Author: Chris Shull

If you enjoy using the spa in colder months, we need your help! Be sure to book your November usage: https://booking.appointy.com/caminodelprado (and be sure to fill out the Terms of Use Form at least once).

In the past, we have turned off the spa heat staring in December. Starting November 1st, we will be running a trial with a new schedule where we turn on the spa heating on from 1pm to 10pm. If we see enough usage in the reservation system, we will continue this trial further into the winter. (Keep in mind too that it takes a few hours for the spa to heat up and cool down again.)

Some members have wanted to be able to use the spa year round, and I have been looking into how we could do this. This idea has been discussed in the past, but there has always been some mystery as to how much this would cost the HOA. I have been analyzing our past energy bills and I believe I’ve figured out the rough costs of heating the spa. Additionally, the new reservation system gives me data that shows that the pool and spa are rarely used in the morning. By saving money in the spring/summer/fall by heating only during times the pool and spa are used, we can keep our budget level even if we heat the spa during the winter. For those curious, it only costs about 67¢ per hour to heat the spa during the winter (we already have to pay to keep the spa chemicals balanced during the winter, whether it is heated or not).

If you have other thoughts or questions about this trial, please don’t hesitate to ask via help@caminodelprado.org.

As a reminder, for your safety and the safety of the entire community:

• Do not use your fireplace.
• Make sure you have smoke detectors throughout your house, with fresh batteries. Each home should also have carbon monoxide detectors.
• Every home should have a fire extinguisher, and regularly have it inspected.

One of our residents is an amateur mycologist and found what is they believe is a lepiota subincarnata, a toxic mushroom, on the Southern end of Sage Hen Way. They got rid of it and started killing the underlying mycelium, but as mycelium can sometimes spread underground and mushroom diffuse through spores they thought it might be worthwhile warning neighbors with children or pets.

The finder has also contacted the San Francisco Mycological Society in hopes of confirming the species of mushroom.

Our thanks to our eagle-eyed resident!