2020 Pool Update

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Dear Homeowners:

The Board of Directors have been in discussion with our pool management company, as well as consultation with both the Association’s legal counsel and insurance company regarding the 2020 pool season.

The Board has a fiduciary responsibility to all of the members of the Association to preserve and protect the assets of the Association and must give careful consideration concerning the health and safety of anyone using the facilities as well as the staff, and the liability exposure related to opening the pool under the current circumstances.

Per the Governor’s orders, pools can open during Phase II for lap swim, diving, exercise or instruction only; RECREATIONAL SWIMMING IS NOT ALLOWED. The Association would have to follow strict regulations for monitoring swimmers, social distancing requirements, capacity limits, disinfecting and sanitation, limited persons per lane, etc. These are duties over and above the responsibility of the lifeguard, so a third party would need to be hired to monitor these activities and ensure the guidelines are being obeyed. During Phase II the pool will only benefit a very small number of residents.

Also, the pool management company is requiring the Association sign a hold harmless agreement should the Board wish to open the pool. We have been strongly advised by legal counsel and insurance to not sign this agreement as the Association does not have the insurance coverage should there be a Covid-19 claim made against the HOA.

Another obstacle is the limited domestic lifeguard staff as international guards have not been able to enter the country. The pool management company warned that we would likely have to have shorter pool hours, with the possibility of erratic schedules.

In conclusion, the operational and liability issues are challenging.  Based upon all the factors mentioned above, the Board has decided to enter into a service only maintenance contract at this time.

We will continue to review the Phase III order. Should Phase III open up to recreational swimming, the pool management company no longer requires the Association to sign the indemnification agreement, and we have sufficient guards/staff, then the Board may reconsider options for opening the pool.

Please know that this was not a decision taken lightly. We will keep you updated during this challenging time. Thank you for your continued patience and support.

Sincerely,

Board of Directors
Potomac Shores Residential Association

 

 

Shores Club Reopening

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Dear Potomac Shores Residents,

As always, we continue to focus on the health and safety of our residents and staff members during this challenging time. In line with Governor Northam’s Executive Orders, we are happy to report the phased re-opening of the Social Barn and Fitness Barn beginning Tuesday, June 16th. The tot lot/playgrounds are also open starting Friday, June 12th. Please remember to maintain social distance while at the playgrounds.

Specific guidelines are outlined below:

  • The Fitness Barn will open for first come, first serve at 30% capacity (18 persons) at all times. You may call the front desk at 703-640-3970 prior to coming to the gym to confirm if we are at capacity.
  • No one with a fever or symptoms of COVID-19 or known exposure to a COVID-19 case in the prior 14 days should come to the Shores Club. We do ask that you wear a mask while inside and maintain social distance from others while in the facilities.
  • You must maintain 10 feet distance from others while working out. Members will not need to wear masks while exercising but will be asked to wear them when entering and exiting the building.
  • Some pieces of cardio equipment and other equipment will be marked out of service to maintain social distancing requirements.
  • Complimentary gym towels will not be available during this time.
  • We ask that gym users disinfect their equipment before and after use. Staff will also exercise increased cleaning of the gym.
  • Due to limited capacity of the gym, only resident access will be permitted. Guest passes cannot be used during this time.
  • Early access to the gym is temporarily turned off. The Fitness Barn will be open Monday –  Friday, 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM and Saturday – Sundays, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
  • All classes, club meetings and committee meetings at the Shores Club scheduled during this time are still cancelled until further notice.
  • The pools remain closed until further notice.
  • We will continue to issue access cards at the Fitness Barn by appointment only. Please email potomacshoresdesk@gmail.com to make an appointment.
  • Guidelines are subject to change should it be necessary to ensure the safety of all residents and staff. We will continue to send updates.

Our front desk staff is excited to return to work next Tuesday! We ask that you please be patient and cooperative as this is new protocol for everyone.

Thank you for your understanding during this challenging time and we look forward to seeing you all!