Frequently Asked Questions How many people belong to Five Oaks?
Currently about 440 bondholders making up more than 1,700 individuals belonged to Five Oaks Pool. We generally have about 100 families on the waiting list and the wait is 1-2 years to join.
Who owns Five Oaks?
The members do! Members buy a "bond" when they join the pool, which gives them a membership stake in the pool. The pool is governed by an elected board made up of 15 VOLUNTEER members who receive no financial compensation or discounted memberships for their service. Board members are elected to three-year terms. The board hires a paid staff of about 30 (managers, lifeguards, snack bar workers) for each summer season.
Why doesn't Five Oaks offer discounted "evening" or "part-time" memberships?
Five Oaks runs on a very tight budget. Discounting memberships would dramatically cut into the pool's income. In addition, Five Oaks has maintained a waiting list of around 100 people for many years. With a waiting list, it doesn't seem financially prudent to cut prices.
Why do our pool membership dues go up every year?
Actually, the dues don't always go up every year, but they probably should. Wages, insurance, electricity, repair costs--all go up each year. If our income remains static, we will not have funds to cover the increasing costs of the basic needs of the pool, or improvements. To illustrate: in 2003 the pool's insurance cost was about $12,000. In 2010, it was almost $30,000.
Why are our dues due on March 1st? Isn't that kind of early?
There are several reasons the annual dues must be mailed by March 1st.
1). Some members choose to resign when the pool dues come due. We need time to find new members so that the bonds of retiring members can be "sold" to new members and the proceeds returned to the retiring members. If we wait too long into the spring season, those on the waiting list may have made other plans for the summer.
2). Bills for the pool's operation, such as insurance, winter maintenance etc, start coming due in the spring and we need the income.
3). If we wait until April 30, some members will inevitably be late, and then we get into the delicate situation of pool members not having paid in full when the pool opens. The March 1st due date gives the volunteer board members time to resolve all of the above issues before the pool opens for the season.
Why do non-swimming guests need to pay the guest fee?
All guests that enter Five Oaks utilize the facility in some way even if they are not swimming in the pool. In addition, with often hundreds of people at the pool on any given day, we have no way of monitoring who swims and who doesn't.
Why do I need to scan my ID card every time I enter the pool?
Scanning your ID allows the pool management to monitor how many members enter at different times throughout the day. This allows us to plan for staffing and budgeting. These numbers have also played a role in health department inspections. So, even if you have belonged to the pool for decades, and all the staff knows you, it is still important to scan your card. Because we have a large membership with high turn-over and new staff every year, the ID cards also assist staff with matching members names to faces.
Why doesn't Five Oaks have a baby pool?
Installing a baby or kiddy pool has been discussed by the board many times over the years. Impediments to installing the pool include:
• Cost. Recent estimates top $80,000.
• Two pools versus one: many parents of young children report joining Five Oaks precisely because we did NOT have a baby pool, and their children of many ages could be under supervision in one pool.
• Hygiene: Baby pools can be very unsanitary. Because they are so shallow, the chlorine burns off very quickly in them.
• It won't solve the problem of fecal contamination of the main pool. Even pools with baby pools report multiple episodes of fecal contamination each summer in their main pool, probably due to newly potty trained children.
Does the high dive dramatically increase the cost of insurance for the pool?
While the high dive/slide combination does increase the cost of insurance, it doesn't do so dramatically. The board of directors has felt that the benefits of these features justify the cost. However, the current cost is based on our impeccable safety record. If there was ever an accident involving either of these structures, they would probably be eliminated immediately. Interesting fact: most accidents involving a high dive or a slide involve injuries on the steps. That is why we are vigilant about bathers who have changed their mind about sliding or diving only coming back down the high dive or slide steps with the close supervision of a lifeguard.
Why can't we bring glass into the pool?
In addition to broken glass being a safety hazard around bare feet, if glass was ever suspected to be in the pool, we would be required to drain the pool for safety. Five Oaks would need be closed for several days for this process.
How long does the pool have to close if there is fecal contamination?
In the past, we have been advised that Baltimore County regulations state that commercial pools must be closed for 24 hours after any type of fecal contamination is found in the pool. However, we have since learned that Baltimore County is adopting the recommendations of the United States Centers for Disease Control, which vary according to the "type" of feces found and may involve closures of shorter than 24 hours in some cases.
Why doesn't the pool own chairs that everyone can use?
Chairs are expensive and difficult to maintain and store. Extra labor costs would be involved in maintaining the chairs (repairing and cleaning), as well as putting them away each night.
Why can't we bring alcohol into the pool?
Our insurance policy does not allow alcohol to be consumed on the premises while the high dive is operational. During special events where we permit alcohol, such as adult nights, the high dive is closed.
Why Don't We Print the Minutes and Budget on the Website?
We don't have a password-protected website, and that information is available to members only. If you are a member and would like a copy of a particular board meeting's minutes or the budget, please contact us at [email protected]
Why can't I give my grandma/aunt/houseguest etc my membership pass to use for the day?
Five Oaks is a non-profit membership organization. Please do not give your pass to anyone. We are strict about our guest policies because we care about our pool and want it to run as cost-effectively as possible. Guests at the pool create wear and tear on the pool's systems, grounds, and require more staffing. These costs cannot be borne solely by the members--guests fees are an integral part of the pool's budget. Without them, costs will go up for all members.
Membership passes may not be given to family members who are not listed on your bond. Only members may come into the pool without paying some sort of guest fee. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins etc. may not use your pass. Those family members may not be placed on your bond, unless they can provide proof of residence in your home, usually a government-issued ID. Below is from the Five Oaks by-laws:
Section 1. A Family Membership may be issued to two adults legally residing at the same residence or a husband and wife, with their dependent(s). The holder(s) of such a membership shall be required to purchase a bond in accordance with Article VII, Section 2. A head of household, husband and/or wife, or both adults shall be designated as the bondholder(s). The bondholder(s), the bondholder(s)'s children residing in the household of the bondholder(s), and other persons living in the household of the bondholder(s) approved by the Board of Directors may utilize the Club's facilities upon payment of the membership fee as specified in Section 2, Article VII; and, the annual dues fixed by the Board of Directors. Exemptions to the above shall be approved by the Board of Directors.
Babysitters must pay the weekly babysitter fee, which is a reduced price from the regular daily guest fee. Babysitter passes are intended for use when the parent is not at the pool.
Currently about 440 bondholders making up more than 1,700 individuals belonged to Five Oaks Pool. We generally have about 100 families on the waiting list and the wait is 1-2 years to join.
Who owns Five Oaks?
The members do! Members buy a "bond" when they join the pool, which gives them a membership stake in the pool. The pool is governed by an elected board made up of 15 VOLUNTEER members who receive no financial compensation or discounted memberships for their service. Board members are elected to three-year terms. The board hires a paid staff of about 30 (managers, lifeguards, snack bar workers) for each summer season.
Why doesn't Five Oaks offer discounted "evening" or "part-time" memberships?
Five Oaks runs on a very tight budget. Discounting memberships would dramatically cut into the pool's income. In addition, Five Oaks has maintained a waiting list of around 100 people for many years. With a waiting list, it doesn't seem financially prudent to cut prices.
Why do our pool membership dues go up every year?
Actually, the dues don't always go up every year, but they probably should. Wages, insurance, electricity, repair costs--all go up each year. If our income remains static, we will not have funds to cover the increasing costs of the basic needs of the pool, or improvements. To illustrate: in 2003 the pool's insurance cost was about $12,000. In 2010, it was almost $30,000.
Why are our dues due on March 1st? Isn't that kind of early?
There are several reasons the annual dues must be mailed by March 1st.
1). Some members choose to resign when the pool dues come due. We need time to find new members so that the bonds of retiring members can be "sold" to new members and the proceeds returned to the retiring members. If we wait too long into the spring season, those on the waiting list may have made other plans for the summer.
2). Bills for the pool's operation, such as insurance, winter maintenance etc, start coming due in the spring and we need the income.
3). If we wait until April 30, some members will inevitably be late, and then we get into the delicate situation of pool members not having paid in full when the pool opens. The March 1st due date gives the volunteer board members time to resolve all of the above issues before the pool opens for the season.
Why do non-swimming guests need to pay the guest fee?
All guests that enter Five Oaks utilize the facility in some way even if they are not swimming in the pool. In addition, with often hundreds of people at the pool on any given day, we have no way of monitoring who swims and who doesn't.
Why do I need to scan my ID card every time I enter the pool?
Scanning your ID allows the pool management to monitor how many members enter at different times throughout the day. This allows us to plan for staffing and budgeting. These numbers have also played a role in health department inspections. So, even if you have belonged to the pool for decades, and all the staff knows you, it is still important to scan your card. Because we have a large membership with high turn-over and new staff every year, the ID cards also assist staff with matching members names to faces.
Why doesn't Five Oaks have a baby pool?
Installing a baby or kiddy pool has been discussed by the board many times over the years. Impediments to installing the pool include:
• Cost. Recent estimates top $80,000.
• Two pools versus one: many parents of young children report joining Five Oaks precisely because we did NOT have a baby pool, and their children of many ages could be under supervision in one pool.
• Hygiene: Baby pools can be very unsanitary. Because they are so shallow, the chlorine burns off very quickly in them.
• It won't solve the problem of fecal contamination of the main pool. Even pools with baby pools report multiple episodes of fecal contamination each summer in their main pool, probably due to newly potty trained children.
Does the high dive dramatically increase the cost of insurance for the pool?
While the high dive/slide combination does increase the cost of insurance, it doesn't do so dramatically. The board of directors has felt that the benefits of these features justify the cost. However, the current cost is based on our impeccable safety record. If there was ever an accident involving either of these structures, they would probably be eliminated immediately. Interesting fact: most accidents involving a high dive or a slide involve injuries on the steps. That is why we are vigilant about bathers who have changed their mind about sliding or diving only coming back down the high dive or slide steps with the close supervision of a lifeguard.
Why can't we bring glass into the pool?
In addition to broken glass being a safety hazard around bare feet, if glass was ever suspected to be in the pool, we would be required to drain the pool for safety. Five Oaks would need be closed for several days for this process.
How long does the pool have to close if there is fecal contamination?
In the past, we have been advised that Baltimore County regulations state that commercial pools must be closed for 24 hours after any type of fecal contamination is found in the pool. However, we have since learned that Baltimore County is adopting the recommendations of the United States Centers for Disease Control, which vary according to the "type" of feces found and may involve closures of shorter than 24 hours in some cases.
Why doesn't the pool own chairs that everyone can use?
Chairs are expensive and difficult to maintain and store. Extra labor costs would be involved in maintaining the chairs (repairing and cleaning), as well as putting them away each night.
Why can't we bring alcohol into the pool?
Our insurance policy does not allow alcohol to be consumed on the premises while the high dive is operational. During special events where we permit alcohol, such as adult nights, the high dive is closed.
Why Don't We Print the Minutes and Budget on the Website?
We don't have a password-protected website, and that information is available to members only. If you are a member and would like a copy of a particular board meeting's minutes or the budget, please contact us at [email protected]
Why can't I give my grandma/aunt/houseguest etc my membership pass to use for the day?
Five Oaks is a non-profit membership organization. Please do not give your pass to anyone. We are strict about our guest policies because we care about our pool and want it to run as cost-effectively as possible. Guests at the pool create wear and tear on the pool's systems, grounds, and require more staffing. These costs cannot be borne solely by the members--guests fees are an integral part of the pool's budget. Without them, costs will go up for all members.
Membership passes may not be given to family members who are not listed on your bond. Only members may come into the pool without paying some sort of guest fee. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins etc. may not use your pass. Those family members may not be placed on your bond, unless they can provide proof of residence in your home, usually a government-issued ID. Below is from the Five Oaks by-laws:
Section 1. A Family Membership may be issued to two adults legally residing at the same residence or a husband and wife, with their dependent(s). The holder(s) of such a membership shall be required to purchase a bond in accordance with Article VII, Section 2. A head of household, husband and/or wife, or both adults shall be designated as the bondholder(s). The bondholder(s), the bondholder(s)'s children residing in the household of the bondholder(s), and other persons living in the household of the bondholder(s) approved by the Board of Directors may utilize the Club's facilities upon payment of the membership fee as specified in Section 2, Article VII; and, the annual dues fixed by the Board of Directors. Exemptions to the above shall be approved by the Board of Directors.
Babysitters must pay the weekly babysitter fee, which is a reduced price from the regular daily guest fee. Babysitter passes are intended for use when the parent is not at the pool.