Dear DHARA Members,
On Saturday, we sent an update on the plans for opening of Dominion Hills Pool, with links to the Phase 1 opening procedures and a COVID amendment to our Rules & Regulations. Today, we are announcing that we are reopening for lap swimming on June 6 — ahead of our June 13 target date. After logging into the website, members can now register for lap swimming for the first week.
We also wanted to provide some additional information based on questions and inquiries about some of the restrictions, decision-making process, and financial impact of this situation. We also have been updating the FAQs on the DH website and encourage members to periodically check that page.
Q: Why will access to the pool be limited to only 6 lap swimmers at a time? And will that be the case for the duration of the summer?
A: The limit of 6 lap swimmers at a time is based on a Phase 1 restriction mandated by the state of lap swimming only, one swimmer per lane. We do not yet know the state requirements for later phases, but we are hopeful that they will permit greater access to the pool.
Q: Why is the minimum age to participate in lap swimming during Phase 1 set at 15 years of age?
A: The DHARA Board decided to allow lap swimming for age 15 and up in Phase 1. Prior to the Board’s decision, several other ages were discussed, both younger and older than 15. We understand that some swimmers younger than 15 can handle 30 minutes of lap swim and that some are mature enough to handle the social distancing requirements and other regulations put in place to safeguard our members and DHARA staff. However, after a lengthy discussion, we decided that 15, the minimum age to be one of our lifeguards, is the youngest age at which we were comfortable at this time. With recommendations and input from the Pool Manager, the Board can revisit this age limit after our first week.
Q: Will there be 3 slots per membership or per member for Phase 1?
A: The 3-slot limit applies to each membership. In other words, a family of five would be allowed three reservations each week (not 15). A reservation allows a single swimmer to swim laps for 30 minutes. The Board considered the math, and a cap is necessary given the limited capacity of the pool during Phase 1. We are hopeful that later phases will permit greater access to the pool.
Q: Will whole or partial refunds be considered if access to the pool remains limited throughout the duration of the summer? What if my family does not have any lap swimmers and we don’t use the pool at all? What longer-term financial implications will there be as a result of this summer?
A: At this time, the Board has not determined whether refunds or credits for next year will be provided. Once the season is over, and we have concrete costs/expenses, we will have a clear picture of our financials. The great majority of the costs that we incur are fixed (annual staff, capital debt/loan payments, insurance, property taxes, maintenance, etc.). And at this point we do not know what our expenses as well as revenues will be this season (we will lose revenue from forgone clubhouse rentals, swim lessons, etc.). We will revisit the idea of refunds or credits after the season. There are many unknowns at this point, but as member owners of the pool we are all responsible in part for operating DHARA. You also can view the budget for this year, which was approved at the February 2020 Annual Membership Meeting.
Q: How will planning for Phase 2 work? Will the membership be asked for input on interests and potential usage?
A: The Board and Pool Manager will begin detailed planning for Phase 2 when we have Phase 2 guidelines from the state. We will continue to send the membership updates as we move into Phase 2 planning. We encourage members to share ideas, understanding that some may not fit with state guidelines, the best interests of all members or the pool as an entity.
We again want to reiterate how disappointed we all feel that we are not able to have full use of our beloved pool in the same way we have enjoyed it in the past. These are not normal times, unfortunately, and we are working our best within the guidelines that we’re allowed to open the pool safely and in a manageable way. We will continue to advocate for clarity from the state/county and more specifics about what we can anticipate for Phase 2 and beyond, and we will continue to update you with developments.
We hope that this communication, along with the updated FAQ page, helps further answer your questions. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact us at: i[email protected]. Also, members can sign up to join a Zoom session with Board members on Saturday at 1 p.m. (limit of 100). This will be an opportunity for Board members to share updates and listen to member input.
Sincerely,
The DHARA Board
Phase 3 COVID Procedures
Please keep informed about our Phase 3 Operating Procedures, which include important guidelines and rules for pool users.
Read more →
July 17 Pool Updates
We are making some changes to our reservations system for better ease of use and to allow for more access and increased use of the pool. Keep in mind, everything is subject to change, based on the operational realities at the pool, feedback from our pool manager and of course, any changes in Virginia state regulations. Here are the details on the changes — please be sure to read this all carefully!
Reservation System
Starting this weekend, we are using a different reservation system, Signup Genius. We will start with family time reservations for the week of July 19. Lap swim reservations will move over for the week of July 26.
Many of you may already be familiar with SignUp Genius. We are switching due to some ongoing issues with the current reservation system — and the resulting high level of technical support required from our volunteer board. Using this new system should make it easier for most members too! You will need to use your email address — or even better, use your existing Signup Genius login (or create an account). Some key points:
Family Swimming
Family swimming time slots will now be 75 minutes instead of 90 minutes (with 15 minutes to sanitize/disinfect the pool area between sessions). This change adds one session with 12 additional family reservation slots every day! We also are increasing the allowed family swim reservations to two per week, per household.
Please Note: We are not allowing non-household members to share sections during family swim sessions, as the configuration of certain sections does not ensure the required 10 feet of distance between members not of the same household.
Additional Drop-in/Walk-up Opportunities
On a drop-in/walk-up basis only during the lap swim sessions, members can use the 2 areas in the tank or the 4 areas in the deep end. These are not reservable times. One household will be permitted per section on a first-come/first-serve basis, and all members will be required to register at the front desk upon arrival. This provides over 120 new opportunities every week for members to enjoy the pool during these lap swimming times:
Current drop-in/walk-ups options remain as well. If a family swim time slot has not been reserved (please look online right before you come), you may drop in and use the empty time slot on a first come/first served basis. During family swim, drop-in users will be granted access to the pool 15 minutes after the start of the time slot. Please respect this and do not enter early — and you must still be checked in at the front. Drop-in use does not count against your weekly allotment of reservations.
Lap Swimming
Due to the current high utilization of lap lanes, some members have not been able to book lap lanes at all. To help remedy this, we will be decreasing lap lane reservations to three per week (Sunday to Saturday) per household (starting July 26). As a result of our schedule changes, we were also able to add six 30-minute slots each weekend evening.
We do request that everyone continue to respect the hours we have set aside for our older and high-risk members to swim laps (currently 11-11:30 weekdays and 7-9:30am on Sunday).
Again, for lap swimming, starting the week of July 26, you will make reservations in the new SignUp Genius system (reservations open on Thursday, July 23 at 10pm.)
Important Reminders
COVID-19 Phase 3 – July 12 Pool Update
Fellow members,
After reviewing our attendance by families at the pool since Phase 3 started we’ll be making some adjustments to our available family time reservation slots so we can allow everyone more time at the pool! We will be implementing the changes so that we can start with the new schedule on July 19.
Please NOTE: To keep the transition smooth we have disabled FAMILY reservations beyond July 18. If you see a date of 2021 as an available time to reserve a slot, this is a side effect of the restrictions. (You’re welcome to book for January of 2021, but you’ll have a cold swim.)
The details of our new availability are being finalized at our board’s COVID task force meeting this week and, we will send out information as soon as possible.
Thanks, and happy swimming!!
COVID-19 Phase 3 Pool Updates – June 25
Earlier this week, Governor Northam announced that every region of the Commonwealth is expected to move to Phase 3 on Wednesday, July 1. Likewise, we’re pleased to report our pool will begin our Phase 3 Procedures on July 1, along with new operating hours that incorporate swim and dive team instruction time. (Learn more about the swim team & dive team plans.)
Please keep in mind, until Phase 3 begins on July 1, we’re still operating under our Phase 2 Procedures, which do not allow free/recreational swimming.
Highlights of Our Phase 3 Procedures (Starting July 1)
See the detailed Phase 3 Procedures and hours of operation starting on July 1.
Reservations
Keep informed
As the summer progresses, we expect to make additional adjustments based on pool usage, state and local guidance, and member feedback. COVID-19 has resulted in a highly unusual summer. We continue to rely on your patience and understanding.
Please keep an eye on your email for future updates. Also check the Dominion Hills website, where we always post the latest information.
Be well friends!
Phase 2 Updates for Lap Swim & More (June 21)
We’re sharing some important updates to our Phase 2 Guidelines. Please read this email carefully as the described policy changes impact lap swimming reservations during the coming week and require further action from those who already made reservations.
We also have exciting news regarding a new walk-up policy for open time slots. Keep in mind, we will continue to update our pool guidelines related to COVID as the summer progresses and state guidance changes. We appreciate your patience with all of this. These are challenging times for the board and pool manager, and we are trying to be as nimble and responsive as possible while maintaining a safe, enjoyable pool environment.
Lap Swim Time – Clarification & Change
During Phase 2, as in Phase 1, we intended to allow one reservation for each of our 6 lap lanes during each lap swimming time slot. This would permit 6 reservations in a given time slot. The change for Phase 2 is that up to 3 people from the same household may use the lane during the time slot. Instead, the reservation system was allowing two reservations for each lap lane during each time slot (12 reservations per time slot). This resulted in the potential for members of different households sharing a lane. This was not our intention, and we have had negative feedback from the membership about it.
To rectify this, we are reducing the number of available lap lane reservations per time slot from 12 back down to 6. This will allow the intended one household per lane during each time slot.
Below is updated/clarified Phase 2 guidance to reflect this change:
We apologize for the inconvenience.
Also, make sure to check your “My Reservations Page” before and after making reservations. If there are any discrepancies, please let us know.
Drop-in/Walk-up Now Available
Starting Monday, June 22, if there are open time slots that have not been reserved in advance, members can use the open slot(s) on a drop-in/walk-up basis, first come, first serve. This policy applies to both lap swim and household exercise slots.So, log in and keep a close eye on the reservations openings pages, which easily allow you to see when there are open time slots.
Using a time slot in this way does not count against a membership’s weekly reservation allotment.
Also, please note that any reservation made will be honored, right up to the last minute of the time slot. You are still permitted to be late to your reserved time slot.
Important Note: At the moment, we are not scheduling reservations past June 28. We expect to adjust the schedule starting June 29, to build in swim & dive team instruction. Stay tuned for details in the next couple days.
Phase 2 Update on More Options for Members (June 17)
June 17 Update
Thank you again for your patience as we continue to work to expand the services of the pool as far as state guidelines will allow. We are happy to announce some positive changes based on the recently enacted Phase 2 from the state. Here are a few highlights.
1. Three deep lap lanes in the main pool (near the dive well).
2. Three shallower lap lanes in the main pool that will be roped off in three perpendicular sections.
3. The “tank,” which will be roped off, dividing it in half.
4. The dive well, which also will be divided into 4 sections for treading water.
* Entire families will be able to come enjoy the pool but only three members of each family can be in the pool at the same time … and still must be socially distanced from each other (unless a parent/guardian is helping a minor swim).
See the full list of DHARA Phase 2 Procedures
While we look forward to transitioning to Phase 3 as soon as possible, the state has not yet released the Phase 3 guidelines. We understand that recreational swim in some form will be permitted in Phase 3, and as soon as we have the state guidance, we will begin planning. Also, stay tuned for details about swim and dive instruction, expected to start by early July.
DHARA COVID-19 & Pool Updates
Phase 1 Update
Based on how the first six days have gone with our new COVID-19 Phase 1 procedures, along with the availability of swim slots, we are making some additional adjustments to current Phase 1 lap swimming rules.
Phase 2 Planning
Northern Virginia is entering Phase 2 on Friday, June 12, and the pool is preparing to implement a new plan for Phase 2 operations consistent with the state released mandatory guidelines for outdoor pools (see page 23). This new operational plan will include designated time slots for both lap swimming and family/household exercise, starting late next week. (Note: Due to the upcoming reservation system changes for Phase 2, we are not scheduling additional Phase 1 lap swimming reservations past June 19.)
The DHARA Board is also coordinating with the swim and dive teams to initiate instructional-focused team practices starting in late June/early July. We will be sharing additional details on the Phase 2 plans next week and look forward to opening opportunities for all members to attend the pool.
Stay Well!
Pool Update – June 8
Phase 1 Update
The pool opened successfully for lap swimming on Saturday, June 6. Based on how the first two days went with our new COVID-19 Phase 1 procedures, along with the availability of swim slots, we are making some adjustments.
Survey Update
Many thanks to the more than 370+ members who responded to the Member Survey. We’ll use the member input as we plan for pool operations in Phase 2 and beyond.
What’s Next?
The rest of the state is already in Phase 2, however we don’t yet know when northern Virginia (including Arlington) will enter Phase 2. Although we aren’t yet in Phase 2, the state released mandatory guidelines for outdoor pools (scroll to page 23). A follow-up webinar also provided additional information about Phase 2. We will be looking at the Phase 2 requirements, in combination with member feedback, as we prepare for Phase 2 and beyond.
We realize many of you are eager to come enjoy the pool with your family. We hope to open the pool more broadly as soon as we can safely do so. Thank you for your patience, understanding, and support as we continue to work through these challenging times.
Opening Update – June 2
Dear DHARA Members,
On Saturday, we sent an update on the plans for opening of Dominion Hills Pool, with links to the Phase 1 opening procedures and a COVID amendment to our Rules & Regulations. Today, we are announcing that we are reopening for lap swimming on June 6 — ahead of our June 13 target date. After logging into the website, members can now register for lap swimming for the first week.
We also wanted to provide some additional information based on questions and inquiries about some of the restrictions, decision-making process, and financial impact of this situation. We also have been updating the FAQs on the DH website and encourage members to periodically check that page.
Q: Why will access to the pool be limited to only 6 lap swimmers at a time? And will that be the case for the duration of the summer?
A: The limit of 6 lap swimmers at a time is based on a Phase 1 restriction mandated by the state of lap swimming only, one swimmer per lane. We do not yet know the state requirements for later phases, but we are hopeful that they will permit greater access to the pool.
Q: Why is the minimum age to participate in lap swimming during Phase 1 set at 15 years of age?
A: The DHARA Board decided to allow lap swimming for age 15 and up in Phase 1. Prior to the Board’s decision, several other ages were discussed, both younger and older than 15. We understand that some swimmers younger than 15 can handle 30 minutes of lap swim and that some are mature enough to handle the social distancing requirements and other regulations put in place to safeguard our members and DHARA staff. However, after a lengthy discussion, we decided that 15, the minimum age to be one of our lifeguards, is the youngest age at which we were comfortable at this time. With recommendations and input from the Pool Manager, the Board can revisit this age limit after our first week.
Q: Will there be 3 slots per membership or per member for Phase 1?
A: The 3-slot limit applies to each membership. In other words, a family of five would be allowed three reservations each week (not 15). A reservation allows a single swimmer to swim laps for 30 minutes. The Board considered the math, and a cap is necessary given the limited capacity of the pool during Phase 1. We are hopeful that later phases will permit greater access to the pool.
Q: Will whole or partial refunds be considered if access to the pool remains limited throughout the duration of the summer? What if my family does not have any lap swimmers and we don’t use the pool at all? What longer-term financial implications will there be as a result of this summer?
A: At this time, the Board has not determined whether refunds or credits for next year will be provided. Once the season is over, and we have concrete costs/expenses, we will have a clear picture of our financials. The great majority of the costs that we incur are fixed (annual staff, capital debt/loan payments, insurance, property taxes, maintenance, etc.). And at this point we do not know what our expenses as well as revenues will be this season (we will lose revenue from forgone clubhouse rentals, swim lessons, etc.). We will revisit the idea of refunds or credits after the season. There are many unknowns at this point, but as member owners of the pool we are all responsible in part for operating DHARA. You also can view the budget for this year, which was approved at the February 2020 Annual Membership Meeting.
Q: How will planning for Phase 2 work? Will the membership be asked for input on interests and potential usage?
A: The Board and Pool Manager will begin detailed planning for Phase 2 when we have Phase 2 guidelines from the state. We will continue to send the membership updates as we move into Phase 2 planning. We encourage members to share ideas, understanding that some may not fit with state guidelines, the best interests of all members or the pool as an entity.
We again want to reiterate how disappointed we all feel that we are not able to have full use of our beloved pool in the same way we have enjoyed it in the past. These are not normal times, unfortunately, and we are working our best within the guidelines that we’re allowed to open the pool safely and in a manageable way. We will continue to advocate for clarity from the state/county and more specifics about what we can anticipate for Phase 2 and beyond, and we will continue to update you with developments.
We hope that this communication, along with the updated FAQ page, helps further answer your questions. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact us at: i[email protected]. Also, members can sign up to join a Zoom session with Board members on Saturday at 1 p.m. (limit of 100). This will be an opportunity for Board members to share updates and listen to member input.
Sincerely,
The DHARA Board
COVID-19 Update – May 30, 2020
DHARA Members,
Thank you for your patience as we continue to diligently work toward opening the pool in a safe way and adhering to guidelines from the state and county. As mentioned in our previous update, DHARA has been in regular communication with more than 30 pools across Northern Virginia to collectively determine best practices and recommendations and lobby our state officials for the most balanced and safe guidelines for Phases 1, 2 and beyond. For now, however, we want to provide an update on our status as the region has now entered Phase 1.
Timeline
Our target opening date is Saturday, June 13, though we are making every effort to open earlier. We will update the membership accordingly if we are able to open before June 13. To open, our Pool Manager must finalize lifeguard staffing and scheduling and conduct important training, particularly new training related to operating procedures for Phase 1. Additionally, we are awaiting the arrival of ample PPE and cleaning chemicals to properly safeguard our staff and members.
Phase 1 Guidelines
During Phase 1, the state has set forth specific guidelines for aquatics facilities. Outdoor pools may open for lap swimming as long as they only allow one swimmer per lane. Along with that, the Board has developed a set of Rules & Regulations for Phase 1, as well as Phase 1 Opening Procedures.
Phase 1 Operating Hours
Hours for Phase 1 will be 7:00am – 8:30pm, with 30-minute cleaning breaks every 3 hours. Our open hours will be divided into reserved 30-minute time slots to promote orderly and safe operations for staff and members and to accommodate as many swimmers as possible. We have built an online reservation system that will go live in the next week for members to make lap swimming reservations during Phase 1:
Beyond Phase 1?
The state has not yet determined when Phase 2 will start. Also, the state has not released Phase 2 guidelines for outdoor pools, and so we don’t know at this time what restrictions and allowances will be necessary. Once there is more clarity and guidance on Phase 2, the Board will update our procedures as we are able and will let all of you know the details and plans.
We realize lap swimming isn’t for everyone — and that many of you are eager to come enjoy the pool with your family. We understand, and want to be able to open the pool more broadly as soon as we can safely do so.
Thank you once again for your patience, understanding, and support as we continue to work through these plans.
Stay well and we look forward to seeing you at the pool very soon!
The DHARA Board