The chart below shows each session when the pool will be open and the reservation blocks in that session. The facility must be closed every two hours for 30 minutes of cleaning.
We’re limited to the number of people who can use the pool at any given time, and we have a limit to the number of people who can be in the facility. To control the number of members in the facility, we’ve limited access to the pool to those using the pool. Access to the pool is tied to a reservation to swim or dive.
Currently, each membership account has six total reservations and can make up to two reservations per day. The six total reservations are “rolling” reservations, meaning as soon as you use one of your six reservations, you get it back and you can make another reservation.
If you have a reservation, you may enter the facility any time during that session, but you cannot swim in your reserved lane until your reservation begins. When your lane reservation ends, please exit your lane so the next swimmer can enter the pool. Everyone must leave the facility when it closes for cleaning.
Yes, if you have a reservation during that two-hour session, you can be at the pool for both hours. For example, if the pool opens at 12:00 and you have a reservation to swim in Lane 6 at 12:00, you can swim laps in Lane 6 from 12:00 to 1:00. When your lane reservation ends at 1:00, you should exit your lane so the next swimmer can enter the pool. You can then sit on the deck from 1:00 until 2:00. When the pool closes at 2:00, everyone must leave the facility.
No, recreational swim (or free swim) is not allowed in Phase Two. The Virginia Phase Two guidelines state that indoor and outdoor swimming pools may be open for lap swimming, diving, exercise (water aerobics), and instruction only. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has told us that any swimming or diving must be part of a structured activity. VDH is working on Phase Three guidelines which may allow for recreational swim. For now, recreational swim is not allowed.
If you and your child would like to swim laps together, you should reserve both spots in the same lane during the same 60-minute block. Keep in mind that you and your child must maintain 10-foot separation in the water. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) requires that you maintain 10-foot separation from one another in the pool, regardless of whether you live in the same household. We’ve specifically confirmed this requirement with VDH.
Yes, in Phase Two, family members with a reservation may enter the pool and sit on the pool deck while a family member swims laps or uses the diving board. If you wish to sit on the deck, please bring your own folding chair.
Yes, all four of you can come to the pool when that session starts. For example, if you have a 1:00 reservation, you can come to the pool at 12:00. You can bring your own chairs and sit on the deck together. At 1:00, one family member at a time can use the lane you reserved. At 2:00, the pool will close for cleaning and everyone will have to leave the facility at that time. If you have another reservation later in the day, you may return to the pool for that session.
One family member at a time can use a single lap swim reservation. You can share the 60 minutes between family members. Example: If you have made one reservation in Lane 2, one family member can swim in Lane 2 for 60 minutes. If you wish to split the time between two or family members (e.g. first child swims in Lane 2 for 30 minutes and exits, then second child swims in Lane 2 for the remaining 30 minutes), you can do so. If you only have one reservation, you will very likely be sharing that lane with another member. If you want the lane to yourselves, you should make two reservations in the same lane.
Yes, if you make two reservations together in the same lane, both family members can swim together, but you must maintain 10-foot separation in the water. The 10-foot separation requirement, even among family members, is a VDH requirement in Phase Two.
If you’re sharing a lane, it’s a good idea for you to put your personal items on the opposite end of the pool from the other person. You should use “circle swim” procedures and maintain 10 feet of separation from one another. If you’re not familiar with circle swim, read this post on circle swim and watch this video
These are just recommendations, but they might help you choose a lane that more matches your swimming style. If young family members are swimming, we recommend you choose Lane 6. Lane 6 is on the outside of the pool, along the wall. If you’re planning to steadily swim laps at a slower pace and take several breaks along the way, we recommend Lanes 2 and 5. If you’re a faster swimmer who plans to swim straight through the full hour with a few short breaks, we recommend Lanes 3 and 4.
We’ve set aside Lane 1 to give members relaxing on the deck an opportunity to hop in the pool for a quick swim and cool off. Lane 1 is limited to two swimmers and swimmers must maintain a 10-foot distance from the other swimmer. Please keep in mind that Lane 1 is for short swims only (five minutes or less) and is intended to allow members sitting on the deck the opportunity to cool off.
The Phase Two guidance was written without regard to the size of the pool. Because our pool is only 25 meters in length, we made the decision to initially limit the number of swimmers to two per lane during general operating hours so we can more confidently ensure that swimmers can maintain the required 10-foot social distancing in the water. If we see that members are adhering to the 10-foot social distancing requirement without lifeguard intervention, we may revisit this at a later date.
The Phase Two guidelines mandate that deck furniture be cleaned after every use. Having the lifeguards track which furniture is being used when and continuously clean it whenever furniture is vacated is impractical. Furthermore, the chemicals required to properly clean the furniture will damage our furniture over time. To protect members from possible COVID-19 transmission and safeguard the furniture, we made the decision to keep our deck furniture in storage and allow members to bring their own chairs. Several other pools in the area have made the same risk management decision.
Yes, your family can sit together, but you must space your chairs at least ten feet from members outside of your family. The VDH requires at least ten feet of spacing between persons who are not members of the same household.
The VDH set the social distancing requirement at 10 feet for swimming pools. Their logic is that swimmers exiting the pool will have more forceful exhalation and therefore necessitates greater distancing to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
No, per Virginia’s Phase Two guidelines, the baby pool (also known as the wading pool) enclosure must remain closed during Phase Two. Sitting in the baby pool enclosure is not allowed. Only the lifeguards may enter the baby pool enclosure.
Any social events at the Club must be held in accordance with state and local guidance and restrictions. We do not plan to hold any events that will create large gatherings of people, and we will not use the Clubhouse for gatherings or meetings. We will adjust as the local conditions allow, but large in-person social gatherings are unlikely. If you have creative ideas or if you’d like to serve as the Club’s Social Coordinator, let us know.
This is what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has to say: “There is no evidence that COVID-19 can spread to people through the water used in pools, hot tubs, or water playgrounds. Proper operation and disinfection of pools, hot tubs, and water playgrounds should kill the virus that causes COVID-19. Limit close contact with people outside your home in public spaces, both in and out of the water.” We know from the CDC that proper operation and maintenance of the pools (including disinfection with chlorine) should inactivate the virus in the water. We do not need to add additional chlorine to the water; the normal operating conditions of our pools are sufficient. Get more information about COVID-19 and water
Following the guidance of the Virginia Department of Health, Fairfax County, the CDC, and other experts, we plan to limit pool capacity, clean regularly, close most indoor spaces, use recommended PPE, and keep members outside with enough room to socially distance themselves from one another. We know that the threat of community spread is dramatically reduced when physically distancing from other in outdoor settings. We will need your cooperation to ensure that we can operate safely.
If you’ve been diagnosed with COVID-19 or are showing any symptoms of COVID-19, please do not come to the Club under any circumstances. Please visit Fairfax County’s toolkit on what to do if you have symptoms, and let us know so we can take additional steps to ensure the safety of our members and lifeguards.