S.A. from Montgomery County, Ohio writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
I live in a 100-unit high rise that is 50 years old. It was built with a whirlpool as an amenity for all owners. It went into disrepair 12 years ago and was not fixed. What are the current recommendations and public health issues related to a whirlpool that is operated by the condo association?
Mister Condo replies:
S.A., I am not sure why your association let a whirlpool amenity remain out of service for so long. I am guessing that a rooftop whirlpool is a highly desirable amenity that many residents would enjoy, especially given that it sits atop your high-rise condo and likely has some amazing views. That being said, your local Health Department is likely your best resource for the state of use for pools, hot tubs, whirlpools and other close proximity amenities. The resurgence of COVID-19 and variants has put many community associations back on alert and the trend is that close proximity amenities are either being closed or restricted to residents only (no guests). Depending on the association’s ability to monitor their use, it is often easier to temporarily close the amenity. In the case of your whirlpool, it really doesn’t matter because if isn’t operational. I would definitely talk to the Board and find out what their plans are for reopening the whirlpool. My guess is that the expense is significant but that shouldn’t be the only deciding factor. The amenity is part and parcel of what owners expect. It should be operational for when the pandemic is over. Hopefully, soon! All the best!