Hotel Pool Parties Deemed a Health, Safety Risk

SCOTTSDALE - DJ pool parties at valley resorts have become a big hit, boosting revenue during the slow summer season. But now, they're under scrutiny by county code regulators, called a health and safety risk.

The crackdown started after Maricopa County received several complaints, mainly from hotel guests. Resort owners understand, but are worried regulators will get out of hand.

Every weekend, they're packing with partygoers looking to cool off and have a few drinks.

Leon Young with W Hotel says those pool parties help hotels survive during the summer.

"With the rise of staycations and I think the recession, I think a lot of people capitalize on it by saying we've got these great pools, lets open them to the public, and see if we can at least keep some money in Arizona," he says.

But county regulators say these parties have gotten out of hand, and it's time to settle down.

"We're not out there trying to squash their summer revenue source but at the same time we have a responsibility to enforce the health code," says Gregory Epperson with Maricopa County Environmental Services Dept.

That means no eating or drinking in pools, no stages next to pools, no public parties (excluding those already booked), no free admission, and no oversized crowds.

The Clarendon recently started charging an admission fee with good results.

"That really helped reduce the crowds and make sure everybody's getting a seat by the pool, and keeps a relaxed and chilled environment than is much better than keeping it open [to the public]," Ben Bethel from the Clarendon Hotel.

But Bethel and Young hope the pool enforcement won't interfere with business.

"I understand them wanting to make sure that what were doing is done safely, I just think that maybe there is some middle ground we can come to."

Young says he's seen an uptake in room sales, but more than a 50 percent decline in bar sales.