New pool heat policy? ***update see post 549 ****

[Johnnie Fedora]

I thought the letter I received from DVC was conformation enough. Am I missing something?

Your not missing anything. Some members simply don't care if Disney heats their pools at all, because they don't use them. They are the DVC board's "Doubting Thomases". They won't believe first hand accounts...they want you to provide a years worth of official Disney quality control records concerning pool tempertures before they will believe. Don't worry though, they'll become converts once DVC cheaps-out on something they enjoy at their resort.

 

[MrShiny]

It seems simple.

If you went recently and you found the pools cooler and you didn't like that, write.

If you are going in a cool month, write and ask if the pools are cooler and state your opinion on the matter. If the pools are indeed cooler than you like them, complain after you try the pool.

That's good feedback that Disney will respect, hopefully. Hey, if you are there when there is a condo assoc. meeting for DVC, go and ask about this issue (that's in November, isn't it?).

 

[boatboatboat]

It seems simple.

If the pools are indeed cooler than you like them, complain after you try the pool.

I think people are wanting the problem corrected prior to taking a week and 4k dollars to give the new temps a shot.

 

[LIFERBABE]

I think people are wanting the problem corrected prior to taking a week and 4k dollars to give the new temps a shot.

B3 I agree. I can go elsewhere IF they let us know that we will experience a 4-6 degree temp decrease in the pools in Dec. 06.

And I dont feel like we should wait until we visit to express those concerns. If writing to Disney about this hurts our chances of having warm pools in December, then I really don't want to continue giving them my business. This is the first time in 5 years that I am thinking we should start looking at vacations that do not involve DISNEY!

And as far as complaining at the time, we are darned if we do and darned if we dont. If we do, we are just one of those "entitled" DVC members that notice everything and complain about everything trying to get a free meal.

So we try to give them the benefit of the doubt and not think its some conspiracy. Then you find out later it is a conspiracy and you have no right to complain because you didnt complain while you where there.

 

[JimC]

Sammie makes a good point in post 439. If it is something that you find objectionable it is best to mention it to a CM or a manager or in your post stay survey. That is the feedback most likely to get attention.

Disney does make operational changes without notice and then monitors guest feedback. The feedback is in guest comments on surveys and letters, conversations and from "listening posts" (CM feedback based on their observations of guests). Based on the feedback they modify or maintain the new procedure or policy.

Personally I like a pool at 84, but I can tolerate it at 78 to 80, particularly if it conserves energy. But that is me. If others need a warmer pool then they should speak up. If they stopped heating altogether I might say something too.

Just for the record we were at SSR in January (and enjoyed the resort). It was cool -- too cool to go swimming (air not water temp). One night I was chatting with two very lonely life guards who had an empty pool complex to guard. But you could see the heat rising up from the water. I do not know the temperature.

Also, while technically possible to make a la carte pricing for everything at WDW, I do not believe that would be a good thing. If a sufficient number of guests say warmer pools are needed and it costs a bit more to rent a room or dues are a bit higher, so be it. If it is not an issue for guests and Disney can save $ and conserve energy then that is fine with me as well.

 

[jodifla]

Here's what I plan to do: If the pool's too cold when I'm there, I'll march in to see the manager in the lobby, swimsuit still on, dripping wet. A few crowds like that on a daily basis in the lobbies should capture the proper folks' attention.

 

[BuckRodgers1999]

I talked with member services today about the pool temperature. The CM told me that an e-mail has gone around in the last couple of days that describes that the pool temperatures have been lowered to between 78 and 82 degrees. He said they were trying to come up with a temperature within the American Red Cross pool range which he said the e-mail described as between 78 to 82 degrees.

So, there is confirmation available through member services that there has been a lowering of the pool temperatures.

We went through the same thing with our local YMCA. I already know from my pool experiences there that 80 degree and below pool water causes my childrens lips to turn blue, and they are shivering and freezing, as much as they want to still be in the pool regardless if it is cold, they end up having to get out after a short while. Our YMCA pool temperature is now kept at a comfortable 83 degrees, cool enough for lane swimmers doing many active laps and still allowing children to have fun ( I don't recall many swimming lanes at DVC pools). It was a compromise temperature all agreed on, including the active lane swimmers who preferred a cooler temperature.

The range of 78 to 82 is a pretty big one for pools. I challenge many people to test out a 78 or 79 degree pool and tell me how comfortable it is. It is darn cold at those lower temperatures.

But to confirm, the pool temperatures have been officially lowered. Those posters saying they have noticed a difference are absolutely correct. Anyone is welcome to call member services and confirm.

I find this terribly dissappointing given the DVC vacation we have coming up in the next few weeks.

 

[PHILCT]

I talked with member services today about the pool temperature. The CM told me that an e-mail has gone around in the last couple of days that describes that the pool temperatures have been lowered to between 78 and 82 degrees. He said they were trying to come up with a temperature within the American Red Cross pool range which he said the e-mail described as between 78 to 82 degrees.

are absolutely correct. Anyone is welcome to call member services and confirm.

Thank You BuckRodgers.

I suspect there will be people doubting you still, questioning your join date, questioning the physical proof of the phone call or the email.

Some of the original posters who were on property have stated that they were told by Disney Staff that they had lowered the pool temperatures when they complained on site.

I'm not sure why no one believes them and thinks this is like a chain letter out of control ?

Ultimately I do not want to be part of a year long experiment to only wait to complain when I arrive onsite in December.

The interesting thing is I will be there at the end of May and the Beginning of June. But by then I am not sure how the pools are naturally heated by Plentiful Florida Sunlight by then.

Should I bring a video camera with a Pool Thermometer ?

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

Should I bring a video camera with a Pool Thermometer ?

...if your thermometer reads 76 degrees, you'll probably be told your thermometer is wrong because in order to comply with the Red Cross recommendations, Disney resorts strictly adhere to the National Bureau of Standards recommendations for thermemeter calibration.

You should know that when it comes to the DIS...the only "true" rumors about WDW are the positive ones.

I think JF says it all about your idea in post 183.

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

I'm still amazed at the number of people who doubt that the pool temeratures are lower.

I was the first post after the OP and I can tell you in no uncertain terms that the pool temperature at the BWV was lower. I have been going to the BWV for a number of years now and have never felt it as cool as it was. It was still swimable for my family and me but I could tell it was cooler, as could my kids (who really don't care if it's cool or not, like many others they are used to swimming in Maine).

As I've said in other places in the post, there are plenty of places Disney could save money besides this. It just happens to be an easy one and they have these Red Cross guidelines to conveniently fall back on.

HBC

 

[PHILCT]

The more interesting health guidelines are on Jacuzzis.

There are all those warnings about medical conditions, and that small children should not be in them for long, or at all.

Yet in my huge family of nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces and even great great nephew and nieces, I can't keep the kids out of there.

This new policy is gonna get a lot more kids into the Jacuzzi.

Hmm now I am thinking I want a Jacuzzi Olympic Sized Lazy River Ride.

Maybe not, my skin will be falling off by the time I get out of the Jacuzzi.

 

[bdg100]

The more interesting health guidelines are on Jacuzzis.

There are all those warnings about medical conditions, and that small children should not be in them for long, or at all.

Yet in my huge family of nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces and even great great nephew and nieces, I can't keep the kids out of there.

This new policy is gonna get a lot more kids into the Jacuzzi.

Hmm now I am thinking I want a Jacuzzi Olympic Sized Lazy River Ride.

Maybe not, my skin will be falling off by the time I get out of the Jacuzzi.

Disney has just announced that it will be lowering the temperature of all resort jacuzzis to match the temperature in the pools due to fears of overcrowding and overuse of the jacuzzis which would not be in compliance with the Red Cross guidelines.

 

[harmonium]

Disney has just announced that it will be lowering the temperature of all resort jacuzzis to match the temperature in the pools due to fears of overcrowding and overuse of the jacuzzis which would not be in compliance with the Red Cross guidelines.

Where did you hear about this?

 

[lilstint]

I'm still amazed at the number of people who doubt that the pool temeratures are lower.

I was the first post after the OP and I can tell you in no uncertain terms that the pool temperature at the BWV was lower. I have been going to the BWV for a number of years now and have never felt it as cool as it was. It was still swimable for my family and me but I could tell it was cooler, as could my kids (who really don't care if it's cool or not, like many others they are used to swimming in Maine).

As I've said in other places in the post, there are plenty of places Disney could save money besides this. It just happens to be an easy one and they have these Red Cross guidelines to conveniently fall back on.

HBC

I'm starting to suspect that at least some of the "doubters" have not actually been in the pools this year. Barring any serious sensory problems, it is the only explanation.

 

[AMcaptured]

I am wondering if anyone has actually found a resort pool on property being kept at 82??? Disney keeps on throwing around this 78-82 degrees number but I don't think any of us who have PERSONALLY experienced the cooler pools have found that pool on property that is being kept at 82.

Perhaps as others have stated, that one pool registering 82 is a kiddie pool and we all know what is keeping that pool warm

 

[harmonium]

I can honestly say that I will not bring my own thermometer to test the water temp so I can't say without a doubt that the water was 82 last year, but for our visit in Feb 05' the water for the entire (opened section*) of SAB was much warmer. This year the water was considerably cooler than last.

* Last year nearly half the pool was closed partly to renovate the slide.

 

[jim and meesie]

I'd like to bump this up--anyone who's been in the pool/s the past week, what's your experience been? We were in SAB the last week of January, and as other posters have mentioned, it wasn't what you'd call warm. "Bracing" might be a kind adjective! Anyone with very recent experiences to share?

I weighed in on this last week while I was at BCV and Blizzard Beach. Pools seemed very cool, chilly in fact. This past week we've been in the Keys at Hawk's Cay Resort and the pools were significantly warmer, almost bathtub warm. We stayed in the water almost all day!!! Now that my BWV points have passed ROFR I want the Disney pools warm when I go!! It's fine for them to stay cool when I'm not there so we can save money LOL

 

[manning]

Response from management

This is actually the first of a two part program. The cost saving phase. The second phase is scheduled to be implemented next week as soon as they can get them on the racks.......fur lined swimsuits. Management was not sure whether to proceed with phase two but were encouraged with the results of phase one. It was only then the suits were ordered. We would like you to know that no animal was harmed as the fur is fake. Management also considered selling a dedicated hot chocolate mug but decided not to because of the on going debate as to whether it should be only for the length of stay when it was bought or forever. We didn't want to upset the guests. Asked whether the new temperature policy would irritate some guests, management said specially designed hot water bottles that can be strapped on would be provided for a small fee. Simply submerge them into the hot tub when the water gets cold. If you have small children it is recommended to remove them first as they are sensitve to hot temperatures. The new program will be closely monitored and refined as needed. It is also recommended not to wear blue swimming attire into the pool as this would hamper the ability of the life guards to spot swimmers suffering from hyperthermia. Enjoy your stay at Disney.

 

[harmonium]

Response from management

This is actually the first of a two part program. The cost saving phase. The second phase is scheduled to be implemented next week as soon as they can get them on the racks.......fur lined swimsuits. Management was not sure whether to proceed with phase two but were encouraged with the results of phase one. It was only then the suits were ordered. We would like you to know that no animal was harmed as the fur is fake. Management also considered selling a dedicated hot chocolate mug but decided not to because of the on going debate as to whether it should be only for the length of stay when it was bought or forever. We didn't want to upset the guests. Asked whether the new temperature policy would irritate some guests, management said specially designed hot water bottles that can be strapped on would be provided for a small fee. Simply submerge them into the hot tub when the water gets cold. If you have small children it is recommended to remove them first as they are sensitve to hot temperatures. The new program will be closely monitored and refined as needed. It is also recommended not to wear blue swimming attire into the pool as this would hamper the ability of the life guards to spot swimmers suffering from hyperthermia. Enjoy your stay at Disney.

LOL, No way is that fact. Hot water bottles and fur lined swim suits, too funny.

 

[toesmom]

I've received email from Carli D'Agostino of Member Services and was told they have in fact lowered temps to 78 to 80. Based on the responses they are getting, they are now considering rethinking the existing pool heat policy.

So you never know. Enough letters members who have actually been in the cold water lately may be able to bring about a change.