Why is the pool so expensive?

I've only lived here for a few years and every year I go to sign up for the pool I get sticker shock. What gives?

Why am I paying the same for my family of 3 as a family of 9? Why is a guest pass so absurdly expensive? Why do they close the pool in the middle of the day and make you leave and come back later?


The pool is not subsidized by the town or in any way, so the members pay the full cost.  They close the pool between the end of lessons and open swim to clean it and so the staff can have lunch after teaching.


That reminds me.  Early bird ending April 1.  I'm in Maplewood, but I think I might register for South Orange Pool.  I like the proximity to the tennis courts.


That's makes sense regarding not being subsidized and it's all well and good, but it doesn't explain why someone with a family of 3 pays the same as a family of 9. Perhaps they need to look into changing their pricing model to something a little more realistic?

Also, I don't think I've ever been to a pool that shuts down midday for that, for what we pay the pool should be open all day. The pool where I spent my youth was open from 8am-dark. 

max_weisenfeld said:

The pool is not subsidized by the town or in any way, so the members pay the full cost.  They close the pool between the end of lessons and open swim to clean it and so the staff can have lunch after teaching.



My experience is if you use the pool a lot over the season, it's a great deal. If you only use it here and there, it feels less worthwhile.

Most families are between 2 and 5 people, so comparing your situation to 9 people really isn't going to be very productive. There are very few families at that large size, so doubling the cost for them isn't going to raise enough revenues to lower the cost for you.


I agree that there should be some difference in pricing for a family of 4 versus a family of 8.  One option we appreciate is being able to join just for August.

Rather than raising membership fees, perhaps its time to increase the price of swim lessons.  $25 for a week is a bargain.  We could charge $50 a week and it would still be a great deal.  10 lessons at most indoor pools cost over $150.   

In my opinion, it is imperative that everyone learns how to swim.  Families who are below a certain income threshold could continue to pay $25.


Why not price per person? You go to a movie with 5 people, you buy 5 tickets. Why not have a system that works that way?

apple44 said:

My experience is if you use the pool a lot over the season, it's a great deal. If you only use it here and there, it feels less worthwhile.

Most families are between 2 and 5 people, so comparing your situation to 9 people really isn't going to be very productive. There are very few families at that large size, so doubling the cost for them isn't going to raise enough revenues to lower the cost for you.




angelak said:

That reminds me.  Early bird ending April 1.  I'm in Maplewood, but I think I might register for South Orange Pool.  I like the proximity to the tennis courts.

Can you do that? I don't think that's allowed, is it?


It's an option in the drop-down menu on the Maplewood Pool registration page.  Maplewood pricing, not SO.


In South Orange they have a deed restriction that prevents charging users more than the nominal cost for Rec IDs.  But it is being paid for somehow.  I'm sure that the actual cost of operation for both pools is similar.  And the alternative is for everyone to pay for it via their taxes, and I'm sure you would hear screams about that if it came to pass.  From what I've heard (but I haven't done the research to verify), the cost of our pool is similar to other community/town pools in the area (with the exception of SO because of it's special situation.)  Does anyone know otherwise?



angelak said:

It's an option in the drop-down menu on the Maplewood Pool registration page.  Maplewood pricing, not SO.

That makes sense. I didn't realize it was an option. 


True, but there are many situations where members of a family don't use the pool as much as other members - one works a lot, a kid is older and does something different etc. And some people go and sit, but don't swim or use the showers. So any system is going to have some inequity and have people suggesting it should be priced differently. Maybe your idea is better, I don't know.

als4532 said:

Why not price per person? You go to a movie with 5 people, you buy 5 tickets. Why not have a system that works that way?

apple44 said:

My experience is if you use the pool a lot over the season, it's a great deal. If you only use it here and there, it feels less worthwhile.

Most families are between 2 and 5 people, so comparing your situation to 9 people really isn't going to be very productive. There are very few families at that large size, so doubling the cost for them isn't going to raise enough revenues to lower the cost for you.




sac said:

And the alternative is for everyone to pay for it via their taxes, and I'm sure you would hear screams about that if it came to pass.  

I'm glad we pay for the pool through our taxes in SO, even though I never go. I see it as part of the commons. The Maplewood pool is $470 for the season for a family (early-bird price). That's real money for a lower-income family. I'm happy to pay my $50/year (or whatever) for the pool so everyone can enjoy it.



kthnry said:



sac said:

And the alternative is for everyone to pay for it via their taxes, and I'm sure you would hear screams about that if it came to pass.  

I'm glad we pay for the pool through our taxes in SO, even though I never go. I see it as part of the commons. The Maplewood pool is $470 for the season for a family (early-bird price). That's real money for a lower-income family. I'm happy to pay my $50/year (or whatever) for the pool so everyone can enjoy it.

$30 early registration per person in the household.

I'd love to know more about the grant that paid for the South Orange pool. When it happened, who gave it and how it's structured.


Giving a cursory glance at a few other towns.

Livingston pool for the Couple with 1 child resident early bird pass is $227. Family early bird which is two parents and as many kids 1-24 living at home cost $340. Millburn/Short Hills has Gero Park which has tennis and golf and pool. Pool only membership for a family is $290. You can add golf and tennis for $90 and $63 respectively. Union has daily rates of $5 for adults and $4 for under those 17. Berkeley Heights Swim Club is $550 for a family. They also have a YMCA public pool which is $550 for a family.


We're basically in the 4th quintile of pricing of these. Additionally, many of these pools have daily rates between $5-20 for anyone to show up and swim. We don't have that unless you're a guest. I find $15bguest fee to be astronomical as well. $5 is reasonable, IMO.


sac said:

In South Orange they have a deed restriction that prevents charging users more than the nominal cost for Rec IDs.  But it is being paid for somehow.  I'm sure that the actual cost of operation for both pools is similar.  And the alternative is for everyone to pay for it via their taxes, and I'm sure you would hear screams about that if it came to pass.  From what I've heard (but I haven't done the research to verify), the cost of our pool is similar to other community/town pools in the area (with the exception of SO because of it's special situation.)  Does anyone know otherwise?



I believe there is a Maplewood Pool Committee you can join, or contact to make suggestions.  I really think the pricing is reflective of pretty careful consideration.  Who knows how much of taxes in more affluent towns go to recreation?  Unless you know the details, complaining and comparing is pretty useless.  Union may not be more affluent, but they have a large commercial tax base.

als4532 said:

Giving a cursory glance at a few other towns.


Livingston pool for the Couple with 1 child resident early bird pass is $227. Family early bird which is two parents and as many kids 1-24 living at home cost $340. Millburn/Short Hills has Gero Park which has tennis and golf and pool. Pool only membership for a family is $290. You can add golf and tennis for $90 and $63 respectively. Union has daily rates of $5 for adults and $4 for under those 17. Berkeley Heights Swim Club is $550 for a family. They also have a YMCA public pool which is $550 for a family.



We're basically in the 4th quintile of pricing of these.




sac said:

In South Orange they have a deed restriction that prevents charging users more than the nominal cost for Rec IDs.  But it is being paid for somehow.  I'm sure that the actual cost of operation for both pools is similar.  And the alternative is for everyone to pay for it via their taxes, and I'm sure you would hear screams about that if it came to pass.  From what I've heard (but I haven't done the research to verify), the cost of our pool is similar to other community/town pools in the area (with the exception of SO because of it's special situation.)  Does anyone know otherwise?



That is actually why I started this thread. I wanted to know what "careful consideration" goes into the cost. So far its been a bunch of circumstantial commentary and people essential telling me not to complain. I'd gladly pay an extra $30 a year in taxes for the pool membership to drop by $100. I understand it is a totally "private" pool club. They can make whatever rules and costs they want. I'd just like to understand a little better where the numbers come from. So unless someone can open the books, then comparing and complaining is all I can do. And I like to complain, I'm good at it and I'll keep it up.

angelak said:

I believe there is a Maplewood Pool Committee you can join, or contact to make suggestions.  I really think the pricing is reflective of pretty careful consideration.  Who knows how much of taxes in more affluent towns go to recreation?  Unless you know the details, complaining and comparing is pretty useless.  Union may not be more affluent, but they have a large commercial tax base.


als4532 said:

 I'd gladly pay an extra $30 a year in taxes for the pool membership to drop by $100. 

Surely you understand that some of us are happy that we are not forced to pay $30 so that your membership drops by $100.  


Of course I understand that. Sounds like the same argument all the alter kakers make about school taxes. Or why would ANYONE want free books at the library?? Why does my tax money go to subsidize someone else reading books!??

Red_Barchetta said:



als4532 said:

 I'd gladly pay an extra $30 a year in taxes for the pool membership to drop by $100. 

Surely you understand that some of us are happy that we are not forced to pay $30 so that your membership drops by $100.  



The Maplewood pool just added those waterslides a couple years ago, and redid the bathrooms last year. Before then, the guest passes were $5 cheaper (and there seemed to be issues with too many guests on holiday weekends, so not all could be let in). 

I'm also guessing we might have higher insurance premiums with the diving tower, as well as 3 levels of boards. (FWIW: We've also had a diving team at Maplewood pool for the past few years, which seems to be rare).


join lifetime for 3 months. Pool is way better and it won’t cost much more


So -- join the Pool Committee and get the access to the books, and become part of the decision-making process.   Or -- keep complaining, if that's what floats your pool noodle.

als4532 said:

That is actually why I started this thread. I wanted to know what "careful consideration" goes into the cost. So far its been a bunch of circumstantial commentary and people essential telling me not to complain. I'd gladly pay an extra $30 a year in taxes for the pool membership to drop by $100. I understand it is a totally "private" pool club. They can make whatever rules and costs they want. I'd just like to understand a little better where the numbers come from. So unless someone can open the books, then comparing and complaining is all I can do. And I like to complain, I'm good at it and I'll keep it up.

angelak said:

I believe there is a Maplewood Pool Committee you can join, or contact to make suggestions.  I really think the pricing is reflective of pretty careful consideration.  Who knows how much of taxes in more affluent towns go to recreation?  Unless you know the details, complaining and comparing is pretty useless.  Union may not be more affluent, but they have a large commercial tax base.



Public schools, public libraries and swimming pools: what Esther Williams, I think, called the three pillars of democracy.



angelak said:

if that's what floats your pool noodle.

I’ll be stealing that line sometime.


I'd be honored!

DaveSchmidt said:



angelak said:

if that's what floats your pool noodle.

I’ll be stealing that line sonetime.



the pool raised their prices again this year. its not worth it for me to go, and a few of my neighbors arent signing up this year either.  not to mention, the food is horrific.   having to wait on line for an hour for undercooked $10 microwaved hot dogs and soggy fries served by sloth like  teenagers is not my idea of a wonderful weekend in maplewood. maybe im being priced out of town, like man y others recently.  maplewood is changing...  time to accept it. 


The Pool Advisory Committee meets monthly and is always looking for new members.The next meeting is Monday 3/26 and the first couple of minutes is used for "Audience Remarks".  Please contact the Recreation Manager Missi Mancuso for the location of Monday's meeting...normally its in Town Hall,but I think the room is booked by another group.

als4532 said:

That is actually why I started this thread. I wanted to know what "careful consideration" goes into the cost. So far its been a bunch of circumstantial commentary and people essential telling me not to complain. I'd gladly pay an extra $30 a year in taxes for the pool membership to drop by $100. I understand it is a totally "private" pool club. They can make whatever rules and costs they want. I'd just like to understand a little better where the numbers come from. So unless someone can open the books, then comparing and complaining is all I can do. And I like to complain, I'm good at it and I'll keep it up.


The Maplewood Pool has four pools so something is available for all levels of ability and age.  It is the only pool in the region that I know of which still has diving towers and a 3-meter board.  It's almost unheard of these days for a pool to have even a 3-meter board.  

Since we moved here the baby pool was completely redone, the slides were added, and there was a major project to update the water systems and re-do the deck.  All this is not cheap and it's expensive to maintain an outdoor facility which operates only three months per year.

I did a quick calculation and the price has gone up approximately 5% - 6% per year since we moved here.  

I believe there is a lot of value being provided at the current price and we will join again.



The Maplewood Pool is viewed as a public utility not a town department.  As such, it is required to be self sufficient with no money contributed by the town.  Price is driven by overall cost per member based on anticipated membership and anticipated costs for the pool season.  As membership declines, which it has in recent years, the cost per member rises.  If you want to keep costs down, consider recruiting more pool members.  If you are concerned about lower income Maplewood residents being priced out of the pool, consider contributing to the fund which provides financial subsidies to those in need. 

Cost is not limited to staff and administration of the pool.  There are also capital construction and maintenance costs that need to be met.  The pool is relatively old and may need extensive repair going forward.  Need to repair/replace the filtration system was mentioned at the public hearing portion of a recent TC meeting where increasing fees was under discussion.  Given all of these factors, I am not sure if a direct comparison can be made between Maplewood Pool and other pools in our area.


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