We hope these questions and answers help you learn more about Garrett Park Pool, specifically while the County restricts usage. If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to ask one of the board members or our staff.
Summer 2022
Membership
Children at the pool
Important Information–guests, glass, weather, parties, pests, smoking, lost and found
NEW! Do I need to reserve time to swim?
No! This year we are no longer requiring reservations.
Who can go to the pool? Can I bring guests, or drop my child off?
We are back to normal! This means that guests are allowed again. Children under 8 years old must be chaperoned.
When and where do I enter the pool? When and where do I leave?
Enter and exit at the front gate by the check-in desk.
Do I have to wear a mask? Can my family hang out with other families?
Optional for the 2022 season that members wear masks at check-in because not all of our staff will have completed their full vaccination by opening day. Members and guests are no longer required to wear facemasks, although individuals are entitled to make their own personal decisions and all such decisions should be respected.
The Maryland Department of Health has issued a public health advisory strongly recommending that all non-vaccinated individuals over the age of 2 years continue to wear face coverings in outdoor settings where physical distancing cannot be maintained. Masks may not be worn while in the pool.
What can my family do at the pool? Are there any restrictions?
We are back to normal! The baby pool will be open. Pool toys and lap swimming equipment such as kickboards are allowed. Chairs, picnic tables, grills and play equipment will be available for use by members.
What happens if someone doesn’t follow the rules?
If you see a rule broken please report it to the manager on duty or another staff member immediately. The majority of our rules are prescribed by the County or state of Maryland. Let’s not risk having a pool to swim in!
Members will receive one warning about rules (either COVID-related or regular rules) and then be asked to leave for the day. Parents will be notified if children 8 and over are asked to leave. Future infractions could result in longer loss of pool privileges.
Can I shower or change into my suit/clothes?
Yes! Please take a soap shower before entering the pool. The bath house area will be fully open.
What if I leave something at the pool?
Please make sure to take everything with you when you leave. Lost & Found will be available in case you leave something behind. Please check Lost and Found often.
What if I (or a family member) test positive for COVID-19?
First, we hope that you or your family member has a mild case and recovers quickly. You should receive instructions about how to report from your healthcare provider.
What about swim team, moonlight swim, masters, swim lessons, July 4, the adult party, the crab feast, or inner tube water polo?
Moonlight Swim, Masters Swim, swim lessons and swim team are all returning. Please contact Tollefson Swimming to register for Masters Swim or to enquire about individual, private swim lessons (swimmers must be members).
Swim team – Swim team is happening! Please visit the Garrett Park Ladybugs for the latest information.
July 4th, adult party, crab feast, inner tube water polo – TBD based on County regulations changing (hopefully!)
How do I renew? The membership renewal process runs through the pool’s website now. Members received the id and password they must use by email. It’s important to update your membership information first, and then move on to renew and pay.
Can I be a member? If you reside in Garrett Park, Garrett Park Estates, White Flint Park, or Strathmore Place, you may be a member. This includes both owners and renters. Both parents must be active members for their children to swim. Membership does not convey with the sale or rental of a home. If you live in one of these neighborhoods and wish to join, please start here. If you do not live in one of these neighborhoods, we do not have an option for you to join at this time.
How do I join the Wait List? Thank you for your interest! See “Wait List” on our web site. The wait list is open!
Can I transfer my pool membership if I move or no longer want it? Garrett Park Pool Memberships are not transferable under any circumstances. If you no longer want your membership, you may resign it. If you aren’t sure, you can pay a fee (by July 1st) to pay for your household over time. This retains your membership and allows you to use the pool, if you like. Click here for more information about resigning your membership.
Can my member parents “give” me their membership, or bequeath it to me? Membership may not be passed through a family from generation to generation, nor may it be “inherited.” You will need to submit a membership application for yourself.
I am renting from people who are members, but they are living overseas. Can I use the homeowner’s membership? No. Membership does not convey with a property, either to renters or to subsequent owners. If the house you are living in is in-boundary, you can join the pool but must sign up as a new member.
I have just bought a house in the neighborhood and the sellers were members. Did their membership convey with the house? No. The membership goes with the family; it is not attached to the property. If you would like to join the pool, please submit an application. Click here to start your application.
Do I pay dues for all my dependents, even my toddler? Children who are under the age of 3 as of May 1, of the current swim season, are free. All other dependent children are $100 in 2022.
What should my NON-TOILET TRAINED child wear to swim? Every NON-TOILET TRAINED CHILD MUST WEAR TIGHT-FITTING RUBBER PANTS AND A DIAPER. Tight-fitting rubber pants are usually available at Target or Buy Buy Baby and online. Check the toilet-training aisles for them. This is extremely important and a county health department regulation.
When can my child swim without me? Children under eight who pass the GPSPA swim test may swim without an adult. A child who has not passed the beginner’s test must be under direct supervision of an adult while in the water. The adult must have ready access to the child at all times and remain alert. A pool filled with active youngsters can “hide” a young child in trouble; trouble which can occur in seconds.
What is the GPSPA swim test? The GPSPA swim test requires a child to swim one length of the lap pool (25 meters) without stopping and tread water for one minute, both of which must be supervised by a lifeguard.
When can my child use the diving boards? Children under eight who pass the GPSPA swim test may use the diving boards. Please keep your child’s abilities and stamina in mind; many children who pass the test are still young and tire easily. Parents should be mindful of where their swimmers are at all times.
How much does it cost to bring a guest to the pool? Daily Guest Fee: $5 per person over the age of 1. WE DO NOT ACCEPT PAYMENT AT THE POOL. Please be sure to purchase guest credits through your online account. Within one hour of closing, guests do not pay a fee.
NOTE: Guest credits are not reimbursable once they are used, regardless of the operating status of the pools. Please plan accordingly!
Can I bring food or beverage in GLASS containers to the pool? Food or drink can only be consumed in designated areas and is not allowed on cement pool decks. GLASS CONTAINERS OR GLASSWARE OF ANY KIND IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED ON POOL GROUNDS.
What happens when it rains, thunders and/or lightnings? The pools and pool grounds will be closed in the event of thunder and/or lightning and will remain closed for a minimum of 30 minutes after each occurrence. If it rains so hard that the staff cannot see the bottom of the pool, the pools may also close until the bottom is visible again. Pool managers have the authority to close any of the pools in the event of a health or safety concern.
How will I know if the pool closes? Members are notified via email when the pool closes because of rain or lightning. As a rule in the event of thunder and/or lightning we will remain closed for a minimum of 30 minutes after each occurrence. An email is sent to members with updated information on the pool.
I want to have a party/family gathering/birthday party at the pool. What should I do?
TBD. We are assessing health and safety considerations and will update this if/when parties are available for booking.
If you wish to host a party at the pool and you want to ensure that there will be picnic tables/space for your guests on the grounds, you must submit a form with pertinent information about the party, and receive written communication from pool management that your party has been approved. The host is responsible for ensuring that the party area is completely clean before leaving the grounds. The form is available here.
Does GPSPA spray for any kind of bugs? Because of increasing public health concerns over diseases transmitted by mosquitoes & ticks, the pool grounds are now treated for these pests every three weeks by Mosquito Joe, as well as ongoing attempts by pool staff to eliminate sources of standing water and dark/dank places where mosquitoes can congregate. Non-flower foliage/lawn are treated with a variety of EPA-approved products and in the case of flowering plants, Mosquito Joe will use an all-natural product that has no effect on bees. Treatment is applied before the pool opens. More information is available here.
Can I smoke at the GP Pool? Pursuant to our pool rules, as well as state and local laws, there is no smoking, vaping, or possession/use of illegal drugs on pool grounds.
Where is the Lost and Found? The lost and found basket is located behind the front desk near the vending machines. Please claim your items!! Unclaimed articles will be donated to charity or disposed of at the end of each month.
