA because so many major projects and repairs needed to be done first. Dan and Crew have cleaned out and remodeled the storage room at the south pool. The room was a disaster prior to Dan’s work. Dan also organized a strapping committee to repair the chaise lounges around the pool areas. In addition Dan has assisted the mgmt. company around the community by reporting any items in need of repair. Perhaps the biggest recent accomplishment was the rec and pool committee’s work on selecting an appropriate high quality surface for the tennis court. The court will soon have one of the best surfaces anywhere in Arizona. Thank you Dan and Crew!
STRAPPING COMMITTEE AT WORK!
ATTN. NORTH RANCH PARENTS: ONLY YOU CAN PREVENT A DROWNING According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, an estimated 260 children under five years of age drown each year in residential swimming pools and spas. The Commission estimates that another 3,000 children under age five are treated in hospital emergency rooms following submersion accidents each year. Some of these submersion accidents result in permanent brain damage. Nationally, drowning is the fourth leading cause of death to children under five. In some states such as California, Florida and Arizona, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death to children under five. The CPSC offers the following tips for pool users: · Never leave a child unsupervised near a pool.· Instruct babysitters about potential hazards to young children in and around swimming pools and the need for constant supervision.· Do not consider young children "drown proof" because they have had swimming lessons; young children should always be watched carefully while swimming.· Do not use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision.· Keep toys away from the pool area because a young child playing with the toys could accidentally fall in the water.· Learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).· PARENTS AND GUARDIANS: ONLY YOU CAN PREVENT A DROWNING. WATCH YOUR CHILD CLOSELY AT ALL TIMES. MAKE SURE DOORS LEADING TO THE POOL AREA ARE CLOSED AND LOCKED. YOUNG CHILDREN CAN QUICKLY SLIP AWAY AND INTO THE POOL.
10/31/08
NR WORKING TO KEEP POOLS SAFE (Read Law) The NRCA is working to stay in compliance with federally mandated rules concerning pool and spa safety. At a minimum, safety vacuum release systems must be installed on 3 of the 4 pump systems. New drain covers may also be required. To accomplish this the pools and spas may also have to be drained and pools closed is the plumbing has to be altered. The job requires cutting out concrete around the drain so a compliant drain can be installed. Estimated costs of this procedure, if needed, is over $10,000. Below is a summary of the requirements (courtesy APSP): Mandatory Requirements for Drain Covers and Public Pools and Spas (Section 1404) Effective December 19, 2008, the following are federal mandates under the Virginia Graeme Baker Act (section 1404) for drain covers and public pools, spas, and hot tubs. Drain Covers, Public and Residential Pools and Spas. By December 19, 2008, all drain covers manufactured or sold in the United States must conform to the ASME/ANSI A112.19.8-2007 Suction Fittings for Use in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs, published by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). All public pools and spas (as defined by the Act), both new and existing, must be equipped with drain cover systems conforming to the ASME/ANSI A112.19.8-2007 standard. All public pools and spas (pump) with a single main drain, other than an un-blockable drain, must be equipped with an ASME A112.19.8-2007 compliant cover system and one or more of the following additional devices or systems: a safety vacuum release system (SVRS); suction limiting vent system; gravity drainage system; automatic pump shutoff system; or drain disablement. More Pool Repairs One s. pool heater was replaced just before Halloween. As luck would have it two days after the heater was replaced the pump motor lost a bearing. The motor is under warranty. At the n. pool the safety vacuum release system has continually malfunctioned, causing the Jacuzzi to shut down. The system, mandated by the govt. apparently is a lemon. Unfortunately there are few replacements available as so many are in demand. We appreciate your patience.
S. POOL PUMP ROOM MAINTENANCE UNDERWAY. POOL CLOSED 10/26/08 A new heater installation and underground pipe leak repairs are under way at the s. pool. The pool will be closed until the repairs are completed. New doors are also scheduled to replace the rusted out pump room doors.
PLEASE TAKE OFF STREET SHOES BEFORE ENTERING POOLS 8/1/08 A few north pool users are apparently so excited about taking the plunge into the beautiful and refreshing pool they are forgetting to remove their shoes!
At least north pool users have been seen on video surveillance walking directly from their vehicles to the pool with their shoes still on. As of yet, there have been no reports of this happening at the south pool.
Many vehicles leak oil, coolant and transmission fluid. Tracking toxic chemicals from the parking lot into the pools could pose a health hazard which may lead to suspension of services.
Swimmers who wear aquatic footwear should ensure that the footwear is clean and not walk through the parking lot with the same footwear that goes into the pool.
A Pima County Health Department official was contacted about the problem. The official said the practice of wearing street shoes in the pool, while not illegal, goes against "the laws of human decency."
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
IT'S OFFICIAL: POOL HEATERS OFF FROM MAY 31ST - OCT 1ST In an effort to get control over the budget busting gas heating bill for hot water pools, the BOD voted in a special meeting to turn off the pool heaters from May 31st to Oct 1st. The money and gas wasting pool heaters have been turned OFF.
At the special meeting President Harry Resnick reported the north pool in particular was a big gas hog, using a lot more gas proportionally than the much larger south pool.
The pool temperatures will be monitored and the board may convene if unseasonably cold weather drops the water temperatures below what the NRCA considers a comfortable level. Thank you homeowners who got involved to help make the association aware of the water temperature issues!
7/7/08 POOL TEMPS IN LOW 90'S POOLS ARE HEATED ALL SUMMER LONG A spot check of the pool thermometers revealed temperatures to be almost 92 degrees in both the north and south pool at 3:30 pm. The NR pools are heated all year round.
NR POOL HEATERS $10,400 OVER BUDGET FOR GAS LETTER TO COMMUNITY FROM OPS MGR:
L ETTER TO COMMUNITY:Dear North Ranch Residents: NR is a beautiful and unique community with wonderful amenities. The pools are resort-quality, gorgeous and usable year-round. NR is also unique in the way gas heating for pools has been managed over the years. In sunny Tucson, most semi-public and public pools shut down gas heaters in May and turn them on in October . NR keeps the heaters on all year long.In sunny Tucson, most semi-public and public pools keep winter pool temperatures in the low 80’s. NR operates pools at near therapeutic pool temperatures, in the high 80’s. Temperatures have even been recorded over 90 degrees. $27,000 was budgeted for natural gas to heat pools. Sharp increases in natural gas prices and inertia have created a potential budget buster in this area. The association is on pace to spend well over $40,000 for natural gas in 2008. A very small number of pool users with special needs use the pool as a therapeutic pool. These residents feel entitled to a hot water pool. Who can blame these folks for feeling this way? The community has provided hot water near-therapeutic pools for many years so it is no wonder some consider this a fundamental right. For example: A resident regularly notifies the mgmt. company if/when they believe the pool temperature has fallen below 88 degrees, and asks when the board voted to lower pool temperatures.On the flipside, some residents hate the hot water pools and resent paying dues for pools they don’t use, and refer to the hot water pools as “bathwater.” The mgmt. company urges the BOD and community to consider the long-term financial ramifications of continuing to operate the pools at near therapeutic pool temperatures on a 100% natural gas system. To avoid a possible reduction of amenities and services in the future, we recommend consideration of a long-term conservation program and/or alternative pool heating such as solar power. Respectfully, Chris Centuori, NRCA Operations Manager.
PARENTS PLEASE WATCH OVER YOUR PRECIOUS CHILDREN WHILE AT THE POOLS Swimming is a great activity as well as being fun! It should never result in sorrow.
On average 90 people die of drowning each year in Arizona between April and
September. Many of the victims are children.
It only takes a
few seconds for a child to go under. Last year at North Ranch two children
almost lost their lives at the big pool. It is up to all of us to be aware and
act with common sense to keep children safe at the pool.
This week at the big pool three small children were left alone in the water
while the parent played tennis with her friends (none were North Ranch residents
but were using a homeowner's pool and tennis keys). Thankfully security and
management were on hand to reunite the precious children with their tennis playing parent
and a potentially dangerous incident was avoided.
In addition to putting innocent children at risk it is also a serious violation
of the NR Rules to leave a child unattended at the pool. The security guards
are not babysitters.
Residents are asked to please be vigilant about children being left alone at the
pools.
Never leave
a child alone at the pools. If you must leave take the child with
you. Enroll
children in swimming and water safety classes Report
unattended children at the pools to the parents, security management
or a board member. If none are available call 911.
Let's all work together to keep our children safe at the pools!
6/2/08 BIG POOL REPAIR PRIORITIES While the 20 year old big pool areas remains in remarkably good condition a few items are expected to be addressed by the NRCA over the next year.
Chief among them is replacing or repairing the rotted wood above the ramada and
remodeling and repairing the pool pump room.
Replacing the doors at the pump room costs over $1000 to do it properly. It is
likely the door jams as well would need replacement. The interior of the pump
room is in need of a complete restoration after years of neglect. The entire
project will be done in one swoop to get the biggest bang for our buck.
As always safety remains the highest criterion for repair priorities.
6/1/08 HOMEOWNER TELLS GUARD HE WILL SOON BE "OUT OF A JOB" AND "BIG POOL WILL CLOSE" A homeowner told a security guard that the NR big pool would soon be closed at night and that the guard will be out of a job.
Homeowners should not make contact with contractors directly but should contact
the management company. The management company can be reached at 624-4404.
There are no plans to close the big pool.
5/5/08
AREA NEAR BIG POOL MAY GET SOD AND PLUGS The dead grass near the big pool may need to sod or plugs to come back to life. The area was actually covered with beautiful dicondra until last fall, when a former landscaping contractor sprayed harsh chemicals on it...killing everything.
Watering was tried but there appear to be no thatch left. The association will get some bids for sod and hopefully new grass will be there by the summer.
RUSTED STEEL EDGING REPLACED. NEW ROCKS PUT IN Steel edging, rusted for years is being replaced at the big pool. New rocks are also being installed in the same location.
4/17/08 BIG POOL REOPENS Aqua Solutions successfully treated the big pool after human feces was discovered in the deep end. The pool is now safe and clean.
4/14/08 POOL CLOSED TEMPORARILY. HUMAN FECES IN POOL The big pool is closed temporarily after a youth had an accident. Most of the feces was removed by the manager with a net but some remained.
The pool company was notified and the pool will remain closed until the pool company deems it safe. The pool will have to be treated before it can reopen.
4/10/08
BIG POOL JACUZZI CRYSTAL CLEAR - NO SUDS Newly installed zeolite sand is doing its job. The water at the big pool jacuzzi is now clean. The pool company Aqua Solutions changed the sand out last week. It is not known how long the original sand was in the filter. SAND REPLACED IN FILTERS. POOLS MAY BE CLOUDY FOR A FEW DAYS Zeolite sand has been installed in the jacuzzi filter at the big pool and the filter for the small pool. The water may be cloudy for a few days as the superior zeolite sand makes it way through the systems and settles.
DRINKING BEVERAGES IN POOLS/SPA PROHIBITED The North Ranch Rules (Section 3:13) prohibit the drinking of beverages in the pools and spas. The reason for this rule is to prevent soft drinks, coffee and other beverages from spilling and contaminating the water.
Wouldn't you know, the fellow in the photo above complained loudly about a "sudsy" Jacuzzi shortly after breaking the pool rules by consuming beverages in the same Jacuzzi he was griping about.
Alcoholic beverages are also strictly prohibited from all NRCA recreational areas. Please keep all beverages away from the pools and Jacuzzis. Thank you for your cooperation.
Note: Pool rule violations may result in suspension of privileges by the Board of Directors (see North Ranch Rules Section 3:15).
3/10/08
SMALL POOL: PIECE OF JUNK SPA HEATER REPLACED WITH DIGITAL HEATER Small pool users who have gone without a working Jacuzzi for more than a week are being rewarded for their patience with the installation of a new state-of-the-art, energy efficient, digital gas heater.
The old heater had been acting up for some time. Recently it had gotten stuck on high, nearly turning the small pool Jacuzzi into a cauldron of boiling water. The old heater was not rated for commercial use. The new one will pay for itself by saving gas. The digital thermostat will keep the water at 102.5 degrees all the time!
Thank you homeowners for your patience!
3/1/08 SMALL POOL SPA HEATER TO BE REPLACED The small pool spa heater is broken and will be replaced with a new, energy efficient digital gas heater. Unlike the broken heater, the new one will be rated for commercial use which will help keep the North Ranch pools in compliance with applicable statutes. A spa heater was replaced recently at the big pool. The big pool heater is already starting to pay for itself in through less gas use. The new heaters have digital thermostats which keep the spa temperatures always at 102 degrees. Thank you for your patience. SMALL POOL MAY CLOSE AT DUSK An audit of small pool usage indicated that the vast majority of night time users are teenagers. While most teenagers using the pool follow the rules some are disturbing the peace around the small pool. The small pool is in a secluded area where loud noises reverberate very easily. The big pool is in a wide open area and is more conducive to youthful behavior. Teenage residents as well as all residents are encouraged to use the big pool at nights for a safer and more enjoyable experience. The small pool hours will be discussed and voted on at the next board meeting. 1/17/08 NEW HEATER INSTALLED AT S. POOL SPA Out with the old piece of junk, in with the new!
A new heater with a digital thermostat was installed at the s. pool spa today. The heater will replace the broken one, which is not rated for commercial use. It will be much easier to regulate the heat because of the digital thermostat. The heater was installed by expert pool techs from Aqua Solutions. North Ranch pools have been using at least two other heaters which are not rated for commercial use. This will be corrected as soon as possible. 1/13/08 Pump Motor With Safety Release Installed at N. Pool Spa
The new pump motor installed at the n. pool spa will make the spa a safer place by reducing the risk of drowning. Any time the drain is blocked the system will shut down. This feature will also save the association money in costly repairs. The electronics constantly monitor the input power of the motor and detect any changes in the operating conditions of the pool such as clogged drain, jammed pump or locked rotor, drops in input power (that can cause "dry running" of the pump), or suction entrapment. Any time the electronics detect these conditions, the motor and pump automatically shut off, avoiding damage to the pump, motor, or pool system itself.
1/8/08 Federal Pool Safety Act Applies to HOAs: North Ranch Ahead of the Game
A new law signed last week requires communities to implement important safety measures at pools and spas to help prevent accidental drowning and injury. Safety drains and safety vacuum release systems must be installed in all public pools and pools open to membership like in North Ranch. In October 2007 safety drains were installed in all North Ranch pools and spas. A broken pump for the north pool spa will be fitted with a special vacuum release system. The safety vacuum release system shuts off suction if it detects a blockage. Download the new pool safety law (pdf).
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