Frequently Asked Questions for Block House Pools

1.     What kind of sun-block can we use at the pool?

All sun-block is approved for the pool. What is not allowed are sun tan oils, cocoa butter and baby oil.

2.    How old do you have to be to come to the pool by yourself?

The minimum age to enter the pool by yourself is 12 years old.

3.    How do I get a resident ID so I may enter the pool?

Resident ID tags will be made during pool hours by the lifeguards. There will also be special days set aside before the summer season that will be posted on the Block House website, wwwblockhousemud.com.

4.    How many visitors am I allowed to bring and do I have to pay to bring them in?

A resident is allowed up to 5 guests per day at $1 per guest.

5.    How do I reserve the pool for a pool party?

To reserve a party, download the pool party reservation form and the rules associated with pool rental.

6.    How come we have to have a ten-minute break every hour?

During this ten-minute break lifeguards will check the area for hazards, make sure the chemicals are at the proper levels, and stretch to prevent fatigue so we may provide the ultimate protection while you and your family are at the pool. It is also a good time for the little ones to get out and use the proper restroom facilities.

7.    Are we allowed to bring inflatable toys, goggles, and diving rings?

Yes, all these things are allowed at the pool.  If the pool gets crowded the lifeguard may ask that the items be removed if they restrict visibility or create a hazard.

8.    Are we allowed to wear street clothes in the pool?

No, street clothes are not permitted. A swimming suit and a t-shirt for sun protection are allowed.

9.    Can we bring food to the pool area?

Food and drinks are allowed in designated areas only.

10.   How often are the chemicals checked?

Chemicals are checked every hour during the ten-minute safety break.

11.  When are chemicals added to the pool?

Chemicals are constantly added to the pool through automated feeders.  If the chemical check during safety break indicates insufficient levels, then chemicals may be added at that time.  This may cause the break to last an additional 10 minutes.

12.  What would cause the pool to close outside of normal operating hours?

As a precautionary measure the pool will close indefinitely when lightning or thunder is present and will remain closed 15 minutes past the last sighting or lightning or sound of thunder.

If the pool becomes contaminated with vomit, fecal matter, or any other hazard, then the pool will closed for at least one hour depending on the severity of the contamination.

If the pool is closed, signs will be posted and the answering machine at the pool will reflect when, why, and how long.

13.  What happens when the pool becomes contaminated (i.e. vomit, poop, feces), etc.?

When a pool becomes contaminated, the pool will close for at least an hour when the lifeguards will clean up the contamination and raise the chlorine levels to rid the pool of any bio-hazard.

14.  How many lifeguards are on duty each hour?

Apache normally runs on a two lifeguard shift when the pool is open and Tumlinson normally runs on a five lifeguard shift during pool hours.  The guard demand is based on pool usage and may fluctuate based on the bather load.

15.  Can a babysitter bring my children into the pool under my pool pass?

A babysitter who is not a resident may bring a child to the pool.  The child must be a resident and an approved babysitter form must be on file at the pool.  The babysitter must also bring a Resident ID belonging to the family in which he/she is babysitting. The babysitter will pay a guest fee each time he/she visits the pool.

*Babysitter forms may be obtained at the pool and on the Block House website, www.blockhousemud.com. Click here to see the Babysitter Form.

16.   How often are the pools vacuumed?

The pools are vacuumed twice a week during off season hours and three times a week during summer hours.  After significant weather or contamination events, the pool is vacuumed as well.

17.  If I have a problem with a staff member, who do I call?

First of all, check with the on-site pool manager.  He/she should be able to resolve the issue most quickly.  The next step would be to send an e-mail to the Block House MUD board through this website. Click on Citizen's Communication on the left side of the home page.