Ways Your HOA Prepares For the Summer

Summer is a very busy time of year. There is a of home maintenance that is routinely required by both the HOA and residents. While homeowners are busy mowing, mulching, painting their homes and cleaning the garage, your HOA is busy, too.

Behind the scenes here are 5 things your HOA is doing to keep the community amenities running smoothly for your enjoyment.

1. Community Pool: Your HOA board or community association manager will have the swimming pool inspected, cleaned and serviced to ensure the pool is cleaned and safely maintained for the summer swimming season.

Loose debris, such as leaves, dirt, wrappers, plastic and more will find its way into your swimming pool. Though this debris floats on the surface for a while, it eventually breaks down and sinks to the bottom of your pool. This, in turn, can lead to an algae build-up and stain the plastering of your pool. This is why regular skimming during the summer months is a must.

Chemical levels are arguably one of the most important facets of pool maintenance. Improperly balanced water looks murky, irritates skin and eyes, and can cause your pool to become a breeding ground for bacteria. As a general rule-of-thumb, a swimming pool’s chemistry must be checked twice a week, most especially during the summer.

2. Landscaping: There will be a lot of cleanup going on after the effects of winter on the outdoor community lawn area. Your HOA will call the landscape service and have the lawn mowed and ready for summer. Your association management may need to replant fresh plants and lay a fresh layer of mulch in community landscaped areas.

There will be times throughout the day that are useless when it comes to watering the community lawn because the water will evaporate before it reaches the roots. The best time to water is in the early morning, while temperatures are lower and plants can make better use of the hydration— your roots will thank you. Additionally, during the hotter parts of the day, many plants go dormant. This means that water consumption is neither adequate nor efficient.

In addition, never allow weeds to grow, especially if you're trying to get a garden underway. Dandelions, for example, though enjoyed thoroughly by children, can be invasive and problematic, detracting overall appeal from the yard. Consider spraying pre-emergent herbicide within all garden beds to save time and trouble.

3. Update contracts with vendor: If your HOA and community have any contracts with outside companies, be sure to ensure that those contracts are up-to-date before the spring/summer begins and the services are utilized the most.

4. Prepare Amenities For Use: Your HOA will prepare communities outdoor amenities for summer use. This means ensuring playground areas, picnic areas and community leisure activity areas are safe and ready for use. Making sure grills have gas and are in working order.

One of the most requested amenities for HOAS is a gym. Maintaining this amenity is important, as it’s a hot spot for germs. According to Fitness Magazine, free weights (dumbbells, weight plates, kettlebells), weight machines, and exercise balls are the biggest culprits of cold bugs and viruses. Other germy areas include yoga/exercise mats, gym towels, water bottles, and cardio machines (treadmills, elliptical machines, spinning bikes).

The HOA community clubhouse is often rentable for holiday parties and other get-togethers. Restock bathroom paper towels and toilet paper. Clean bathroom mirrors, all windows, and glass doors with glass cleaner. Wipe down sinks, faucets, tables, doorknobs, and door handles daily with disinfectant. Sweep debris from entryway. Vacuum carpet or sweep hardwood floors. Report broken furniture to the homeowners association for replacement or repair. Organize storage room. Double-check the first aid kit and fire extinguisher for expiration dates, and replace as necessary.

5. Contact the members: It's a great time for the HOA to send a summer notice or email about safety reminders and summer news.