Standard Operating Procedure | Outdoor Pool

PURPOSE

It is the philosophy of Parks and Recreation to maximize access to programs, facilities, and services; without compromising safety for employees or guests. Outdoor pools have several factors that can cause disruptions in operations. Colorado’s climate poses several types of severe weather situations that require many different solutions to maintain safe access to the outdoor pool. Additionally, there are sanitary issues that will cause disruptions to pool access. Therefore, this Standard Operating Procedure establishes general guidelines to make operating decisions pertaining to the operations of the outdoor pool.

Revision History

Established: April 2024, authored by Parks and Recreation Director, Marcus Graves  

Persons Affected

• Parks and Recreation Full Time Staff
• Recreation Center Part Time Employees
• Parks and Recreation Maintenance Staff
• Woodmen Hills Metro District Board Members
• Woodmen Hills Metro District Residents
• Non-Residents, Registrants, Renters, and Appointments

Outdoor Pool Season                                                                                                                                             

• The outdoor pool is open seasonally due to climate, use, and staffing.
• The outdoor pool is open from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day.

In August

• The outdoor pool will be open Monday through Friday 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
• The outdoor pool will be open Weekends 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.
• August schedules may change due to available staffing.
• The August outdoor pool schedule is due to D49 returning to school and the ability to staff both the RCE indoor pool and the outdoor pools adequately.

 Inclement Weather                                                                                                                                                 

Inclement weather as defined for this standard operating procedure is any type of weather that can negatively affect outdoor programming. This includes but isn’t limited to rain, snow, sleet, lightning, wind, cold, and heat.

 Preparation for Inclement Weather

• Once a warning for inclement weather has been identified or warning has been issued:
• Supervisors should start communicating with their staff and volunteers about possible cancellations, delays, and closures. Establish a line of communication so staff are up to date on information.
• Communications: social media and websites should have public notice posts about the possibility of inclement weather. Push participants to the Rainout Line.
• Update the Rainout Line.

 Cancellations, Delays and Closures

The leadership team will monitor weather conditions and make decisions related to cancellations, delays, and closures based on the following factors. The safety of our staff, participants, and members will be the district’s top priority. Woodmen Hills Metro District and District 49 closure/delay does not predict closure of the outdoor pool.

 Lightning Cancellations, Delays, and Closures

 All operations will be suspended for 30 minutes for any lightning strike within a 10-mile radius. The time will start over at each lightning strike.

The pool deck space must be vacated, participants and staff will need to seek shelter at covered facilities or in cars as appropriate and available.

Staff are required to have lightning warnings enabled on their smart devices. These applications are not 100% effective, if you see lightning or hear thunder, err on the side of caution.

Rainchecks will be offered to paying customers, and no refunds will be issued.

Fecal Matter Cancellations, Delays, and Closures

• All operations will be suspended for 30 minutes for any solid fecal matter or water-induced vomit incident. The time will start once the fecal matter or vomit is removed.
• For loose stool or sickness-induced vomit, it is a mandatory 24-hour closure.
• Staff will contact their supervisor immediately.
• Staff will take chemical readings every fifteen minutes and document.
• The supervisor will update the closure line.
• Rainchecks will be offered to paying customers, and no refunds will be issued.

Pool Chemical Cancellations, Delays, and Closures

• Staff will check the water chemistry at the start of the day, midday, and at the end of the day.
• If the water chemistry is not within safe ranges, the pool will close and remain closed until chemicals are back within safe ranges.
• Staff will contact their supervisor immediately.
• Staff will take water readings every fifteen minutes until the water is within guidelines.
• The supervisor will update the closure line.
• Rainchecks will be offered to paying customers, and no refunds will be issued.

Temperature Cancellations, Delays, and Closures

• The outdoor pool will close if the air temperature is below 60 degrees and sunny.
• If the air temperature is below 65 degrees and cloudy, the pool will close.
• The outdoor pool will close if the water temperature is below 78 degrees.
• Staff will contact their supervisor immediately.
• Staff will take water readings every fifteen minutes until the water is within guidelines.
• The supervisor will update Statusfy.
• Rainchecks will be offered to paying customers, and no refunds will be issued.

Rain, Thunderstorm, Hail, and Wind Cancellations, Delays, and Closures

• In the event of light showers and rain, onsite staff will determine delays and cancellations.
• Determining factors are based on the safety of participants, staff, and attendance.
• If severe thunderstorms, hail, or dangerous high wind advisories are projected.
• Operations will be monitored.
• Closed at supervisors’ discretion.
• Rentals and parties will be contacted to reschedule.
• Special events will be rescheduled.
• Closures will be posted on Statusfy.

Nighttime and Low Visibility

• Due to the lack of deck and pool lighting, the outdoor pool will close no later than dusk.
• If there are incidents such as dense fog that limit visibility the outdoor pool will close.
• These closures are at the supervisors’ discretion.
• Rentals and parties will be contacted to reschedule.
• Special events will be rescheduled.
• Closures will be posted on Statusfy.

Air Quality

• The outdoor pool will close due to unhealthy air quality.
• When the AQI is between 101-150, staff
• We use the Air Quality Index (AQI).
• When the AQI is greater than 101 staff will be notified and allowed to modify shifts, and we will notify guests through Statusfy that there is poor air quality.
• When the AQI is greater than 150 we will close the outdoor pool.
• These closures are at the supervisors’ discretion.
• Rentals and parties will be contacted to reschedule.
• Special events will be rescheduled.
• Closures will be posted on Statusfy.

Closure Alerts and Notifications

• Statusfy
• Facebook
• WHMD.org

Review and Amendment

This regulation shall be reviewed by the Director, Assistant Director, and Program Manager, annually for accuracy and alignment with Parks and Recreation practice.