Since our last major correspondence circulated to all members on May 6 (ref: Look-Ahead #3), the Commonwealth of Virginia has issued Executive Order 79, effective May 28 (the day before the Greenbriar Pool Club's opening day), which explicitly terminates Executive Order 72 that had imposed social distancing and capacity restrictions on swimming pools. This change represents a significant loosening of Covid-19 related restrictions and, as such, the Board no longer sees a need for the limitations described in the Look-Ahead #3 correspondence (e.g., headcount limitations, social distancing). However, Executive Order 79 still requires persons to wear masks in accordance with CDC guidance (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html).

The Board desires that all members feel safe attending the pool, particularly those that cannot be vaccinated. To do that, we’re adding two new pool rules for the 2021 season:

All persons must comply with pool restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
All persons must be respectful of other persons desire for social distancing.

You will note meaningful changes from the below planned operating procedures for the Pool from those described in the May 6 correspondence. The below processes cover the Board's plans for the first two weeks of the pool operations (opening weekend of May 29 through June 11).

Required Preparation of Member Accounts: Please remember to complete the preparatory work in Member Splash (Pay your maintenance fee, list all household persons, upload their pictures, sign waivers for adults) by May 28th. This will make the check-in process go smoothly.

Pool Capacity: There will be no headcount restriction on the Pool's capacity, which is two hundred and forty-eight (248) people (as determined by the Fairfax County Fire Marshal).

Guests: Guests will not be permitted during opening weekend (Saturday-Monday). They will be permitted at other times. There will be no limits on the amount of guests permitted per membership (capacity permitting), and all guest passes must be purchased in advance using Member Splash.

Initial Pool Scheduling Blocks on First Two Weekends: Historically the pool has reached capacity opening weekend. To ensure that everyone has an opportunity to use the Pool on opening weekend, the Board has decided to proceed, for the first two weekends, with breaking the swim day on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday into two-hour scheduling blocks, with one hour and 45 minutes (1:45:00) available for swimming, and fifteen minutes (0:15:00) between blocks. This means that when the guards blow the whistle and direct users to exit the Pool, all patrons must exit the Pool. Members may re-enter if there is available capacity in the next block of time. A typical weekend day would be divided as shown below:

9:00-10:45 - Early block on Saturday mornings (no swim meet)
11:00-12:45 - Block 1
1:00-2:45 - Block 2
3:00-4:45 - Block 3
5:00-6:45 - Block 4
7:00-Close - Block 5

Adult Break: As in prior years, a 15 minute “adults-only” break will remain in place during the first hour of every block. Guards will blow the whistle at 45 minutes past every hour, and tell swimmers whether it’s an adults-only swim or the end of a scheduling block where patrons must exit the facility. The Board anticipates discontinuing the scheduling blocks concept and optional reservations (see the next topic) after June 7. These protocols may be re-introduced for busy weekends in the future such as the 4th of July or Labor Day.

Optional Reservation System: For the first two weekends, the Board will offer the members the ability to make a reservation using Member Splash, for a particular scheduling block. A person may reserve two scheduling blocks per day, no more than four days in advance. By May 25, members will receive a message with instructions on how to use the optional Member Splash reservation system. The Board anticipates suspending the scheduling blocks and optional reservations after June 7, but they may be used for busy weekends in the future such as the 4th of July or Labor Day.

Initial Pool Schedule on Weekdays: There will be no blocks of time on weekdays after Memorial Day. However, swim and dive practice may limit the use of the dive well and the main lap lanes between 3:30 and closing. We expect that the full width of the pool (all six lap lanes) will be used daily between 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM to provide adequate distancing for our youngest unvaccinated swimmers. The wings and baby pool will be open during this time, and once school ends swim practice will take place in the mornings before the pool opens for general use.

Weekend Check-in Process Walk-Through: The schedule below lists the series of steps that people will use to check in and enter the pool, depending on if they have made an optional reservation or not. This will address the first session of the Saturday, and the pattern will repeat for every scheduling block.

8:30 or earlier - Parking lot gates open
8:45 - Members with a reservation may check in with the guards , and each member who wishes to check in MUST be present. Members, once they are checked in, will receive a ticket and be told that they'll be able to enter the pool through the gates on the west side of the clubhouse at 9:00. A reservation not claimed by the start of the scheduling block (9:00 AM) will be forfeited.
8:45 - Members without a reservation may begin to form a line to check in. One person may hold space for other people in their membership, but not for any others.
9:00 - The west gates will be opened. Members with a ticket can walk in through the gates, drop their ticket in a container, and use the pool.
9:05 - The west gates will be closed, and the check-in process will move to the main entrance, and the check-in process will begin for folks waiting in line, who will enter the pool through the locker rooms. Anyone with a reservation ticket who missed the entrance through the west gates may also enter through the main gate by dropping off their ticket and proceeding through the locker rooms. Folks may enter until the pool is at capacity, at which point they may wait for someone to leave the pool and make capacity.
9:45 – The guards will announce the start of the Adults-Only Break. Adults and parents/caregivers with up to two children under age 10 within arms reach may continue to use the pool.
10:00 – Resume normal swim.
10:45 - The guards will give the command to exit the facility, and all users must exit to the parking lot while the guards begin preparing the facility for the next scheduling block.
10:45 - Members with reservations for the 11:00 block may begin to check in and get their tickets, and those without reservations may begin forming a separate line for check-in at 11:05.

Weekday Check-in Process: Since there are no scheduling blocks nor optional reservations on weekdays, the usual process will be used. Check-in with the guard at the main pool house entrance with your membership certificate number. As long as the pool is under capacity, members and their guests will be admitted.

Screening: All pool users will be asked to verify that they do not have a fever, COVID symptoms, or exposure to COVID in the prior 14 days.

Private Parties: No private parties will be allowed during the first two weeks of June. The Board will review and revise this decision as we monitor usage during the first two weeks.

Snack Bar: It is unlikely that the Snack Bar will open this season, due to the long lead time required to hire and train workers. The Board will look at alternatives for this season, such as vending machines and food trucks.

Special Activities: There are no special activities planned for the first two weeks. However, with the relaxation of restrictions, the Board anticipates special activities during the season, and can use volunteers. Please contact Bethany (bethany@greenbriar.org) if you are interested. The Board will revise these operating conditions in response to the lessons we learn and changes in the limitations placed on us by the State and/or Fairfax County, and will notify members promptly on any changes.

Thank you for your attention to this important message, and we look forward to a successful season. Should you have issues accessing Member Splash to set up your account, you may contact the Pool Administrator at pool@greenbriar.org or call (703) 378-4421.

Regards,
The Greenbriar Pool Club Board of Directors