Gatewood Pool Policies & Procedures 2024

These policies and procedures are subject to change as directed by the South Carolina Department of Health (DHEC), the Gatewood Clubhouse Management, Property Owners Associations and/or the Board of Directors. Gatewood Residents, Pool Members, guests, and staff will follow and abide by these policies and procedures. Gatewood Club’s pool facilities are private and exclusively for the enjoyment of Residents, Pool Members, and their guests.

Residents, Pool Members, and guests must adhere to all DHEC rules, regulations, and signage posted at the pool and agreed to under membership terms and conditions.

Pool Hours

  • Lap & Fitness Swimming – Monday – Sunday 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM

  • Pool Maintenance – Monday – Sunday 9:00 – 10:00 AM

  • Open Swimming – Monday – Sunday 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

ALL HOURS ARE SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK, EVEN IF STAFF IS PRESENT

Pool staff will not be present during all of these times listed above. Staffed hours will be posted. If the pool is used outside of the hours listed, access to lighting, concessions, and restrooms will be limited.

Residents & Pool Members can swim during the posted hours as long as the “POOL CLOSED” sign is not up. If the sign is in place, it is for a reason that legally requires the pool to be closed.

State Rules & Regulations:

In accordance with SC DHEC Gatewood Residents, Members & Guests will adhere to the following regulations:

  1. There shall be no solo swimming.
  2. There should be no running, boisterous, or rough play.
  3. No person under the influence of drugs or alcohol should use the pool.
  4. There should be no spitting or blowing nose in the pool.
  5. Persons with diarrheal illness or nausea should not enter the pool.
  6. Persons with skin, eye, ear, or respiratory infections should not enter the pool.
  7. Persons with open lesions or wounds should not enter the pool.
  8. No animals or pets are allowed in the pool.
  9. No glass is allowed in the pool or on the deck.
  10. No children should be in the pool without supervision.
  11. You should take a shower before entering the pool.
  12. This pool is open from 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM and from 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  13. The maximum number of swimmers allowed in the pool is 250.
  14. A first aid kit is located at the concession stand.
  15. An emergency phone is located at the concession stand.
  16. Life-saving equipment is located at the pool pump house.

Pool Membership Styles:

Individual Membership at Gatewood Pool is defined as one individual member. This person does not have to be single to qualify but any guests who may accompany the member (including spouse) will be billed a guest fee of $10.00 per day, per guest.

Family Membership at Gatewood Pool is defined as no more than two adults in a legally binding relationship. When children are included only two parents are allowed to be on the membership with thier dependent children ( split custody situations apply ). Single Parents with children would qualify for this as well as couples without children.

Qualified dependent children would include minors under the age of 19. Children who are between the ages of 19 but less than 25 and enrolled as full-time students at an accredited school program are eligible also to enjoy pool privileges. Otherwise, this person is encouraged to apply for Individual Pool Membership.

Adult children of Gatewood Residents qualify for Individual Membership and Family Memberships at discounted rates. Please contact the Clubhouse for more information.

Pool Member Guest Policy:

Pool Members are allowed to invite guests at the rate of $10.00 per day.

Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays all Pool Members are limited to 2 guests per day at $10.00 each guest.

Monday  – Thursday (non-holidays) all Pool Members are allowed up to 3 guests per day at the rate of $10.00 per day.

All Pool Members MUST sign in with their name, member number, guest name, and age (if  under 25).  

All guests must be accompanied by the Pool Member during the duration of their visit unless authorized by the Clubhouse. 

Nannies & Babysitter Policy:

A Nanny or Babysitter may be included in the family membership at no additional charge,  when present with the children of the member but not when both parents are present.  

Nannies or Sitters must be registered with the Clubhouse prior to arrival ONLY by the  adult family member. All caregivers must adhere to and obey the rules of the pool and  facility.  

Nannies & Sitters must be 13 years or older if attending with 1 parent and children. If both  parents are present, a guest pass or $10.00 guest fee will be required.  

Nannies & Sitters 16 and up are permitted at the pool with member children without also  being accompanied by the parent. Sitters are not permitted to bring guests.  

Multiple Nannies & Sitters may be used by a family, but only one may accompany the  family at a time and all must be pre-registered.  

Nannies or Babysitters must sign in with the member’s name, member number,  babysitter’s name, and child(ren) for which they are responsible.  

Nannies or Babysitters are not permitted member privileges for the personal use of the  pool unless they join Gatewood Club individually.  

If a Nanny or Babysitter brings non-member children to the pool along with member  children, the non-member children will be subject to Gatewood Club guest fees and  policies. 

Arrival & Parking:

Entry to Pool Area for Pool Members will be controlled by an electronic key fob system. This will be available for both entry gates as well as neighborhood entry gates.

Summer Pool Members will receive 2 entry fobs or key cards with a $25.00 deposit, which will be credited back to their account at the end of the swim season and return of the cards.

Any member allowing the use of a key fob to a non-member when the member is not present or without notifying the business office of the Clubhouse may result in revoked pool privileges.

The loss or destruction of a fob may result in a service fee to replace it.

Parking is not allowed curbside in front of the pool entrance walkway by cars, golf carts, bicycles, strollers, scooters, etc. This entrance is to remain clear for emergency vehicles and pedestrian traffic.

Please do not leave any valuables in your car or golf cart while it is parked. Gatewood Club POA is not responsible for any loss, theft, or damage to vehicles or personal property while on the premises.

Please park golf carts in available parking spaces alongside cars and not on the sidewalk, grass, or pathways.

There are two handicap spots near the pool for handicap use only.

The other parking spots by the pool pump house/waste bins are for authorized or emergency vehicles only. The gates and entrances leading to the pool must always remain clear.

Gates are not permitted to be propped open for extended periods of time unless for staff  or maintenance needs.  

Safety & Procedures:

Gatewood Pool is a “SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK” facility at all times, even when Staff Members are present. Please ensure that you and your guests are all aware of this regulation. (DHEC)

Diving is not allowed from any area of the pool deck. (DHEC)

Children are to be monitored by parents or guardians at all times. No child will be allowed to into the pool or pool area unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. The exception is  for children 12 and over who have successfully completed a swim test. (DHEC) 

Pool Member & Gatewood Residents’ children aged 12 and up are allowed to be in the pool  and at the facility without being accompanied by an adult if they demonstrate an ability to  swim and parental permission is provided. Please see the pool staff for more information and testing.  

Lifeguards, Pool Attendants, Clubhouse Management, and Staff all have the authority to  close the pool for reasons including but not limited to, equipment damage, severe weather, water, or pool deck contamination. Pool safety for our Residents, Pool Members, and  guests is our top priority. Whenever “Pool Closed” signs are posted, they must be obeyed. (DHEC)

Pool furniture must remain on the pool deck; this includes tables, loungers, chairs, etc. If  moved for any reason they must be at least 6’ from the perimeter of the pool. (DHEC) 

Nothing is to be used at any point to elevate or create a platform for jumping or diving into  the pool, including pool furniture, ADA lift, lifeguard stands, etc. Doing so will  immediately result in an expulsion from the pool for the day. Continued efforts may result  in revoked privileges. (DHEC)  

At no time shall the pool transition rope be removed from the pool. Lap swimmers are  encouraged to swim over or under it. (DHEC)  

At no time shall adults or children play on or with the transition rope. (DHEC) 

At the discretion of the pool staff, Nerf balls, footballs, tennis balls, other sports balls, and  Frisbee-style discs can be used. Always-approved pool toys are squishy, cloth-style balls  designed specifically for pool use, diving rings, and diving sticks. Please be respectful of  others.  

In the event of thunder, all swimmers must exit the pool for a minimum of 30 minutes and  an additional 30 minutes at each instance of thunder. In the case of lightning, the pool will  close for an indefinite period of time, depending upon the severity of the storm. Please  contact the Clubhouse at 864-223-6450 or look for updates via social media and email.  Pool Staff have the authority and responsibility to evaluate the situation and make the  appropriate decision; please be respectful.  

Anyone caught abusing, vandalizing, stealing from, or obtaining illegal entry to the pool area, concession stand, pump house, or equipment may have pool privileges suspended and may face a fine, restitution, or prosecution.

No animals or pets are allowed in the pool and/or area. (DHEC)  

Please report all injuries to a member of the Pool or Clubhouse Staff. (DHEC)  

No large or oversized floats are permitted in the pool. Please see the Gatewood Float  Guidelines at the Pool Shack or on our website for additional information.  

We are happy to accommodate guests who require assistance entering and exiting the  swimming pool. An ADA lift chair is available with 24-hour notice to the Clubhouse office. (DHEC) 

Smoking & vaping are not permitted in the pool or within the fenced pool area.  

Disciplinary Measures:

The Pool Staff and Attendants are provided to assist with safety, security, and hospitality in order to provide better amenities to our Residents, Members, and Guests. Pool Staff employees are not baby-sitters, custodians, or servers so please treat them accordingly and respectfully.

All participants–adults and children alike–are expected to follow the directions of the Pool  Staff and adhere to the DHEC rules and Gatewood Club policies and procedures. 

If a minor violates the rules or procedures, several levels of disciplinary measures will be taken:

  1. First offense – Whistle blown & Verbal Warning.
  2. Second offense – Removal from the pool for 10 minutes, Parent/guardian notified of the action.
  3. Third offense – Ban from the pool and premises for the remainder of the day. This will include the parent and/or guardian for minors. If the offender is not required to be accompanied by such, the parent will be notified. No refunds will be issued for guest passes purchased.
  4. Fourth offense – Ban from the pool for an extended period of time for the offender. This will require a meeting at minimum with Clubhouse Management and Clubhouse Committee Chair for resolution discussion.

Attire & Miscellaneous:

Gatewood is a family-friendly facility and we ask that all Residents, Members, and guests wear appropriate bathing suits. Thongs and bathing suits made of mesh or see-through material are examples of inappropriate attire.

Swimwear must be worn in the pool. Street clothes such as cut-offs, golf shorts, tights, leotards, bike pants, and undergarments are not permitted.

Flip-flops or other similar waterproof shoes are recommended for all walkways, bathrooms, concession-stand, and walking in grassy areas.

Pool Patrons & Staff Members are not permitted into the Clubhouse or ProShop without shoes, shirts, shorts, or appropriate coverups.

Swimmers are requested to remove all hairpins and hair accessories before submerging under the water or actively swimming.

No Bandaids, bandages, or athletic tape is allowed in the pool.

All infants and toddlers must wear waterproof swim diapers at all times in the water. Cloth and disposable diapers are not permitted in the pool due to safety concerns. This rule also applies to any child under three years old, any child not toilet trained, and anyone who lacks control of defecation shall wear a water-resistant swim diaper and leakproof swimwear.

Food & Beverages:

Concessions and sundries will be available at the Pool Shack for member account charge  or credit card payment, at your convenience.  

Residents & Pool Members are allowed to bring their own refreshments, but NO GLASS  CONTAINERS are allowed on the premises. (DHEC)  

No food is permitted in the pool or to be placed on the decking edges around the inside of  the pool.

No beverages in wide-mouth cups are permitted to be on the decking edges around the  inside of the pool. Permitted items include open cans, plastic drink bottles, and reusable  drinkware with straws or a sipping lid. 

Alcoholic beverages that are not purchased on site are not allowed inside the clubhouse,  on the wooden deck, or in the parking lot. Koozies are encouraged for alcoholic beverage  cans. Please refer to the Gatewood Club B.Y.O.B. policy for more information.  

For Pool Parties Bookings, please refer to our Pool Party Policy.

Occasionally, when the entire Clubhouse or the pool is rented for a special event private  party, it may result in the early closure of the pool. The Clubhouse will limit these  occasions to no more than 2 times per month and evening hours only. This would also  include any private pool parties, which may be permitted on Monday and Tuesday nights  only.  

Entire facility rentals may vary as to the day but still have an evening requirement. On  these occasions, notice will be posted at the pool prior, and membership alerted on the  calendar and via email. Extended pool hours with staff will be offered at alternative times  as a courtesy to members within one week.  

If you have any questions regarding any of these policies please contact Gatewood Clubhouse at 864-223-6450.

Gatewood Pool Float Policy

➢ Large floats designed for multiple swimmers
➢ Large raft or boat-style floats
➢ Floats that sit high out of the water or have extensions that can block the view of the pool

The following floats will be allowed Monday – Thursday in the middle and deep end and ONLY when less than 30 patrons are in the pool. Friday – Sunday they will be allowed at the discretion of Pool Staff based on the conditions applied above.

Small individual floats that do not sit high out of the water are always allowed unless otherwise directed by the Pool Staff.

The following floats will be allowed at all times:

• Pool Noodles
• Flotation devices used for the safety of small children
• Pool Saddles
• Noodle-style chairs that put the swimmer sitting deep into the water and that do not have leg supports. These can be found by searching – pool noodle chairs – and have various names like, “Noodle Sling”, “Noodle Seat”, etc.

Our goal is to provide a safe and enjoyable swimming environment for everyone.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.