P.S. from Broward County, Florida writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
Our management company is refusing to provide chairs on the pool deck in a limited capacity, observing all social distancing requirements, despite allowance /directives from Broward County.
Mister Condo replies:
P.S., I am sorry to hear that your pool deck isn’t being properly equipped. COVID-19 has created many challenges for HOAs all across the country but especially in Florida where outdoor amenities like pools are in such high demand from unit owners and residents. At the end of the day, it is the association, led by the Board of Directors, who bears the ultimate responsibility for the safety of anyone using the association pool. The management company answers to them. All answer to the Broward County government with regards to following proper protocols for keeping the pool open. If the association isn’t following the protocols to the letter, they are at risk of having their pool shut down, being fined, and/or creating a liability that the association wouldn’t be covered for in the event a lawsuit came up over the issue. My advice is to contact the Board of Directors and ask them to take swift and definitive action immediately. They even have the option of closing the pool if the management company is unable or unwilling to comply with the County directives. Better to close the pool than expose the association and residents to unnecessary risk. They can later decide if/when they can safely reopen the pool. Good luck!