Pools and Ponds — By Trent Nelson of SOLitude Lake Management — W


e all benefit from time spent around the water. Whether it’s in the form of lakes, ponds, or even swimming pools, science


proves that water instils a sense of peace and tranquillity within each of us. HOAs often contain all three of these water resources, but proper management and safety precautions are required to reap the benefits. Without it, these aquatic ecosystems may become a danger and detriment to your community.


This article addresses some common questions and safety concerns expressed by community association managers and homeowners in communities where water is a focal point.


Is Our Community Pond Safe for Swimming?


How can we tell? The best approach for validating safe water is periodic water quality analysis. Professional water quality consultants can identify problematic conditions, such as poor dissolved oxygen levels or imbalanced pH, and help determine the best management strategy to make it recreationally safe. There are also some visual ways to determine if a pond is safe for swimming.


14 Community Associations Journal | March 2022 Depth of Ponds and Lakes


Deep water can be beneficial in lakes and ponds. In fact, deeper water is usually desirable. Greater depths are associated with fewer flooding events, more abundant fish and wildlife, and, in some cases, fewer algae and odor problems. Lakes and ponds with more depth are also deemed “younger,” meaning they shouldn’t require


Using basic observatory skills and judgment, some “red flags” of unsafe waters can indicate the need for water quality testing. Water color is a good primary indicator of water quality; if it is noticeably different or unusual (i.e. green, soupy-looking), there is likely an issue.


The best approach for validating safe water quality is periodic water analysis.


Although green water may indicate an algae bloom, not all algae are green and some can produce harmful toxins. Another red flag is the scent. Foul odors can be produced by harmful factors within the water body and can indicate that something is wrong. A visible fish kill or other wildlife impacts also signal that the waterbody is unfit for use and may need water quality tests.


Safety Standards & How to Stay Out Of Deep Water


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