ADDA recently hosted a webinar on Community Swimming Pool safety, Risks and Liabilities for RWA/Management Committee members. In this webinar, hosted by Satarupa Bhattacharya, Editor-in-Chief of Citizen Matters, a distinguished panel of experts discussed critical aspects of pool management. From understanding pool types and risks to navigating legal complexities and leveraging technology.
A panel of experts discussed community swimming pool safety at the webinar.
Table of Contents
Webinar Recap: Key Speakers and Topics covered:
The speakers were –
- Types of Swimming Pools, their Unique Risks – Mechanical Maintenance by Mr. KC Vinod Brigade Facility Management Services, FM experience of 18+ years
- Taking Handover from Developer & Maintaining pools for the long run – Electrical maintenance and Tips for MCs by Mr. Bhaskar Dhar Choudhury AVP – Sila Group, 20+ years of experience, presently managing 80+ properties
- Measures taken to Safeguard from Swimming Pool related Incidents for Residents & Committee members – Case study of Prestige West Woods by Mr. Satish, Secretary, Prestige West Woods, Apartment Owners Association
- Legal Compliance: What does IPC say? by Adv Jayant Kulkarni, Former Advisor, National Co-operative, Housing Federation, New Delhi State / Central Acts for Housing Society
- The Undeniable Liability of Committee Members by Mr. Vikram Rai, President – Bangalore Apartments Federation
- Use of the right tools to maintain assets like Swimming Pools & Keep residents aware about incidents, guidelines & other updates by Krishanu Mukherjee, AVP – ADDA.io
Webinar Topics & Key Discussion Points
1. Pool Types, Risks, and Mechanical Maintenance
The webinar highlighted several crucial aspects of pool management, starting with understanding the unique safety considerations associated with different pool types. Mr. KC Vinod from Brigade Facility Management Services emphasized the importance of this knowledge in creating a safe environment.
2. Electrical Safety: A Priority
Mr. Bhaskar Dhar Choudhury, AVP at Sila Group, highlighted the crucial role of electrical inspections and maintenance in pool safety. He emphasized the need to comply with electrical regulations to prevent accidents and ensure a safe swimming environment.
3. Case Study – Prestige West Woods
The webinar featured a valuable case study presented by Mr. Satish, Secretary of Prestige West Woods Apartment Owners Association. He shared their experiences, highlighting the importance of effective access control, rule enforcement, and routine maintenance in pool management.
4. Legal Risks and Liabilities: What does IPC say?
In this part of the session, the discussion addressed the legal complexities surrounding pool ownership. Advocate Jayant Kulkarni and Mr. Rahul Patil stressed the importance of adhering to legal requirements and navigating regulations to avoid potential liabilities.
5. The undeniable liabilities of the Management Committee or RWA members
Mr. Vikram Rai, President of Bangalore Apartments Federation (BAF), further underscored the undeniable liability of committee members in maintaining pool safety and the consequences of negligence.
6. Use of Technology and Tools
In this session, Mr. Krishanu Mukherjee, ADDA, spoke about the importance of using the right tool to ensure proper maintenance of swimming pools and other assets and common facilities of the Community. This ensures that residents and Committee members are protected from any untoward incidents.
- AMCs Tracker Module: Get reminders on service schedules and AMC expiry dates.
- Assets & Inventory: Track asset service history, documents, and component details.
- Violation Tracker and Resident ID Card: Monitor violations and set up approvers.
- Community Guidelines: Easily accessible through the resident app.
- Voice AI-Enabled Community Helpdesk: Allows residents to report issues easily.
- Distraction-Free Communication Platform: Ensures residents receive important updates without ads.
- Community Document Repository: Includes swimming pool diagrams, checklists, and processes
Read more about the features here >>
Key Takeaways from the Webinar
- Understand Pool-Specific Risks: Different pool types come with unique safety considerations.
- Mechanical Maintenance: Simple things like marking the depth of the pool, having clearly displayed Pool usage regulations go a long way in preventing accidents. Of course the correct treatment and cleaning of water is extremely important to make sure that the water does not cause harm to residents using the pool.
- Prioritize Electrical Safety: Regular inspections and maintenance are essential to prevent electrical hazards. Communities should not compromise with low quality material and devices
- Learn from Case Studies: Real-world examples underscore the importance of safety measures.
- Legal Consequences: Non-compliance with these laws can result in severe penalties, including potential charges under IPC Section 304A for negligence.
Implementing these guidelines can help create a safer and more enjoyable swimming pool environment.
Now that you understand the potential risks associated with community swimming pools, it’s time to take proactive steps to ensure safety and prevent accidents. By leveraging ADDA.io, a community management software, you can implement effective strategies to mitigate these risks and create a safer environment for all pool users.
ADDA offers powerful tools to help mitigate risks, improve communication, and create a safer environment for all. Read more here>>
Questions from the Workshop
Here are a few questions from the Q&A session of the Workshop answered by our expert panel.
Q: How to prepare pool for winters?
Preparing a swimming pool for winter in Bangalore, where temperatures don’t drop too drastically, focuses on minimizing maintenance, preserving the pool, and ensuring it is ready for use when the warmer months return. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Deep Cleaning
· Skim and Vacuum: Remove any debris like leaves, insects, and dirt.
· Scrub Surfaces: Clean the walls and floor of the pool to prevent algae and staining.
· Clean Filters: Backwash or clean the filter system to ensure it’s free of debris.
2. Water Chemistry Balance
· Check pH and Alkalinity: Ensure the water’s pH is between 7.4 and 7.6, and total alkalinity is balanced to prevent scale build up and corrosion during the winter months.
· Shock the Pool: Add a pool shock treatment to kill bacteria and algae that could develop over winter.
3. Lower the Water Level
Drain Water: Lower the water level to just below the skimmer to prevent any damage from rainwater or debris during the winter.
4. Protect Pool Equipment
· Turn Off and Disconnect Equipment: Turn off all equipment, including pumps and heaters, and disconnect them if possible. Drain water from the pipes to prevent damage.
· Lubricate Seals: Lubricate the seals of equipment like pumps and filters to prevent cracking.
5. Cover the Pool
Invest in a Pool Cover: A sturdy pool cover will keep debris out, reduce maintenance, and prevent accidents. Make sure the cover fits snugly and is securely fastened.
6. Regular Maintenance
· Check the Pool Periodically: Even during winter, check on the pool every few weeks to remove debris from the cover and ensure that no unexpected issues arise.
· Ensure Pool Cover Stays Intact: Make sure the cover stays securely in place to prevent debris from falling into the pool.
Q: Could you please recommend some brands or specifications for quality focus lights for swimming pools, particularly for cases where the internal pool lights have been removed or are not present?
Philips Hue, Hayward, Intex, AquaStar, WAC Lighting. We can suggest the make. For specifications, site survey needs to be done.
Q: Does the external lighting around the pool attract insects at night?
Yes, external lighting around pools can attract insects at night in Bangalore (being a garden city). Insects are generally attracted to light sources due to a phenomenon known as “phototaxis.” Many insects, especially moths, mosquitoes, and other flying insects, are positively phototactic, meaning they move towards light. This is particularly noticeable with cool white or blue-tinged lights that are more common in outdoor lighting.
Q: How can Facility Management companies help with taking up MC liabilities?
Facility Management companies can help by recommending probable solutions, but liability as per the law lies only with the Principal Employers which is MC in this case.
Q: We are an elderly retirement campus and the users are predominantly are the senior people. What is the exclusive SOP for their safety?
The following guidelines can be considered:
1. Accessibility Enhancements:
- Handrails and Grab Bars: Install sturdy handrails along stairs and ramps, and grab bars in bathrooms and hallways to prevent falls.
- Non-slip Flooring: Use non-slip mats and anti-skid flooring, especially in wet areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.
- Elevator Access: Ensure elevators are easily accessible and maintained, and provide seating near elevators for waiting.
2. Lighting and Visual Aids:
- Adequate Lighting: Ensure all common areas, corridors, and outdoor pathways are well-lit to help with visibility, especially at night.
- Motion-Sensor Lighting: Use motion-sensor lights in areas like staircases, entrances, and bathrooms to reduce the risk of accidents in the dark.
3. Emergency Protocols:
- Medical Emergency Systems: Install emergency buttons or alarm systems in apartments and common areas that connect directly to a medical response team or on-site assistance.
- First Aid Kits and Defibrillators: Ensure that common areas have well-stocked first aid kits and defibrillators, with trained staff or residents.
4. Security Measures:
- Surveillance and Monitoring: Install CCTV cameras at entry and exit points and ensure that security personnel are trained to handle senior residents with care.
- Visitor Management: Implement a robust visitor management system, ensuring that strangers or unauthorized personnel are monitored when entering the premises.
5. Mobility Assistance:
- Wheelchair Accessibility: Provide ramps, wide corridors, and elevators that can accommodate wheelchairs. Ensure all doorways are wide enough for easy access.
- Transport Services: Offer or coordinate with local transport services for seniors who need assistance with mobility, whether for medical visits or daily outings.
6. Health and Wellness Services:
- Regular Health Checkups: Coordinate with local hospitals or clinics to provide regular health screenings and medical camps for residents.
- Pharmacy and Medicine Delivery: Partner with local pharmacies for on-demand medicine delivery services to cater to the health needs of the elderly.
7. Fire Safety:
- Smoke Detectors and Fire Extinguishers: Ensure that all apartments and common areas are equipped with smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, and that residents are trained in their use.
- Fire Drills: Conduct regular fire drills to educate residents on the evacuation process and identify any special needs for assistance.
8. Daily Assistance and Housekeeping:
- Housekeeping Services: Offer housekeeping services for those who may have difficulty with daily chores.
- Meal Delivery Services: Coordinate meal delivery services that cater to the dietary needs of elderly residents.
9. Social and Recreational Activities:
- Community Engagement: Organize regular social and recreational activities that promote mental and physical well-being, reducing isolation and promoting an active lifestyle.
- Walking Groups and Yoga Classes: Arrange for gentle exercise programs like walking groups, yoga, or meditation sessions.
10. Pandemic Preparedness:
- Health Protocols: Maintain high standards of hygiene in common areas and ensure that protocols are in place for sanitization and social distancing, especially in case of an outbreak.
- Vaccination Drives: Organize vaccination drives or facilitate transport to vaccination centers.
Have more questions? Drop a question in the comment box below and we will get you an answer!