Pools

• Why do Tumlinson and Apache Pools operating hours differ each day?

   Each pool has an hour of designated pool use time on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. At Tumlinson pool on these days, the pool is open an extra hour (9 a.m. to 10 a.m.) for families with young children. The water slides will not be turned on, and the pool management company encourages this time be allotted to families with infants and toddlers wanting a quieter setting at the pool (though all ages will be admitted). At Apache pool on the same days, the pool is open an extra hour (8 p.m. to 9 p.m.) for lap swimming only. Recreational swimming will not be permitted and unaccompanied children will be sent home or asked to sit out (if waiting for transportation). The shallow area will permit infants and parents at this time, not adolescents. Normal operating hours at Tumlinson Pool are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Apache Pool. 

• If I have a problem with a staff member, whom do I call?

  Check with the on-site pool manager; and he/she should be able to resolve the issue most quickly.  The next step would be to contact the General Manager or call 512-259-0959.

• Are we allowed to wear street clothes in the pool?

  All swimmers must wear proper swim attire. No cutoff shorts or regular clothes are allowed. 

• Am I allowed to bring food to the pools?

  Yes, however, the food and beverages must be kept in designated areas at least 6 ft from the pool edge.  Food and drinks are not allowed in the pool or at the pool edge.

• Can my kids bring their pool toys?

  While some pool toys are permitted, others are not. Residents and guests are welcome to bring small items such as diving rings, soft (saturating) balls, and small inflatables for person use (including noodles). However, the use of items such as large inflatables (including lounger mats), water guns, water balloons, hard balls (soccer balls, footballs, volleyballs, etc.), and toys with small/detachable pieces (LEGOs, dolls, etc.) are prohibited at both swimming pools.  Swimming aides such as life vests, kick-boards, goggles and swimming fins are also acceptable, though fins should only be worn in-water, and “mermaid tails” are prohibited. 

• How do I register for a pool tag?

  You can register for your pool tag by completing this form; once complete, you can turn the form in to the staff at the Walker House. Please also have your utility account number ready or written on the form.

  Download the form

• How many visitors or guests am I allowed to bring?

  Each household may bring up to five (5) guests per day. Guests will be required to execute an Application and Release. If the guest is under the age of 18, the Application and Release must be signed by their parent or legal guardian.  “A maximum of 10 persons will be admitted in each group (family and guests combined), and households may not have multiple groups.”
  

• What is the MUD weather policy for the pools that would cause the pool to close outside of normal operating hours?

  As a precautionary measure the pool will close for at least 30 minutes when  lightning or thunder is present and will remain closed 30 minutes past the last sighting of lightning or sound of thunder in accordance with the National Lightning Safety Institute recommendations. If severe weather is present and forecasted to continue throughout the day, the pool may be closed for the remainder of the day. If the pool closes it will be communicated on social media and the District’s website. 
  
  If the pool becomes contaminated with vomit, fecal matter or any other hazard, then the pool will be closed for at least one hour, depending on the severity of the contamination, while the lifeguards clean up the contamination and raise the chlorine levels to rid the pool of any bio-hazard. If the pool is closed, signs will be posted on the gates. If the pool closes, please leave the pool as soon requested to do so. 

• How often is the pool cleaned?

  The pools are cleaned twice a week during off season hours and three times a week during summer hours by the pool management company. After significant weather or contamination events, the pool is also cleaned. While you might observe lifeguards using skimmers or emptying the trash collection baskets from time to time, this is not their responsibility so please do not question the lifeguards about the cleanliness of the pool. If you would like to report the pool needing cleaning, please email the MUD General Manager or call 512-259-0959.

• If I leave the pool to go to my car, is it okay to ask the lifeguards to watch my child?

  No, lifeguards are on duty to watch the swimmers in the pool and be at their stations in case someone in the pool gets in distress.  Any deviation from their assigned duties is not allowed. It is the parent’s responsibility to watch their children at all times. 

• When are chemicals added to the pool?

  Chemicals are constantly added to the pool through automated feeders. 

• How old do you have to be to come to the pool by yourself?

  The minimum age to enter the pool by yourself is 13 years old. There is one exception to that rule: children under 13 but at least aged 10 may enter the pool alone if they have passed a swim test if they are 10 and older.

• What is the minimum height to ride the slide?

  The minimum height required to ride the slide is 48 inches. There will be no exceptions to the height requirement. 

• Why is there a height restriction to ride the slides?

  The manufacturer of the slide determines safety standards and the height restrictions based on the splash zone and water velocity.

• Will I need to wear a mask while I’m at the pool?

  Wearing masks is encouraged outside of the pool but not mandatory. 

• Why would the pool be closed other than a weather-related or contamination incident?

  The Tidal Wave Swim Team will be holding Saturday meets three or four times during the summer.

• Why are there 911 phone boxes installed at each pool?

  As per the WCHD permit, the District was required to install 911 call boxes  outside both pools and in case someone needs to call for an emergency. Please watch your children around these call boxes. The box will directly call 911 when  receiver is picked up.  Addresses for each facility are located on the boxes in  case someone needed to call for any emergency. 

• How do I rent the pool for private parties?

  Pool rental or reservation request should be sent to the Block House MUD at reservations@blockhousemudtx.gov to begin the process.

• When will I need a babysitter to accompany my child to the pool?

  Kids that are under the age of 10, or kids that are under 13 and cannot pass a swim test require a parent or guardian to be with them at all times. Alternatively,  a babysitter (aged 16 and older) can accompany a child in lieu of a legal guardian.

• Who can babysit my child at the pool?

  Any person 16 years of age or older (resident or non-resident) can serve as a  babysitter. However, an individual must have completed an Exhibit M form with  all required signatures prior to serving as a babysitter. Exhibit M forms are also available at the pools.