HOA sends lengthy email detailing improper uses of their aquatic center, ranging from fireworks shows to public baptisms: ‘95% sure that was being done by the church I was going to’

Author image for Lana DeGaetano
Lana DeGaetano • "Show me to me please."
Oct 30, 2025 7:00 AM EDT

Life has a funny way of throwing surprises at you… For example, an HOA is actually in the right this time.

A homeowner's association is often assigned the role of villain because, let's face it, most of the time, they are. The HOA board picks on inoffensive homeowners who simply mind their own business and just want a basketball hoop in their driveway. Of course, homeowners often sign up to abide by a set list of rules when they join an HOA, but that doesn't mean the association can't also take advantage of their paying members.

In this story's case, however, we are taught that sometimes, HOAs have very valid reasons to crash out on their members. A former member of this specific HOA shares a very lengthy email that the HOA board sent to them and all other members. The HOA's aquatic center, apparently, was being misused in a myriad of ways, some of which are more outlandish and ridiculous than others. For example, public baptisms, watermelon tossing, and fireworks are only a few of the ways that members were misusing the HOA facilities. The watermelon makes some sense, since they're often greased up and used as a funny pool game. But, a baptism? You learn something new every day…

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  • 01
    people in swimming pool during daytime
    via Yiquan Zhang (Unsplash)

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 02

    "Pool Concerns - My former HOA's infamous email."

    Hey everyone! The other day, I was reminded of this email I got from my former HOA.
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 03
    I figured you all would like it. This email will never NOT be funny to me.
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 04
    Backstory: We received this email in this email back in 2011 when we were living in a new build community of single family homes outside of Phoenix, Arizona.
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 05
    One of the biggest selling points they tried to push on us when we were buying our home was this Aquatic Center, which, honestly, wasn't THAT impressive and we never once used it, but it was their pride and joy.
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 06
    We were some of the first people to move into this community back in 2010, and it was a nice little community, but it didn't take long for things to devolve enough to warrant this email.
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 07
    But yeah, I figured y'all would love to read about all the stuff that was going on at our Aquatic center!
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 08
    \--------- Pool Concerns Date: 7/11/2011 Dear\ [NEIGHBORHOOD\] Homeowners: The Aquatic Center at \ [NEIGHBORHOOD\] is a beautiful amenity.
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 09
    It is a place that fosters the opportunity to meet new neighbors and grow friendships all in an environment of fun water activities.
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 10
    In many instances, home buyers made their final decision to purchase in the \[NEIGHBORHOOD\] community based on the availability of the Aquatic Center and all the fun-filled opportunities it provided.
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 11
    Unfortunately, several situations have recently occurred at the Aquatic Center that are of concern to the Board of Directors, the management company and most importantly witnessing community members.
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 12
    This beautiful facility is owned by the homeowners association which means each homeowner in the community has a vested interest in the Aquatic Center.
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 13
    It is not owned by \[HOME BUILDER] as some owners have indicated. Therefore the short and long-term maintenance of the facility, as well as, the liability for the proper oversight of the facility is incumbent upon the association and its membership.
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 14
    Purposeful damages, increased general liability by non-residents and non-rule abiding residents which may cause lawsuits and additional cleaning and monitoring needs of the Aquatic Center fall upon all owners through increased assessments.
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 15
    Recent examples of misuse include and are not limited to the following: • Alcohol - this is a chronic problem.
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 16
    Please note that the Pool Rules explicitly indicate that no alcohol is allowed at the Aquatic Center.
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 17
    Homeowners should report public drinking to the police.. Bikes/Skateboards in the Pool/Splash Pad - Area The Pool Rules prohibit these items from being in the pool/splash pad area.
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 18
    There are bike racks in front of the • entrance. Large Parties - homeowners are inviting upwards of 20 - 30 guests to use the pool facility.
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 19
    The intent was for the facility to support fun for families and guest where the guests were limited in number.
    via ColoringBookDog
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    This ensures the use of the Aquatic Center by all. Use of Pool for a Baptism - The use of the Aquatic Center for large groups and religious functions is strictly prohibited.
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 21
    • Fireworks at the Pool - The \[HOA\] prohibits setting off fireworks in its common areas which includes the Aquatic Center and all community parks and greenbelts.
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 22
    · Rough Play \- a report of watermelon tossing in the swimming pool. Also, of riding bicycles off of the deck into the water.
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 23
    a watermelon sitting on top of a white table
    via Thomas Franke (Unsplash+)
  • 24
    • ⚫ Leaving Trash on Deck Areas and in Restrooms - Community members and their guests are expected to clean-up after themselves.
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 25
    Increase trash left in the pool area not only increases the monthly fees charged by the cleaning company but also provides for the opportunity for trash to blow about the community.
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 26
    • Unsupervised children defecating in the Pool and on the Restroom Floors - The Health Department REQUIRES that the pool be closed for 24- hours when such an incident occurs in the pool.
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 27
    In addition, there is an additional charge by the cleaning company to clean up such deliberate vandalism of the restrooms.
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 28
    Both incidents not only inconvenience those wishing to use the facility but also have the potential to cause increased assessments to ALL owners within the community.
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 29
    · Misuse of the BBQ Area - A witness observed someone lighting the BBQ grill with WD40.
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 30
    · Loud Music - The Pool Rules require that music be played at a reasonable level.
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 31
    • There was one report of a family that brought in live music. ⚫ The Windows of the Multi-Purpose Room Have Been Severely Scratched They will be expensive to replace.
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 32
    . ⚫ Underage Children at the Facility without their Parent's Supervision - Strictly prohibited by the Pool Rules and Regulations and in accordance with the Community's General Liability Insurance requirements.
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 33
    • · Residents from Other Communities being let in to the Facility \- They simply wait in the parking lot until someone (usually children) let them in.
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 34
    The Aquatic Center is for the strict use of community members and their invited guests. Others are not allowed to use the facility.
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 35
    Teens are seen climbing over the fence. Carving the Rubber Coating on the Picnic Tables with Sharp Objects - Such vandalism costs each owner in the form of repair and aesthetic eye sore.
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 36
    Homeowners are encouraged to advise Management of the names of residents that are in violation of the Pool Rules or cause damage to the facility so that proper follow-up can be done.
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 37
    Residents are also encouraged to call the Police when they see trespassing or illegal activity such as public drinking.
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 38
    When Management receives a report of a violation of any of the Community Rules, the Association will use all means available and as outlined in the CC&RS, Bylaws and Rules and Regulations which include but are not limited to suspending the card access key for the offending homeowner and imposing fines.
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 39
    Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS \. So the Baptism thing...
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 40
    I'm like... 95% sure that was being done by the Church I was going to at the time.
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 41
    They were known for doing "anywhere there is water" baptisms like that. The Pastor had even talked about doing baptisms in a pool at someone's house before during a sermon.
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 42
    The other churches in the area were LDS or churches did more traditional baptism. I do not attend this church anymore but I promise it's not because of this email.
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 43
    And before anyone asks, sadly I have not lived in that neighborhood since 2013 so I do not know the current state of the Aquatic Center.
    via ColoringBookDog
  • 44
    I hope my former neighbors wacky behavior and the resulting email made you laugh today. I've talked about sharing this here in the past I'm just getting around to it now <3
    via ColoringBookDog

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