Almaden Cabana Club — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Almaden Cabana Club? The Almaden Cabana Club (ACC) is a private membership club located at 6975 Bret Harte Drive, San Jose, CA 95120. It is comprised of 427 households that collectively co-own the facility. Up to 100 guest members are allowed to join, with restrictions. We require that guest members reside within the 95120 zip code. Proof of residency is required when applying for membership. The cabana is operated entirely by a volunteer Board of Directors who manage all aspects of club operations in addition to their full-time jobs and personal commitments. Source: Board | Join Us

When is the pool open? The pool season opens Memorial Day weekend and runs through the end of September. Outside of this period the facility is closed, except for special events. Note that there are seasonal changes to the hours and some special events that necessitate opening late or closing early. Source: almadencabana.com | Special Hours

What does an Annual Membership include? An Annual Membership gives your household access to the pool and all of the following: Early Morning Adult Swim (EMAS) for members 18 and over, Wednesday Night Dinners, the 4th of July event, Christmas/Easter and other social events, and discounts on swim lessons. Annual members have the same privileges as other members, except they may not join the Dolphin Swim Team. Source: Join Us

How much does membership cost? The guest membership fee is $845 for 2026. Proprietary (HOA) members are billed separately by the Treasurer (under a separate fee structure) and should have received their invoice in January. Guest members (Associate or Annual) who have not paid by February risk termination of membership. Source: Join Us

Does my membership fee cover my whole household? Yes. Membership covers your entire household. All family members share one Wild Apricot account. Source: Check-In Instructions (PDF)

How do I get on the swim team? The Dolphin Swim Team has a waitlist typically 2–3 years long. You can sign up for the waitlist while holding an Annual Membership in the meantime. There is a $25 waitlist fee. Source: Dolphins Team

How do I check in at the club? Check-in is done using the Wild Apricot mobile app — log in and display your daily QR code for scanning at the gate. All family members share the same account email. For children without a mobile device, you may print the daily QR code ticket as an alternative. There is also a computer at the office where you can sign into your account to check in. Lifeguard staff cannot provide technical support on-site. If you cannot produce a valid QR code, entry will be denied — no exceptions. Source: Check-In Instructions (PDF) | Pool Rules

How do I set up my Wild Apricot account? Set up your Wild Apricot account and confirm you can log in and view daily check-in events well before opening day. Detailed setup instructions are available on the club website. If you've forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Password" link. For account setup help, contact the Operations Director in advance at operations@almadencabana.com. Same-day support is usually not available, so we highly recommend you set up and confirm your app is working well in advance of the season start. Source: Check-In Instructions (PDF)

Do I need to pay dues before I can enter the club? Yes. All membership dues and any outstanding balances must be paid in full before entry. Members without a current emergency/medical release form on file also will not be admitted. Guest members who have not paid or communicated with the club risk termination of their membership. Source: Join Us | Pool Rules

What are the general entry rules? All members and guests must check in at the gate. Members must accompany and supervise their guests at all times — guests are subject to the same rules as members and any behavioral issues reflect on the member's standing. A $6 guest fee per person per day applies (guests under 2 years of age and overnight guests are exempt). Maximum of 10 guests per day. No pets or animals are permitted, including service animals. Gum is not allowed. Rubber water balloons are not allowed (reusable water balloons are okay). Spitting is prohibited. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Source: Pool Rules

What are the pool rules?

General Pool Rules:

Swimming is permitted only when a lifeguard is present.
Children who cannot swim must have constant supervision by a parent or caretaker (over 15 years of age) at all times on the grounds.
Children who are not potty trained must wear swim diapers.
Running, wrestling, pushing, towel-snapping, skateboarding, biking, rock throwing, and other dangerous practices are prohibited.
Persons with colds, runny noses, skin diseases, or other communicable diseases may not enter the pool.
No boats or rafts are allowed.
Diving is permitted only in the diving pool. Diving blocks are restricted to the swim team under coach supervision only.
Fifteen minutes each hour are reserved for adults (18 and over). Non-swimming children 6 and under assisted by a parent may be permitted at lifeguard discretion. Please inform your guests of this rule. Repeated violations will result in club ejection with no recourse.
Personal items such as fins, water wings, masks, and life jackets may only be used with pool manager approval.

Baby Pool Rules:

Only children 6 years of age or under may use the wading pool and playground, under the direct supervision of a caretaker aged 15 or older.
There is no lifeguard on duty at the wading pool — children are the sole responsibility of their caretaker.
The wading pool may not be used during swim team practice, swim lessons, or swim meets.
These rules are strictly enforced. Repeated violations will result in ejection from the facility with no recourse.

General Rules:

The Almaden Cabana Club is a no-smoking, no-vaping, no-drug facility.
Alcoholic beverages are permitted. Minors may not be served or consume alcohol on club property. Intoxicated persons will not be admitted.
Beverages in glass containers must be transferred to plastic cups at least 10 feet from any pool.
All trash and recyclables must be placed in the provided containers.
BBQ grills are available on a first-come, first-served basis when no private event has reserved the area. Clean the grill after use and do not move grills from their preset locations. Personal grills may be brought in but must be placed adjacent to the club's grills.
Never reprimand or punish a club employee. Any issues or complaints should be reported to the Pool Manager, Operations Director, President, or Vice President.
Please treat the cabana with the same care and respect as you would your own backyard. As a co-owned HOA property, we rely on all members to maintain a safe and welcoming environment. Repeated misuse or damage by members or their guests may result in termination of membership privileges.
Lifeguards and pool staff have full authority to enforce rules and remove anyone violating them.

Source: Pool Rules & Laws

What is EMAS (Early Morning Adult Swim)? EMAS is a program for members aged 18 and over providing access to the lap pool when the facility is otherwise not in use. It is strictly for lap swimming — recreational swimming, children, and guests are not allowed. EMAS begins usually mid-April.

To participate, you must complete an annual waiver, after which you'll receive the gate access code. Members may use the pool at any time the club is not otherwise in use, including early morning before swim team practice or late at night. The pool and surrounding areas are lit for safe use during dark hours. Swim team activities and pool maintenance personnel always have priority — EMAS participants must vacate immediately when they arrive.

EMAS Rules:

The gate must be fully closed and secured after every entry and exit — never left open.
The gate access code is confidential and may not be shared with anyone who has not signed the waiver.
No guests or children are allowed anywhere on the premises.
Showers are available for rinse-off only; restrooms are not available.
Members must clean up after themselves and return all furniture to its original position.
Security camera footage is periodically audited for compliance.
Misuse by any single member may result in termination of the program for everyone.
Do not allow other people to tailgate behind you. Each member must key in the gate code themselves.
EMAS is a privilege and may be discontinued at the Board's discretion if the rules are violated.

Source: Programs

Can I rent the facility for a private event? Yes. The club accepts party and event rental requests from members. Full facility events — such as end-of-year school celebrations — are considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to date and availability. Party reservation requests will be available usually by April. Contact the club at operations@almadencabana.com or visit the Area Rentals page to inquire. When a private event has reserved an area, BBQ grills in that area are not available for general member use. Party organizers must comply with all club rules including those governing decorations, catering, lifeguard staffing, and waivers. Payment can be made online or by check. Source: Area Rentals

I'm a coordinator for the 5th grade end-of-year parties. Please see the procedure guide which explains how the parties are conducted. We suggest you distribute the procedure guide to volunteer groups who are planning the parties.

What social events does the club offer? The club sponsors several events throughout the year, including Wednesday Night Dinners (meals typically under $12), a 4th of July event, a Santa visit in December, and an Easter Egg Hunt in spring. The club also hosts kid's bingo games with prizes several times during the summer. Source: almadencabana.com

Is there a snack shack? Yes! We offer a variety of ice cream treats, water, soda, and chips. Our pricing is fair and intentionally not profit-driven. We accept tap-to-pay (preferred) and cash. Prepaid gift cards are a great option for the little ones who don't have their own money. Source: Gift Cards

Does the club sell gift cards? Yes! Prepaid gift cards are available for purchase and can be redeemed at the Snack Shack and Wednesday Night Dinners. Source: Gift Cards

I'm a real estate agent and need info about HOA transfers due to a sale. Contact the bookkeeper to begin this process. Please allow ample lead time as we do not have dedicated staff. Source: Board

Questions not answered here? Where can I find more information? Visit almadencabana.com or contact the Director of Operations at operations@almadencabana.com.