Just moved into The Carnegie Club or planning your first full season here? Getting the most from the pool, courts, fitness center, and gatehouse is simple once you know a few basics. You want clear rules, safe routines, and easy ways to welcome guests. This guide gives you practical steps, trusted safety resources, and the key questions to ask management so you feel at home fast. Let’s dive in.
The best place to start is with access. Most gated communities use a resident ID, key fob, or card to unlock amenities. Confirm what your home came with and where to pick up replacements. If you are unsure, the management office or gatehouse can point you to the right process.
Keep a copy of your community map handy. Management can confirm the exact location of the pool, tennis and pickleball courts, and the fitness center, plus where to park when you visit. Save the property management phone number and any after-hours security line in your phone.
In Westchester, community pools often run from late spring to early fall with daily hours that vary by day. Ask for the current season dates and any holiday or weather-related changes. Look for posted rules at the pool and follow the lifeguard or staff instructions when hours change.
Ask whether lifeguards are on duty and during which hours. If you see a “swim at your own risk” sign, plan to stay extra alert and follow the posted rules. For safety best practices on water quality, closures, and illness prevention, review New York State’s swimming pool guidance and Westchester County health information, plus the CDC’s healthy swimming tips:
Confirm how many guests you can bring, whether a guest pass is required, and if there is a per-guest fee. Ask about the minimum age for unsupervised swimmers, approved flotation devices, and swim diaper rules for infants and toddlers. Policies can change each season, so get the latest document from management.
Look for posted rules like no glass, shower before entering, and no pets. Ask how often water quality is tested and how closures for weather or maintenance are communicated. Make a habit of leaving the area tidy and using the provided trash and recycling.
If lap lanes are available, ask whether there is a sign-up sheet or online portal and if time blocks apply during peak hours. For private events, request the pool event policy, including reservation steps, fees, deposits, noise guidelines, and the end time for music.
If you or a guest needs an accessible entry option, ask whether the pool has a ramp or lift and how to request assistance. Management can confirm the current setup.
Find out how to reserve courts, what time limits are in place, and whether guests are allowed. Some communities use an app, others rely on first-come sign-ups. Ask about evening lighting hours and any seasonal resurfacing closures.
If courts are shared, management may set dedicated pickleball and tennis blocks. Check how net conversions are handled and whether mixed play is allowed at certain times. For rules and community play ideas, review USA Pickleball resources here and USTA guidance here.
Ask whether outside instructors are allowed, what insurance they must provide, and where to submit approvals. If the community runs clinics or round robins, confirm schedules, fees, and how to sign up.
Confirm if ball machines, paddles, or loaner balls are available. Respect wet-court closures to protect the surface. Use non-marking tennis or court shoes only.
Check whether the fitness center is open 24/7 by fob or has set staffed hours. Some communities require a one-time orientation or a signed waiver before your first workout. Keep your fob and a towel with you.
Ask for an equipment list so you know what is available, from cardio machines to free weights and stretching space. If group classes are offered, confirm whether they are included or paid per session, and how to register.
Most facilities set a minimum age for independent use and may require a parent or guardian for minors. Ask about teen waivers and any supervised hours. Post the rules at home so visiting family and caregivers can follow them.
Use provided wipes before and after equipment use. Ask where the AED is located and how to contact staff or security in an emergency. For a refresher on safe facility practices, review ACSM guidance here.
Confirm how to pre-register guests and what identification they should show at the gate. Ask where package carriers should leave deliveries and how large items are handled. If the gatehouse accepts packages, confirm pickup hours and ID requirements.
Request the approved vendor process, including proof of insurance and scheduling for noisy work. Ask where service vehicles may park and whether escorts or passes are required.
Review the community parking map. Ask about guest parking, overnight stays, and towing policies. Observe posted speed limits and watch for pedestrians and cyclists.
Ask for quiet hours and how to report concerns after hours. Keep management and security numbers handy. For broader village ordinances on noise and parking, see the Village of Hastings-on-Hudson site here.
Dining privileges usually allow access to the club’s dining rooms, subject to reservations, dress code, and guest rules. Privileges may be separate from golf membership and often require registration and fees. Special events may have limited access.
Not all communities include club dining in residency. Ask The Carnegie Club management whether any reciprocal arrangement exists and request it in writing. You can also contact the Saint Andrew’s Golf Club office to confirm current options and processes using the club’s official site here.
Use this list to get set up and avoid surprises:
A little preparation makes daily life at The Carnegie Club easy and enjoyable. Confirm the current rules with management, lean on posted guidance at each amenity, and share these tips with your guests. If you are exploring a move within Westchester or want to understand how amenities influence value when buying or selling, we are here to help. Let’s connect through Unknown Company.