Estate (urbanización) pool and garden etiquette and rules

Key rules

• Two layers: Health rules come from your region or town, while season, hours and guests are set by your community.
• Get it in writing: Ask the administrator for the community's internal rules before using the pool.
• Tenants: If you rent, you must follow the community rules, so ask your landlord for a copy.
• Guests: Guest limits and fees vary by community, so check before inviting people.

Season dates, hours, guest limits and conduct rules vary by community, so confirm them with your administrator and the health rules with your town hall.

Your estate's own rules come first

The pool and gardens are run by your community of owners. Season, opening hours, guest limits and conduct rules differ from one urbanización to the next, so do not assume what your last home allowed. Find the written rules before your first swim.

Pool rules have two layers. Regional or municipal health rules cover safety and hygiene, such as water quality and whether a lifeguard is needed. The community's own rules cover the practical side: season, hours and guests. Ask your administrator which rules come from which layer if a dispute starts.

How to get the rules

1. Ask the community administrator (administrador) or the president for the community's internal rules (reglamento de régimen interior) and the statutes.
2. If you rent, ask your landlord for a copy. Landlords normally have to pass these on, and you are expected to follow them.
3. Look at the notice board by the pool gate. Season dates and hours are often posted there.
4. Check with your town hall about health rules for pools. They are set regionally or locally.

What to ask before you plan your summer

• Season: the dates the pool opens and closes. The community decides these, usually around late spring to early autumn, but confirm your own dates.
• Hours: opening and closing times, and any quiet hours at lunchtime or at night.
• Guests: whether guests are allowed, how many per home, and whether you need a pass or pay a fee.
• Lifeguard: whether one is provided and when. If there is none, you swim at your own risk and children need an adult.
• Access: whether you need a key, card or wristband, and how to replace it.

Some communities also bar owners who are behind with their community fees from using the pool. Ask if this applies.

Everyday etiquette

Typical rules in estates, which you should check against yours:

• Shower before you get in.
• Wear proper swimwear. Street clothes and bare feet from the street are often not allowed in the water.
• No glass near the pool. Use plastic or cans.
• Keep children supervised by an adult at all times.
• Keep music low and respect quiet hours.
• Do not reserve loungers with towels for hours.
• Pets are often banned from the pool area.
• Take your rubbish with you.

Gardens

Gardens are shared space. Do not pick plants, use the lawns for loud games or leave belongings out unless the rules allow it. Barbecues are often banned for fire safety, so ask before lighting one.

If there is a problem

Speak to the administrator first. Repeated breaches can lead to a warning from the community and, in serious cases, to formal action. Raise rule changes at the next owners' meeting. If you rent, ask your landlord to put the point on the agenda.