August 29th Update:
Sign ups for August 30th through September 7th will allow for each family to sign up for 3 open family slots for that 9 day time frame. However for the holiday weekend of the 5th, 6th and 7th families can only sign up for 2 of the 3 days to allow the most families to be able to enjoy the pool that weekend.
The 90 minute rule still applies for requests to sign up if you have already picked your 3 slots. Emails should be sent to pooloperations@hobsonwest.org and once approval email is sent you then will sign up. Please don’t sign up prior to getting the approval email. As we are also having some issues with the email server if you send an email and don’t get a response within 30 minutes please text 630-235-5648 with your request. Please however don’t text unless you don’t see a response. Also check your spam as the server is routing messages to folk’s spam inconsistently.
We are also excited to announce that we are going to keep the pool open for weekends in September. Keith and our amazing staff have worked out being able to help us accomplish this which is a first for us. This will give our families 3 additional weekends to enjoy the pool. Stay tuned for when those sign ups will open.
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 Download a PDF copy of the Phase 4 rules |
August Update:
Phase 4 Plan remains in effect until August 29th.
July 19th Update:
Phase 4 Plan
Weeks #4-5: July 19th – August 1st
Our Phase 4 Plan for the pool will continue for the next 2 weeks. Please note the following:
There will now be 11 Open/Family swim slots per session. This will allow a few more families into the pool while still staying within the 50 person limit. There is a small chance that we would exceed the limit if all the families are large that sign up on the same date/time and we will have to limit entry at check in if we exceed the numbers.
We will be returning to our standard pool rules regarding children coming to the pool under the age of 9. Children under the age of 9 must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible person (sibling, guardian, sitter), at least 14 years old, at all times. We will be monitoring this closely and if we see extensive violations we will have to move back to the guardian being 18 years or older.
Please remember that you can sign up for 2 Open/Family time slots each week. The week is based on Sunday to Saturday. Families can request additional time slots 90 minutes prior to the time slot that looks open. Note that we time stamp the requests and approve based on the time stamp. This request must be sent to pooloperations@hobsonwest.org.
Families are not allowed to bring children from other families. Each family is required to be at their own table. This includes children that are 9 and coming to the pool without their family.
Non-resident/homeowners are not allowed to visit the pool this summer.
Guest are not allowed this summer.
All other pool rules for Phase 4 outlined previously remain.
Swim Test for 8 Year Olds
We will be conducting a swim test for 8 year olds to determine if they can be approved to sign up for swimming laps. This will be conducted Thursday, July 23rd at 9am. Please arrive to the pool 15 minutes early to be checked in. Your swimmers will be escorted to the grass area and will be called over the pool to swim for their test. Masks must be worn and social distancing must be followed until your swimmer enters the pool to swim. We will be looking for the swimmers ability to swim laps unassisted without stopping and grabbing the lane line.
Parents must remain in their cars during the test. Swimmers will leave the pool when they are done swimming and must wear their mask while exiting.
If approved you swimmer will be put on the approved lap swimming list and can sign up for open time slots for lap swimming.
This will be a Phase 4 approval only for lap swimming. Even with this approval your 8 year old will not be able to come to the pool during open/family swim by themselves and must be accompanied by a responsible person (sibling, guardian, sitter), at least 14 years old, at all times.
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Download a PDF copy of the Phase 4 rules |
July 4th Update:
Phase 4 Plan
Weeks #2-3: July 5th-July 18th
As we continue to strive to support our homeowners that are trying to enjoy the pool this summer under the Phase 4 rules we want to clarify our policy for bringing caregivers who are not guardians or parents living in the home.
Each family is allowed to bring 2 parents/guardians that live in the home as well as their children. If only 1 parent comes to the pool and needs help with their children under the age of 4 they will be allowed to bring 1 other adult caregiver to the pool with them. The adult caregiver needs to be 18 or older.
The full name of the caregiver needs to be entered in the text field during sign up to ensure we can support contact tracing.
REMINDER: NO GUESTS!!
When signing up, please follow these steps:
- Enter Quantity “1” in drop down representing “1” family
- Enter name and email if not already populated
- List swimmers names in the text box
- List number of swimmers in the text box.
- Save
We want to thank all the families that joined us for the first
expanded opening of the pool for Phase 4. We will continue with the
same sign up process, family limits and rules for the next two weeks.
2 Slots per family from Sunday July 5th-Saturday July 11th for Open
Recreational swimming
2 Slots per family from Sunday July 12th-Saturday July 18th for Open
Recreational swimming
Quantity equals “1” for all sign ups
In the first text box enter the names of the swimmer/swimmers
In the second text box enter the number of swimmer/swimmers
If there are open slots for Open Recreational swimming 90 min prior to
the time slot you can message pooloperations@hobsonwest.org to request
the spot. Spots will be approved based on time stamps of emails
received
Please do not go to the pool to request a time slot for Open
Recreational swimming. Names must be entered for all swimmers
regardless of age as we must count them and track names for contact
tracing.
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Download a PDF copy of the Phase 4 rules |
June 29th Update:
Phase 4 Plan
Week #1 June 29th-July 5th
When signing up, please follow these steps:
- Enter Quantity “1” in drop down representing “1” family
- Enter name and email if not already populated
- List swimmers names in the text box
- List number of swimmers in the text box.
- Save
- Currently the capacity of the pool including lifeguards and patrons participating in recreational swimming is 50.
- You must sign up online via Sign Up Genius. Due to contact tracing guidelines, pool staff are NOT authorized to sign you up for slots. This must be done prior to arrival. If you do not have access to the internet to sign up, please contact the pool via phone at (630) 357-6868 at least 2 hours prior to time slot you are requesting. You must ask to speak to a Manager LIVE to assist you.
- Time blocks for Open/Recreation swim will be two hours long, pool will be cleared 15 minutes before the block ends.
- Each family can sign up for 2 recreational time slots this first week. If you sign up for more then one slot we will remove you sign up and you will not be allowed to enter the pool.
- Entry is through the gate located near the tennis courts.
- Exit is through the gate located in the baby pool area.
- Patrons will have their temperatures checked before entering, if you show signs of fever or illness you will not be admitted according to IDPH rules. Please arrive to the pool 15 minutes prior to your time slot, adhere to social distancing while waiting for your temperature check and wear a mask.
- Locker rooms are only open for bathroom use and showering.
- Water fountain is closed.
- Grills are not available to use.
- Masks must always be worn unless you are in the water or at your designated table with only members from the same household.
- Social distancing must always be practiced, in all areas, including the pool. People must stay 6’ feet apart from each other unless in the same household.
- Families will sit together at a picnic table but cannot sit with other patrons/families. Upon entry go immediately to a table, all possessions must stay there.
- For this first week of Phase 4 we are not allowing children under the age of 18 to come to the pool and sign up for a slot outside of their family signing up.
- Swimmers 9 years and older can continue to sign up for lap swimming.
- Walkers 18 years and older can continue to sign up for therapy walking.
- You must bring your own chairs. Pool chairs will not be available.
- No rafts, water noodles or “floaties” are allowed.
- Personal flotation devices such as life jackets, water wings, float vests are allowed for non-swimmers, but cannot be shared.
- No gutter balls, polo balls or other throwing objects are allowed.
- Kickboards, fins, and pull buoys are allowed during lap swim but must not be shared.
- No snorkels are allowed at this time.
- Hobson West will not be allowing patrons to use house kick boards, pull buoys, fins, goggles, gutter balls, basketballs or polo balls.
- Locker room surfaces will be cleaned every hour.
- Locker rooms will be deep cleaned after close each evening.
- People may bring their own food.
- Concessions will not be sold.
- Baby pool will remain closed.
- There will be no rentals, birthday parties or groups authorized this summer.
- No guests will be allowed. Only members staying in Hobson West households are permitted. Violation of this rule will result is loss of pool privileges this summer.
Each family/household is asked to only sign up for 2 slots this first week to ensure that all families can have a chance to use the pool. See the FAQ on how to sign up for slots that are not taken the day of if you have already signed up for 2 slots.
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Download a PDF copy of the Phase 4 rules |
Monday/Wednesday/Thursday Schedule
- 8-10am Lap Swimming and Water Walking
- Open/Recreational Swimming from 10:15am-7:00pm
- 7:15-8:30 Lap Swimming and Water Walking
- No lap lines for lap swimming will be available during Open swimming
Tuesday
- Open/Recreational Swimming from 10:15am-7:00pm
- 7:15-8:30 Lap Swimming and Water Walking
- No lap lines for lap swimming will be available during Open swimming
Saturday 4th of July
Open/Recreational Swimming from 10:15am-8:30pm
No lap lines for lap swimming will be available during Open swimming
Week #2 Updates will be provided on Sunday, July 5th
Subject to change depending on Lifeguard In-Service Training, weather and other unforeseen issues.
FAQ
- Why are we limited to just 50 total people?
The state as well as the Illinois Department of Public Health have set this number as well as the rules for opening pools and we must adhere to them to ensure we comply with our permit to run our pool.
- Why are we required to wear masks?
In the state of IL all residents must wear masks in public and must comply with social distancing.
- Can I share a table and swim with other families?
No, only families and members of the same household can be together. We understand that you might be allowing your children to play with and socialize with other families this summer, but this can’t be supported while in the pool or deck area.
- Why are we not allowing the diving board to be used?
To ensure that we have more pool space for families we will be also using the deep end for recreational swimming.
- Why is the baby pool not open?
Due to cleaning requirements and not being able to socially distance properly we have decided to keep the baby pool closed.
- Why are we limited to only 2 time slots per family/household?
We want to determine how quickly we fill up and give each family a chance to come to the pool. We will look at expanding after the first week if we can accommodate.
- If slots are open and nobody is taking them, can I sign up even if my family has already signed up for 2 slots?
If a slot is open an 90 minutes before it begins and it has not been taken for this first week and you would like to sign up but already have taken 2 slots, please message pooloperations@hobsonwest.org to make your request and you will get an email if it is approved for you to sign up. Anyone signing up for a slot when they already have 2 without the email approval will be removed. The email requests will be time stamped and approval given to the first family that requests the slot.
- What if it storms, or the pool closes during my time slot? Will I get a make-up time slot?
We will not be able to accommodate a make up time slot for when the pool must close.
- How do I sign up?
Click the Sign-Up Genius link below for Phase 4 sign ups.
If you are signing up for Lap Swimming, you select the date/time slot and enter the name of the swimmer who will be swimming. Note that only family/household members living in Hobson West can participate. For quantity enter “1”.
If you are signing up for Open/Recreation swimming there are 9 family slots. After picking a date/time slot you will enter the total number of family/household members who will be coming. Note that only family/household members living in Hobson West can participate. Enter the swimmer’s names and total quantity. Example for an Open Swim:
Sherri Pipala
Sherri.pipala@xxx.com
Swimmers: Rick Pipala, Sherri Pipala, Nick Pipala
Quantity: 3
June 23rd Update:
The State of IL is moving to Phase 4 this week. Rules and guidelines for restaurants, meetings, venues, etc…have been provided however both the Illinois Department of Public Health and the DuPage Health Department who permit our pool have not received the specifics for pools yet. They are expecting those soon from the State. We are in contact with both departments and as soon as we get the updated rules and guidelines we will determine what changes and additional processes we need to put in place to expand access to the pool. Our continued focus will remain on the safety of our homeowners and our staff as we move into Phase 4. Updates will be provided as soon as we are able to provide them.
June 12th Update:
The pool is ready to open with restrictions. Please access the sign ups via the button below.
Please note that by signing up to enter the pool, you acknowledge the following:
“As a resident of Hobson West, I acknowledge and agree on behalf of myself and family (defined in Phase 3 as adults and children currently residing in the home), that Hobson West Swim and Tennis Club has taken reasonable steps to minimize the spread of COVID-19 at its premises, including the pool, tennis courts and surrounding areas (the “Club Facilities”), in accordance with federal, state and local guidelines. By entrance or use of the Club Facilities, I and my family agree to abide by the COVID-19 Guidelines for Members for Phase III and directions provided by the Hobson West HOA Board and staff. Notwithstanding the foregoing, I acknowledge and agree that Hobson West Swim and Tennis Club cannot eliminate the spread of disease or illness, including COVD-19. Accordingly, I hereby assume all risk associated with the contraction of COVID-19 in exchange for access to the Club Facilities.”
Reminder that for lap swimming the swimmer must be 9 years or older.
If the swimmer is not a known young swimmer, they will be required to take a swim test to be able to swim.
We are also excited to share that after our dry run today we feel that we can accommodate Therapy Swimming/Walking in the shallow end for 2 people who will be separated by a lane line per shift. This is not for floating or sitting in the shallow end and no floatation devices can be used. A kick board can be used. Therapy Swimming/Walking is only available for 18 years or older.
We ask that for this weekend that swimmers only sign up for one slot so that all swimmers that have been waiting for months will get a better chance to get in the pool to exercise.
- Please be patient and respectful with our lifeguards and adhere to the signage, rules and instructions.
- Rules will be posted, and most be followed.
- Instructions from the lifeguards must be followed.
- Be on time to check in 15 min prior to your session.
- Wear a mask for check in, entry and exit. If you do not have a mask you will not be able to enter.
- Masks can not be worn during swimming.
- NO snorkels can be used.
- Swimming aids such as paddles, kick board and swim training buoys CAN be used.
- NO floatation devices or noodles.
- Bring a water bottle that is filled as the drinking fountain will NOT be open.
We look forward to a great weekend!
HOA Board
June 9th Update:
Friday June 5, 2020 IDPH Announced rules for “Opening of Pools” in Illinois during Phase 3. In addition, the DuPage Health Department published their rules to expand further on Monday, June 8, 2020. The HOA Board met after both updates to determine if we could safely, financially and legally open the pool. The rules are very specific and do not support recreational swimming in Phase 3. In addition, there is extensive screening, cleaning, monitoring and review that must take place daily to support opening.
Our plan is to open abiding by the rules of the state Health Department on Saturday, June 13, 2020. This will be predicated by a dry run on Friday around our procedures we will be required to comply with. The overview below outlines our plans and timing:
- Lap swimming only supporting 5 swimmers (1 per lane) per time slot. Lap swimming is defined as continuous motion swimming from one end to the other.
- Baby pool and the shallow end by steps to remain closed.
- No spectators, parents or folks standing on deck outside of staff during lap swimming.
- No floating devices such as noodles allowed.
- No chairs.
- Kick boards are allowed but must be brought by swimmers.
- Age limit restrictions (9 years or older) in force for swimmers.
- Younger swimmers (if not a known swimmer) will be required to take a swim test before swimming to ensure they can swim laps including areas in the deep end without stopping.
- Two different shifts mixed throughout the day (1/2 hour and 1-hour shifts).
- No food can be sold to or brought into the pool by swimmers. Water bottles can be brought in for personal use, but the water fountain will be closed off.
- Locker rooms can be used for entry to the pool and a separate exit will be used hence no changing in locker rooms after swimming can be allowed as swimmers can’t re-enter the locker room on exit.
- Temperature screening will be required to enter the pool for swimming.
- After every shift of swimmers, certain areas need to be cleaned and the locker room/bathrooms need to be cleaned based on the time requirements set by the CDC and DuPage Health Department.
- Only resident homeowners and their immediate families can sign up to swim.
- As only lap swimming is allowed we can’t support any other water sports like water polo to take place.
Procedures
- Swimmers must sign up online for a day/time slot. Tool will be posted by Friday for sign ups. Limits will need to be set up on how many time slots per week each swimmer can take until we determine volume of requests. If it rains or storms during a swimmer’s time slot this is considered an act of nature and their time slot is not replaced.
- Waiver is required to be signed and recorded prior to being able to swim.
- Swimmers arrive 15 min prior to their time slot to sign in and get their temperature checked. Masks must be worn during check in.
- Swimmers enter the pool, remove and store their mask in a plastic bag while they swim.
- Swimmers must follow all rules displayed on signage.
- Swimmers can enter pool when shift starts (whistle). Swimmers must stop swimming at allotted time (whistle). If swimmers are not swimming laps or can’t swim laps they will need to exit the pool. No recreational floating is allowed.
- After swimming, swimmers dry off, put on masks and will exit out the separate exit door. No changing is allowed in the locker room after swimming.
Next Steps
- Updates will be posted Friday on how to sign up for spots.
- An FAQ will be posted with additional information by Friday.
We ask that we all have patience with us, our staff and especially our young lifeguards. These are rules that we need to abide by set forth by the state. You might not be aware that the Beach is not even opening this year due to the restrictions so understand that they are very restrictive. Our goal is to keep our homeowners and the public safe while still allowing some form of swimming in Phase 3.
We understand that all have opinions on this and many are commenting on what other pools are doing. We have been working with 10 other pools in the region to determine what all are doing to ensure safety and compliance. Almost all are doing what we have put in place. There are few outliers that are pressing the rules and will risk losing their permits and being sued. We will not take that chance as a Board and are following the rules.
The Board will take corrective action with anyone not complying with the rules we have set forth to open the pool as we will not risk being shut down due to non-compliance. We ask that we all respect each other and take advantage of the positive that we can open even as restricted as it is for lap swimming. When we get to Phase 4 we will again re-evaluate the rules, options and make decisions on how we can expand beyond what we are going to support starting Saturday.
We look forward to seeing you all swimming laps and please message pooloperations@hobsonwest.org if you have questions.
HOA Board
May 27th Update:
We were hoping to have further detail on pool openings from Governor Pritzker last Friday, but none have been published. The Board will continue to meet as new developments arise. Given the current situation, even if Illinois reaches Phase 4 and pools can open with capacity limits, the Board has voted to approve the following:
- No non-resident memberships this year (including non-resident swim team and non-resident community members); all non-resident members will receive an email from pooloperations@hobsonwest.org with details on their refund
- No guests.
- No chairs.
- Residents residing in Hobson West only.
Please note that the above is not an indication if the pool will open at all this summer, that decision will continue to be guided by the State of Illinois and local health departments.
Currently, we just don’t have enough information to decide on if we are going to be able to open the pool this season. Until the Governor, the City and the Health Department tell us we can open and what the restrictions will be we are in a holding pattern. The Naperville Swim Conference (NSC) also notified the Swim Team that they will not be sponsoring any dual meets this summer nor will they host the Classic or City Championship Meets. This means that the Swim Team season has been cancelled for this summer.
Our Pool Manager has been working with a small staff to get the pool ready to open but that can’t happen in the State of Illinois until Phase 4. Fox Valley Park District and others have just announced that they are not opening their pools however we are going to hold our decision pending more guidance.
There are a number of things we must take into consideration when and if we reach Phase 4; how many people can be in the pool at a time, will social distancing of 6 feet (even in the water) be required, will locker rooms be open, how will we keep staff and homeowners safe. Additionally, chlorine or other chemicals killing the virus and if you are a private or public pool has nothing to do with if the pools will open. We must have additional information from the various departments that issue the pool permits and we are required to abide by the Health Departments rules and we are required to obtain a permit to open. At this time the decision is not up to the Board.
We will continue to update our website with details as we get them.
Questions about opening of the pool or the Swim Team please direct them to
Hobson West Pool-Sherri Pipala, pooloperations@hobsonwest.org
Hobson West Swim Team-Kevin Piket, hwwavespresident@gmail.com
Hobson West HOA Board