Pool Hours & Rules

Pool Chair

Ryan Amour — hmepoolchair@gmail.com

Hours

Memorial Day Weekend

The hours for Memorial Day weekend are 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm each day (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday).

Late May/Early June Hours

Like last year, the pool will be open weekends (just Saturday and Sunday) only between Memorial Day and June 15 (after WCASD is out for the year).

Summer Hours

Beginning June 16 and continuing through August 25, the summer hours will be:

• Weekdays (including Fridays) – 1:00–8:00 pm*
• Weekends/Holidays – 12:00–8:00 pm

*Once again, there will be several neighborhood parties/gatherings on Fridays during the summer that will keep the pool open later. These dates will be communicated later.

Rules

Updated for 2025. For the authoritative version, see the Pool Rules & Regulations (PDF).

Pool Rules & Regulations (2025)

1. Pool Use

• Use of the pool is reserved to members in good standing of Hershey’s Mill Homeowners Association (HMHA/HME). Members and guests must sign the log book at the main pool gate entrance.
• No one may use the pool unless a lifeguard is present.
• Children ages 11 (or finished 5th grade) to 14 may enter the pool alone provided:
  • They have completed a swim test administered by the lifeguard (one non‑stop length plus 30 seconds treading).
  • They have read and follow the pool rules.
  • A parent/guardian has signed and returned a Children Pool Use Permission Form.
  • They bring no more than 2 guests who sign in with their parent contact number.
  • An adult checks on them every two hours throughout their stay.
• Children ages 15 to 17 may enter the pool alone provided:
  • They have read and follow the pool rules.
  • A parent/guardian has signed and returned a Children Pool Use Permission Form.
  • They bring no more than 4 guests who sign in with their parent contact number.
• Anyone under age 11 must be accompanied by someone age 15 or older, who must identify themself and the child to the lifeguard on duty.
• An adult or babysitter must be in the pool supervising any child who needs flotation devices at all times. Children who have passed the swim test may use the diving area without adult supervision.
• All children who are not potty trained must wear proper swim diapers. If an accident occurs, management will close the pool for 32 hours.
• The wading pool is for children ages 5 and under only and is not supervised by the lifeguard; supervising adults are solely responsible for waders.
• Do not allow children to block the fountain; this damages the pump mechanism.
• Chairs are not permitted in the baby pool.

2. General Pool Regulations

Per the pool company, do not speak to guards while they are on the stand. For problems or concerns, contact a pool committee member.

• No running, horseplay, or abusive/foul language.
• No smoking or vaping within the fenced pool area.
• Lifeguards’ primary duty is safety; do not distract them and do not sit near the guards.
• No food or drink in the pool.
• Not allowed within the pool area at any time:
  • Pets
  • Scooters, bikes, skateboards
  • Radios, speakers, or appliances*
  • Glass containers**
• Any electronics with sound must be used with headphones.
• No jumping off the sides of the pool onto a flotation device in the deep end, lap area, or shallow area.
• Diving guidelines:
  • No diving except in the designated diving area.
  • Only one person on the diving board at a time.
  • The diver must reach the side of the pool before the next diver proceeds.
  • Back flips, inward dives, and gainers are prohibited. Front flips are allowed only if adequate skill is displayed, as determined by the lifeguards.
• Group games are allowed at the lifeguard’s discretion and with consideration for others. If games are in the deep end, the diving board must be blocked off and time limited when others are waiting.
• Large flotation devices may only be used at the lifeguard’s discretion.
• No flotation devices in the diving area at any time.
• The lifeguard may declare a 15‑minute “Adult Swim” during peak hours.
• The lifeguard may create a dedicated lap lane at any time.
• An adult must actively watch children who have not passed the swim test.

* Does not apply to HME social events or private parties; during such events, music may be played in accordance with township noise ordinances.
** Does not apply to HME social events or private parties. All glass bottles must remain on grass. If glass breaks, HME or the private party holder is responsible for costs if the pool must be drained.

3. Guest Regulations

• A guest is any person not living full‑time in a resident’s home. College students are considered residents.
• Adult members may bring up to 10 guests per household at one time, with no more than 6 children among those guests. Groups of 11 or more should rent the pool before or after pool hours (see Private Parties).
• Guests must be accompanied by the resident at all times. The resident is responsible for advising guests of pool rules; guests are responsible for following all HME Pool Rules & Regulations.
  • Guest fees are $2.00 per person on weekdays and weekends.
  • Payment of the guest fee is not related to the degree of personal usage of the pool by the homeowner.
  • Please pay the guest fee for anyone who is not a permanent resident of Hershey’s Mill Estates.
  • “Summer guests” (e.g., babysitters, relatives) may pay $25 for the entire summer; pay the pool chairs on the first visit.

4. Rain Policies

• If heavy rain begins before 1:00 pm, the lifeguard will not open the pool but will remain on call. Opening is at the discretion of the Pool Management Company and Pool Chairperson.
• At the sound of thunder, everyone must leave the pool area and go outside the fence. No one may re‑enter until at least 30 minutes after the last thunder; the lifeguard determines swimming safety.
• If heavy rain continues for one hour, the pool will officially close. The lifeguard remains on call until 5:00 pm and will reopen the pool if weather clears before then.

5. Private Parties

• Private parties are for the convenience of HME residents. Scheduling prioritizes safety and the comfort of all residents.
• To entertain more than 10 guests at a time, you must book a private party with the party coordinator. Parties are available for the cost of lifeguard services under these conditions:
  • Reserve at least two weeks in advance to secure a date and guards.
  • Complete the “Private Party Booking Request” and “Party Waiver” forms. Parties are booked outside main pool hours. Do not consider the party booked (or issue invitations) until confirmation from the Pool Committee Chairperson.
  • At least two certified lifeguards must be present; all pool rules must be enforced. Fees depend on event length and number of guards.
  • Provide proof of liability coverage of at least $1,000,000.
  • If warranted by size or age of participants, a third guard may be required for an additional fee (usually for more than 30 people unless an adult/graduation party). Residents are responsible for set‑up, clean‑up, and supplies. Lifeguards do not clean up after neighbors or guests.

Violations of guest policy create undesirable situations for guards, committee chairs, and residents. The HME Board may suspend facility privileges for willful violations of HME policy.

6. Additional Pool Services

• Pool furniture is for your use. Use with care and return it when done. Consider placing belongings on a bench instead of reserving a table. Report broken furniture to the pool committee. Adults have priority over children for furniture. New lounge chairs cost over $200.
• A refrigerator and microwave are available for use. Store food at your own risk; label your items. No alcohol may be stored in the refrigerator. The refrigerator is cleaned out every other Friday.
• During the main summer season, Friday night swims run until 9:30 pm. Many Fridays are theme nights hosted by residents—see emails and the newsletter.
• Games (e.g., water volleyball and basketball) are available. Use with care; retrieve balls/toys from the woods and return them to the toy bin.
• Grills are available. Clean after use and provide your own charcoal.
• Private swim lessons may be available from HME neighbors for a fee; speak to the Pool Chairperson.

7. Pool Rules Enforcement

Creating a safe, pleasant environment is everyone’s responsibility. Please know the rules, review them with children, and adhere to them. Lifeguards’ primary responsibility is safety.

• For minor violations, the lifeguard will speak to the offender and request compliance.
• If minor violations continue or a significant violation occurs, the lifeguard may bench or dismiss any person from the pool, with notification to a parent upon dismissal.
  • First time a child under 18 is asked to leave: they may no longer have friends at the pool without an adult. Continued issues may require a parent to be present at all times.
• The lifeguard may suspend a child’s pool privileges for a period of time, with notification to the parent.
• For disputes or disagreements about these rules, speak with the Pool Chairpersons or a Board member. For concerns about pool appearance, speak to pool committee members, the chair, or board members. Do not raise these issues with the pool manager or lifeguard unless urgent for safety.
• The committee is available to address concerns in person or by email; contact information is posted in the office and in the monthly newsletter.

Please note: For knowing and willful violations of pool rules, the HME Board may suspend privileges associated with the use of HME facilities.