Pool Area Rules

PURPOSE: The following rules and regulations provide a guide to assure public safety, equitable treatment of all patrons and to help protect facilities and equipment within all pools owned or operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority.

PROCESS: The following rules apply to conduct within all pools owned or operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA). Violation of any of these rules may subject the violator to ejection from the park.

POOL RULES:

1. Street shoes may not be worn on the pool deck.
   
2. A soap shower is required before entering the pool or spa.
   
3. Children under 10 must be directly supervised by an adult 16 years or older in the water or from the deck at all times.
   
4. Persons unable to swim 25 yards without stopping are not permitted in water above their shoulders.
   
5. Flotation devices are permitted, use by non-swimmers requires direct in the water adult supervision.
   
6. Other swimming aids or inflatable toys, are permitted at the aquatic supervisor's discretion.
   
7. Running, pushing, causing undue disturbance, or conduct that may endanger you or other patrons is prohibited.
   
8. No diving in water less than 5 feet deep.
   
9. No back dives, back jumps or flips, from the side of the pool.
   
10. Persons with skin infections, open wounds, nasal or ear discharge, or any communicable disease are not permitted in the pool.
    
11. Infants/children not toilet trained and incontinent adults must wear swim suit diapers or snug plastic pants under their swim suits. Diapers (cloth and disposable) are prohibited.
    
12. Spitting and nose blowing into the pool or onto the deck is prohibited.
    
13. Food, drinks, glass containers or breakable objects of any kind are not permitted in the pool area or locker rooms.
    
14. Only bathing suits or alternatives approved by the aquatic supervisor may be worn in the pool or spa.
    
15. Ball playing is prohibited on the pool deck. Inflatable beach balls and sponge balls are allowed in the pool during uncrowded conditions and at the discretion of the Aquatic Supervisor.
    
16. Masks, snorkels and fins may be used at the guard's discretion based upon swimmer proficiency.
17. Socializing with or distracting the lifeguard on duty is prohibited.
    
18. Injuries occurring within the pool area or locker rooms must be reported to the lifeguard or Duty Manager immediately.
    
19. Lap lanes are to be used only by persons swimming laps or water walking.
20. Use of starting blocks is restricted to approve swim meets and practices only. Unauthorized individuals are not permitted on the starting blocks.
    
21. In the event it is required to evacuate the pool area, customers will follow the direction of the lifeguards.
    
22. No person shall use the pool unless it is officially open and a lifeguard is in the stand.
    
23. Only authorized staff are allowed in the filter rooms, chemical storage rooms, guards, first aid and manager office.
    
24. The actions and conduct of an organized group are the responsibility of the group leader(s). Misconduct of individuals may result in dismissal of the group.

DIVING BOARD RULES:

1. One person on the diving board and ladder at a time.
2. Wait until the proceeding diver has cleared the area before diving.
3. Swim directly to the nearest ladder and leave the pool.
4. Dive straight off the end of the board.
5. Only one bounce per dive permitted.
6. Cartwheels and handstands are prohibited.
7. Goggles and flotation devices may not be worn going off the board.

WADING/TOT POOL RULES

1. Only children 6 and under are permitted in the Tot Pool.
2. An adult 16 years or older must accompany children within the fenced area at all times.
3. Infants/children not toilet trained must wear swim suit diapers or tight fitting plastic pants beneath their swim suit. Diapers (cloth or disposable) are prohibited.

SPA RULES

GUIDELINES:
Temperature: 102-104° F.
Maximum use per sitting: 15 minutes
Maximum use per day: 30 minutes

1. The maximum patron load is not to exceed the number posted at each facility. The maximum load varies from site to site based on surface area of the spa in accordance with guidelines from the Fairfax County Health Department.
2. Spa users must be at least 16 years old.
3. Soap shower required before entering the spa. It is also advised that a soap shower be taken after using the spa.
4. Persons with skin disease, open wounds, nasal or ear discharge, inflamed eyes or any communicable disease are not allowed in the spa.
5. Observe time limit to avoid nausea, dizziness, fainting, and heat stroke.
6. Pregnant women and persons suffering from heart disease, diabetes, high or low blood pressure should not enter the spa without prior medical consultation.
7. Do not use the whirlpool while under the influence of any type of alcohol, drugs, anticoagulants, antihistamines, vasoconstrictors, vasodilators, stimulants, hypnotics, narcotics, or tranquilizers.
8. Submerging your head under water is not advised, doing so increases the danger of hyperthermia.
9. Enter and exit slowly at designated access areas only.
10. Use of the swimming pool immediately after exiting the whirlpool could cause symptoms of nausea or shock.

SAUNA RULES:

GUIDELINES:
Temperature: 180 - 200° F.
Humidity: 10 - 15% (dry heat)
Maximum use per sitting: 15 minutes
Maximum use per day: 0 minutes

1. Sauna users must be at least 16 years old.
2. Out of courtesy to others and for your protection, users are required to wear a bathing suit or towel.
3. The sauna is an electrical appliance, do not pour liquid on the rocks or place newspapers, towels, or any combustible material on the heater or guard fence.
4. Pregnant women and persons suffering from heart disease, diabetes, high or low blood pressure should not enter the sauna without prior medical consultation.
5. Do not use the sauna while under the influence of any type of alcohol, drugs, anticoagulants, antihistamines, vasoconstrictor, vasodilators, stimulants, hypnotics, narcotics, or tranquilizers.
6. If you feel faint or dizzy in the sauna, leave the room immediately.
7. All metal jewelry should be removed prior to entering the sauna.
8. Drink plenty of fluids before and after leaving the sauna.

LOCKER ROOM RULES

1. Children 7 years of age and over are required to use the locker room of their gender. A family/accessible dressing room is available to anyone who may need assistance changing. Please limit use to 20 minutes.
2. Take a soap shower before entering the pool or spa.
3. Food, drinks, glass containers or breakable objects are not permitted in the locker rooms.
4. No Loitering.
5. Do not leave personal belongings on benches or in the changing stalls.
6. FCPA is not responsible for lost or stolen articles.
7. In order to maintain a safe and sanitary facility, patrons are encouraged to shave at home. If your schedule does not permit this please be careful and considerate of other users and dispose of razors in the trash container.