Pool Police

It is HOT in Texas! So much so, that the only way to be outside, is poolside. So, that's where we've been. Everyday. At the pool.

We're fortunate to have a neighborhood pool. It is managed by the Home Owner's Association, to whom we pay mucho dinero each quarter, for the privilege to not only use the pool, but live in our neighborhood. Yes, that's right. HOA dues are not optional. They are mandatory.

Paying HOA dues means you have access to the pool. With an electronic key that is also managed by the HOA. The kicker is, that you have be current on your dues to maintain access to the pool.

Herein lies the problem. Not everyone keeps their dues paid up. And, in effect, I have become the Pool Police.

I've had several instances when people have come up to the gate standing there asking me to release the gate from the inside. I ask them where their key is. They say they either forgot it, it won't work (i.e. their access has been revoked) or whatever excuse they can come up with to get inside the gate.

I am not a mean person. I am, however a rule follower. I refuse to open the gate for anyone who doesn't have a key. I don't care if someone else does it. But, I won't.

See, the deal is this. We have to PAY to maintain our privilege. If you choose NOT to pay, then, in effect, you are choosing NOT to swim. Why should I cater to your disregard?

The second thing... for some reason our pool attracts people who don't live in our neighborhood. I don't know why. Perhaps it is because other residents willingly allow people to enter the pool area without a key... (See? It is a vicious cycle!) The other day, I was sitting there with the girls and we were the only people there. A family of 6 kids and one adult came to the gate and asked me to let them in. "Where's your key?" I said. "We just moved here and we didn't get one," they say. I reply, "You should have received your key when you moved in. I'm sorry you don't have a key, but I can't let you in."

They left. Screeching out of the parking lot, blaring on the horn and cussin' me out as they drove away. (Something tells me that they didn't actually live here. Yes?)

So, the burning question is... am I just too extreme in my rule following? Or should I relax and allow a few people here and there to cool off in the pool and spend a little time outdoors? What do you think?