Community pools and swim clubs can now open for business in New Jersey – one month behind when the season usually begins.

The opening was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, much to the disappointment of many who were looking to cool off as the weather became warmer.

“We were counting down over the weekend, just excited to be out and back in the pool,” says Ashley Traino, of Marlton. “Especially on these hot days, it gives us something to do.”

Gov. Phil Murphy says that the pools must follow certain health and safety guidelines.

At the Chartwell Swim Club in Marlton each employee will have his or her temperature taken before their shifts. Masks will be required in some settings.

“Inside they wear a mask, or if they come in close contact with a member or a child they wear a mask. We have social distancing markers throughout the facility,” says swim club owner Jim Johnston.

Johnston says that changes have been made poolside as well.

“The staff sanitize the restrooms every hour. We sanitize the umbrella poles as guests come and go…The guests bring their own chairs, so that’s not an issue. We have a little playground in the back, which is sanitized every hour,” he says.

Chartwell also runs Ramblewood Swim Club, but is transferring all membership to their Marlton location for the summer since the season is shorter than usual.

“It’s a bit of a financial downer, but we feel like we’re gonna come back,” Johnston says. “People are cautious. They’re sort of putting their toes in the proverbial waters, but the way the phones are going and the attitude of the people I talk to, I think we’re going to start to turn a corner and have a good season.”

Chartwell also runs a day camp and they say they're in the process of getting it up and getting ready. They say they will be opening on July 6, which is when Murphy is allowing camps to resume.