Issuu

CLUBPRESIDENTUPDATE FROMJUSTINBEGNAUD

Last month, we held our annual President's Dinner at the Club This dinner is a celebration for our outgoing President, and to honor the past presidents. It was also a nice reminder of all the great leadership we have had here at the Club over the years While every Club President reflected on their time serving the club, we learned about similar challenges, minor victories, and all the wonderful memories we continue to experience as members of The Carriage Club On the topic of leadership, I want to share with you our Board of Directors for 2026-2027. These men and women not only serve the club as ambassadors representing every aspect of our club, and as volunteers, but as leaders who bring their professional expertise when advising critical decisions with regards to current club business as well as guiding the future of the Club They also help keep me in check! Please help share our collective appreciation for the new and returning Board Members for their continued service to the Club.

Anna Hockey - First Vice President, Chair of Long Range Planning Committee. Board Member since 2025

Tony Durone - Second Vice President, Chair of Food & Beverage Committee. Board Member since 2026.

Tom Egan - Treasurer, Chair of Finance Committee Board Member since 2025

Matt Adam - Secretary, Chair of House & Grounds Committee. Board Member since 2024.

Heather Johntz - Chair of Ice Committee. Board Member since 2024.

Jean McPherson - Chair of Pool Committee Board of Member since 2024

Ann Prochnow - Chair of Fitness Committee. Board Member since 2026.

Mike Rode - Co-Chair of Ice Committee, Co-Chair of Pool Committee Board Member since 2026

Ed Stevens - Co-Chair of Membership Committee, Co-Chair of Food & Beverage. Board Member since 2026

Melissa Bowles - Chair of Entertainment Committee Board Member since 2026

Sally Sallee - Chair of Racquets Committee. Board Member since 2024.

Tom Pollock - Co-Chair, Finance Committee Board Member since 2026

One last thing I want to bring to your attention is our new Club Survey. Later this month, we want to hear directly from you, our members, to help us prioritize our next capital projects in the coming years (Ie, Main Clubhouse, Pool Deck, Clay Tennis Courts, Outdoor Dinning Terrace, etc) We want our club facilities and other amenities to remain best in class. And we need you, who collectively help define what this club is truly all about, to steer the future of the Club and the overall membership experience. Thank you all in advance to your valued participation in this important Club Survey.

I look forward to seeing you at the Club!

Justin R. Begnaud

Quick updates:

($96,404) ($51,709) $3,641

Pool season officially opened on May 15th with our Adult Pool Party, and what a kickoff it was If that evening is any indication of what 2026 has in store, we’re headed for another season worthy of the record books.

grams are now in full swing. Swim, Dive, and Junior Tennis are full and cipation To enhance the pool area, new landscaping has been added near the stairs The rocks are perfectly “small-hand sized,” so please help ng its best by ensuring our youngest members leave them where they

Pool Reminders - Please check-in at the Pool Desk before entering the pool deck. Shoes and cover-ups are required in the Coach House. Let’s make sure we all do our best to keep the floor and furniture dry and protected.

Coach House HVAC - AL Huber has resolved all HVAC issues, and TRANE has provided a strong guarantee of support moving forward. We are confident the system is now where it should be reliable and ready for the season.

Membership - We are currently at 677 members and approaching our ideal capacity As I’ve mentioned before, the Board is seriously considering implementing a waitlist if these numbers hold. At the end of summer or early fall, we will determine whether a waitlist is necessary. Our priority is caring for our current members and preserving the exceptional Carriage Club experience.

Rink Construction - The project continues to move quickly and even slightly ahead of schedule. AL Huber is coordinating with the rink company to arrive earlier than planned to keep the momentum strong. Things are looking very promising.

With a new season comes new menus, and the rave reviews keep rolling in Whether you choose the Coach House, the Pool Patio, or the Main Club House Terrace, we have the best outdoor seating waiting for you. Summer moves fast enjoy it with us.

Finally, a special shout‐out to Kelsey. She hit the ground running the moment she returned, and it shows The refreshed Website, IG posts, and Newsletter all reflect her talent and eye for design Thank you, Kelsey, for elevating our communications Our staff is truly top‐notch, and they are a big part of what makes The Carriage Club the best in KC.

CLUBREMINDERS&NEWS

Club Reminders & Member Courtesy

As we continue to enjoy all that the Club has to offer, we would like to remind members and guests of a few important Club policies to help maintain a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone Proper athletic attire is required in the Fitness Facility while working out, as well as on all racquet courts. For racquet sports specifically, appropriate court footwear must be worn at all times; slides and flip flops are not permitted on the courts. Proper shirts and shorts are also required during play.

Additionally, please note that all day-lockers are intended for guest use only and are not available for multi-day member storage. Day-lockers will be cleaned out by staff at the end of each evening. Members interested in renting a long-term locker may contact Gregg Best at gregg@thecarriageclub.com for availability and information. Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us uphold Club standards while making everyone’s experience exceptional.

Welcome Our New Director of Food & Beverage, Trea Stahlhut

Please join us in welcoming Trea Stahlhut to the Carriage Club team as our new Director of Food & Beverage!

Trea brings nearly a decade of experience in the food and hospitality industry, including the past six years in the club business at Hallbrook Country Club. Throughout his career, he has worked in nearly every area of restaurant operations from the kitchen and bussing to serving and bartending giving him a well-rounded passion for hospitality and member experience. Trea specializes in cocktail creation and looks forward to bringing fresh ideas and exceptional service to the Club. Outside of work, he enjoys playing tennis, working out, and exploring local coffee shops around Kansas City. He is also an avid supporter of Kansas City sports teams, including the Chiefs, Royals, Current, and Jayhawks. Be sure to say hello and welcome Trea when you see him around the Club!

Trevor & Jessie Hansen

Children : Madeline & Charlotte

Steve & Hildy Davis

Megan & Steven Nestor

Children : John, Gigi & Patrick

Alexandria & Jay Matlack

Children : Huey & Georgia

POSTED APPLICANTS

Children : Coming SoonHenry

Liana & Jack Childress

Kristie & Brendan Keast

Children : Harrison & Rose

Kathryne & Rehan Nana

Children : Grace & Luke

Brett & Maria Kuempel

Children : Kennedy

TUESDAY/ THURSDAY 9:30AM-10:15AM

MONDAY/WEDNESDAY 11:30AM-12:30PM 12:30PM-1:30PM

TUESDAY/THURSDAY 10:30AM-11:30AM 11:30-12:30PM

TUESDAY/THURSDAY 10:30AM-11:30AM 11:30AM-12:30PM

MONDAY/ WEDNESDAY 10:00AM-11:30AM

SUMMERSESSION MAY26 THROUGHJULY9 TH TH

FUTURESTARS 6&UNDER

QUALIFIERS 8&UNDER

CHALLENGERS 13&UNDER

NOVICE 11&UNDER

ACADEMY LEVELSPECIFIC

EVENTS

Lobster N Lobster N

JUNE 26TH JUNE 26TH In the Main Dining Rm In the Main Dining Rm

2LB. LOBSTER 2LB. LOBSTER

LEMON LEMON WHIPPED WHIPPED POTATOES POTATOES

SEASONAL SEASONAL VEGETABLES VEGETABLES

DRAWN DRAWN BUTTER BUTTER

PLEASE BOOK THROUGH PLEASE BOOK THROUGH THE DINING PORTAL AN THE DINING PORTAL AN NOTE HOW MANY NOTE HOW MANY LOBSTERS YOU WOULD LOBSTERS YOU WOULD LIKE LIKE

RSVP BY JUNE 24TH A 12:00 PM! 12:00 PM!

RSVP BY JUNE 24TH A

JULY 11TH

LADIES LADIES LADIES

Mother's DMother's ay

Mother's

Flower Day Flower DayBFlower Bar Bar ar

Mother's Day Mother's Day Mother's Day

BRUNCH BRUNCH BRUNCH

TENNIS MemorialDay Tournament

41Clinics 41Clinics

These clinics are fast moving doubles points The Pro feeds the ball and players play the point out Points are awarded based on how the point is won Play to “41” It teaches players to be aggressive The Tuesday evening class is co-ed Cost is $22 per hour

Women’s Classes

Monday

8:00AM-9:00AM Tencap Rating 35-49

9:00AM-10:00AM Tencap Rating 60-78

Wednesday

9:00AM-10:00AM Tencap Rating 50-59

Friday

9:30AM-10:30AM Tencap Rating 50-59

10:30AM-11:30AM Tencap Rating 35-49

Men’s Classes

Tuesday 6:30AM-7:30AM Tencap Rating 35-50

Thursday 6:30AM-7:30AM Tencap Rating 35-50

Co-Ed Classes

Tuesday 6:00PM-7:00PM

Mondays

6:00-7:00AM 6:00-7:00PM

Wednesdays 8:00-9:00AM Thursdays 6:00-7:00PM

Saturdays 8:00-9:30AM Hustl & Hustl & Flo Flo CLINIC

Wednesdays

from6:00-7:00PM

$26/Hour

Thisisafastpace, This is a fast pace, Profeddrill.Livepoints Pro fed drill. Live points withchallenger/champion with challenger/champion stylerotations.Noscore.There style rotations. No score. There willbethreeroundsofdifferentplayerpositioning. will be three rounds of different player positioning. For more information, contact For more information, contact michaela@thecarriageclub com michaela@thecarriageclub.com

CARDIOTENNIS CARDIOTENNIS PLAY WITH PLAY WITH

Funtennisworkout classwhereplayerswill gettohitmanyballswhile havingagreatworkout.This classisforeveryone,no tennisexperience required.

Cost$20perhour

While playing doubles with 3 players and a Pro, you can work on real game situations like poaching, shot selection, lobbing, game planning and much more. This is a fun way to play and learn at the same time!

$39/person $39/person

Wednesdays Wednesdays10:00 AM - 11:30 AM 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Dear Members, Dear Members,

As we head into summer at The Carriage Club, I would like to As we head into summer at The Carriage Club, I would like to officially welcome everyone back to pool season. The energy officially welcome everyone back to pool season. The energy around the club has been fantastic, and the Coach House around the club has been fantastic, and the Coach House kitchen is firing on all cylinders. kitchen is firing on all cylinders

A special shout out goes to our Executive Sous Chef, Thuan Bui,

A special shout out goes to our Executive Sous Chef, Thuan Bui, and the entire Coach House culinary team for doing an and the entire Coach House culinary team for doing an incredible job with the opening of the pool season and rollout incredible job with the opening of the pool season and rollout of the new Coach House menu. Their hard work and dedication of the new Coach House menu Their hard work and dedication have helped create a great start to the summer have helped create a great start to the summer

In addition to the Coach House offerings, our Main Dining In addition to the Coach House offerings, our Main Dining Room has also launched a new summer menu featuring Room has also launched a new summer menu featuring

seasonal dishes and club favorites. The Main Dining Room patio is now open as well, offering seasonal dishes and club favorites The Main Dining Room patio is now open as well, offering members a peaceful and secluded area of the club to enjoy happy hour items, cocktails, and dinner members a peaceful and secluded area of the club to enjoy happy hour items, cocktails, and dinner while overlooking the pool. while overlooking the pool

One thing I always like to remind members is that nearly everything you enjoy throughout the club

One thing I always like to remind members is that nearly everything you enjoy throughout the club is prepared in-house from start to finish by our culinary team From sauces and dressings to is prepared in-house from start to finish by our culinary team From sauces and dressings to desserts, seafood fabrication, and fresh-cut meats, our staff takes tremendous pride in delivering desserts, seafood fabrication, and fresh-cut meats, our staff takes tremendous pride in delivering the highest quality product possible every day the highest quality product possible every day.

We are excited for everyone to experience the new menus and everything our culinary team has

We are excited for everyone to experience the new menus and everything our culinary team has planned for the summer season ahead planned for the summer season ahead.

Warm culinary regards, Warm culinary regards,

James Storm Jr., CEC

James

Storm Jr., CEC Executive Chef Executive Chef Carriage Club Kansas City Carriage Club

from the Chef

Kansas City

FRIDAY, JUNE 19TH $58 PER PERSON

PRIME RIB WITH AU JUS, HORSERADISH MOUSSE, WHIPPED POTATOES & SEASONAL VEGETABLES

DINE IN ONLY IN THE MDR. LIMITED PRIME RIBS AVAILABLE TO HELP US WITH A BETTER COUNT, PLEASE MAKE A DINING RESERVATION AND STATE HOW MANY PRIME RIBS YOU WOULD LIKE

2026 POOL RULES

POOLSANDPOOLAREASARE INHERENTLYDANGEROUS.ALL PEOPLEUSINGTHECLUB’S SWIMMINGANDDIVINGFACILITIES DOSOATTHEIROWNRISK. MEMBERSARERESPONSIBLEFOR THESAFEANDAPPROPRIATE CONDUCTOFTHEIRFAMILIESAND THEIRGUESTS. 1 10 2 11 3 12 4 13 5 14 6 15 7 16

ALLMUSTSIGNINTOTHEPOOL ANDCHECKINATTHEDESK.ALL GUESTSMUSTSIGNINWITHTHE MEMBERTHATISACCOMPANYING THEM,GUESTSWHODONOTSIGN INWILLBEASKEDTOLEAVE.

NORUNNINGONTHEPOOL DECK.

SWIMMERSMUSTSTAYOFFTHE LANEROPESATALLTIMES.

ONLYONEDIVERISALLOWEDON THEDIVINGBOARDATATIME. DIVERSMUSTGOSTRAIGHTOFF THEBOARDWHENTHEAREAIS CLEAR.JUMPINGTOTHESIDEOR ENGAGINGINUNSAFEACTIONS WHENDIVINGISPROHIBITED.

NOLARGEINFLATABLESARE ALLOWED.POOLTOYSCANBE PROHIBITEDASDEEMED NECESSARYBYTHELIFEGUARDS.

CHANGINGONTHEPOOLDECKIS NOTPERMITTED.THISINCLUDES CHANGINGDIAPERS,SWIMSUITS, ANDCLOTHING.PLEASEUTILIZE THELOCKERROOMSOR BATHROOMS. 8

CLUBTOWELSMUSTBELEFTON PROPERTYANDCANNOTBETAKEN HOME. 9

OUTSIDEFOODANDBEVERAGEIS NOTPERMITTED.NOFOODIS ALLOWEDINTHEPOOL,ANDGLASS ISNOTPERMITTEDINTHEPOOL AREA.

SWIMMERSUNDERTHEAGEOF 12MUSTBESUPERVISEDBYA RESPONSIBLEPARTYOVERTHE AGEOF18.

THEBABYPOOLISFOR CHILDREN5YEARSOLDAND YOUNGERACCOMPANIEDBYAN ADULTORRESPONSIBLEPARTY OVERTHEAGEOF18.ALL DIAPER-AGECHILDRENMUST WEARAPPROPRIATESWIM DIAPERS.

NOLIFEGUARDISPROVIDEDAT THEBABYPOOL.RESPONSIBLE SUPERVISIONISREQUIRED.

PLEASEDONOTENGAGETHE LIFEGUARDSIN CONVERSATIONSTHATDONOT PERTAINTOTHEIR RESPONSIBILITIES. MEMBERSUNDERTHEAGEOF18 AREALLOWEDUPTO3GUESTS PERDAY.

THELIFEGUARDSAREHERETO ENSUREYOURSAFETYANDARE TOBERESPECTED. DISRESPECTINGTHEGUARDS CANRESULTINYOUBEING ASKEDTOLEAVETHEPOOL.

THEPOOLMANAGERCANCLOSE THEPOOLATANYTIMEDUETO SAFETYCONCERNS.

2026 LAP LANE

10:30AM-9:00PM

MONDAY

5:30am-7:45am* 12:00pm-3:45pm 6:00pm-9:00pm

TUESDAY

5:30am-7:45am* 12:00pm-3:45pm 6:00pm-9:00pm

WEDNESDAY

5:30am-7:45am* 12:00pm-3:45pm 6:00pm-9:00pm

THURSDAY

5:30am-7:45am* 12:00pm-3:45pm 6:00pm-9:00pm

FRIDAY

5:30am-7:45am* 12:00pm-3:45pm 6:00pm-10:00pm

SATURDAY

10:30AM-9:00PM

Welcome to Summer Pool Season at the Club ! Summer has officially arrived, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome you back to the pool! There’s nothing better than long, sunny days spent poolside with family and friends, and we are looking forward to a fun, safe, and memorable season with all of you.

As we kick things off, we kindly ask that everyone take a moment to review the pool rules for the summer especially our guest policy. These guidelines help ensure that all members can enjoy the space comfortably and that we maintain the high standards of the club.

Please also note that the pool will have scheduled closures throughout the season for Swim & Dive practices and meets. We encourage you to check the calendar in advance so you can plan accordingly. During these times, we are happy to offer reciprocal options at nearby clubs so you can still enjoy a day by the water.

We’re excited to bring back live music on the pool deck every Friday, adding even more energy and fun to your summer evenings. It’s the perfect way to unwind and enjoy the atmosphere with fellow members.

A few friendly reminders to help keep things running smoothly:

During Swim & Dive practices especially in the afternoons please remind children not to occupy poolside tables, as space is limited for families dining.

Shoes and cover-ups are required inside the clubhouse for both children and adults. And finally, please help us take care of our space by keeping shoes and feet off the tables.

We appreciate yo ti d can’t wait to spen summer with you

See you out there Courtland

Gerha Assistant Gener

2026 POOL HOURS OF OPERATION

10:30AM-9:00PM

RECIPROCAL DATES

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

10:30AM-10:00PM 11:00AM-4:00PM 6:00PM-9:00PM 11:00AM-4:00PM** 6:00PM-9:00PM** 11:00AM-4:00PM** 6:00PM-9:00PM** 11:00AM-4:00PM 6:00PM-9:00PM 11:00AM-4:00PM 6:00PM-10:00PM

PLEASE HELP US MAINTAIN OUR RECIPROCAL POOL PRIVILEGES BY ADHERING TO ALL MISSION HILLS COUNTRY CLUB RULES AND GUIDELINES DURING YOUR VISIT WE ASK THAT YOU TREAT THE CLUB, ITS MEMBERS, AND STAFF WITH THE SAME COURTESY AND RESPECT YOU WOULD EXPECT AT OUR OWN CLUB. KINDLY NOTE THAT GUESTS ARE NOT PERMITTED UNDER THIS AGREEMENT, AND CHILDREN MUST BE SUPERVISED AT ALL TIMES THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION AND FOR REPRESENTING OUR CLUB WITH PROFESSIONALISM.

JUNE10

CARRIAGE CLUB HAS POOL PRIVILEGES AT MISSION HILLS COUNTRY CLUB FROM 12:00 PM-9:00 PM

JUNE17

CARRIAGE CLUB HAS POOL PRIVILEGES AT MISSION HILLS COUNTRY CLUB FROM 12:00 PM-9:00 PM

JUNE23

CARRIAGE CLUB HAS POOL PRIVILEGES AT MISSION HILLS COUNTRY CLUB FROM 12:00 PM-9:00 PM

JUNE30

CARRIAGE CLUB HAS POOL PRIVILEGES AT MISSION HILLS COUNTRY CLUB FROM 12:00 PM-9:00 PM

PRACTICE SCHEDULE

2026 SEASON

AllpracticesareMonday-Friday

NoThursdayAMpracticesexceptPre-Compet/JrJumpers

13 + 11-12 9-10

SWIM

8:00AM-8:45AM 5:00PM-6:00PM DIVE 8:45AM-9:30AM 4:00PM-5:00PM SWIM

8:45AM-9:30AM 5:00PM-6:00PM DIVE 8:00AM-8:45AM 4:00PM-5:00PM

SWIM 9:30AM-10:15AM 4:00PM-5:00PM DIVE 10:15AM-11:00AM 5:00PM-6:00PM

SWIM

10:15AM-11:00AM 4:00PM-5:00PM (Optional)

Monday-SwimClinic FridayTimeTrials DIVE 9:30AM-10:15AM 5:00PM-6:00PM

Becausewehavealargegroupof8–10year-oldswimmers,wewillbehostingtimetrialsevery Friday Thiswillallowustotrackeachswimmer’sprogressthroughouttheseason,especiallyin theeventtheydon’thavetheopportunitytoswimaparticularstrokeduringameet.

Practicetimesaresubjecttochangedependingonnumbersaftersignupsare completed*Thepoolwillopentoallmembersat11:30amw/3lanesrunningfor pre-compet* 11:00AM-12:00PM

PRE COMPET & JR JUMPERS

SWIM&DIVE

THE MEETS 2026 SEASON

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

PRECOMPET& JUNIORJUMPERS BEGINS

EATWITHTHECOACHES 8UGIRLS

HSMONDAY DINNER/POSTER MAKING@CC

HSMONDAY DINNER/POSTER MAKING

EATWITHTHE COACHES 12UGIRLS

PICTUREDAY CHICKFILA

HSMONDAY DINNER/POSTER MAKING

EATWITHTHE COACHES 8UBOYS

DIVEMEET-AWAY (CCL)

EATWITHTHE COACHES 12UBOYS

DIVEMEET-AWAY (MHCC)

EATWITHTHE COACHES HIGHSCHOOL

DIVEMEET-HOME (KCCC)

TIMETRIALS

4:00PM-7:00PM DJAFTERPARTY

EATWITHTHE COACHES 10UGIRLS

SWIMMEET-HOME (CCL)

DJAFTERPARTY

EATWITHTHE COACHES 14UGIRLS

SWIMMEET-HOME (MHCC)

DJAFTERPARTY SENIORNIGHT

SWIMMEET-AWAY (KCCC)

DJAFTERPARTY

CHAMPSTHEME REVEAL

DIVEMEET-HOME (MBCC) SENIORNIGHT

HSMONDAY DINNER/POSTER MAKING

SWIMMEET-AWAY (MBCC)

NODJAFTERPARTY

8UTEAMPARTY 9-10TEAMPARTY 11-12TEAMPARTY 13-15TEAMPARTY

DOUGHNUTFRIDAYS

EATWITHTHE COACHES 10UBOYS

DOUGHNUTFRIDAYS

EATWITHTHE COACHES 14UBOYS

DOUGHNUTFRIDAYS

JUNIORJUMPERS& PRECOMPET OLYMPICS SWIM&DIVEATHON

DOUGHNUTFRIDAYS

PYSHCNIGHT

6:00PM-7:30PM

A&BDIVERSTP& POSTERS A& DIVEPRACTICE

ICERINK CONSTRUCTIONUPDATE

WHAT IS HAPPENING & WHY TIMELINE

APRIL-MAY

April 6 - Demolition Begins th

The club is excited to complete the Ice Rink project this year. This investment addresses several key issues with the current facility, including:

Inadequate storm drainage

Compromised insulation and tubing

Heaving at doorways

Cracking and shifting in the floor

In addition, the project will bring several upgrades to enhance the overall experience, including updated benches with additional doors to better support figure skating and hockey programs, a new board system, and a new scoreboard.

PARKING

You will not see a change in parking until August. AL Huber and other vendors will be using the actual rink as parking and storage during the demolition phase!

Once August hits, a few parking spots will be fenced off, but it will be as few as possible.

THINGS TO KNOW!

There will be NO SPORT COURT this summer. While the kids are here during summer, please make sure they are not playing around the construction site.

Please make sure the kids know to stay out of the fenced areas AT ALL TIMES! If they need help retrieving a ball, please ask the management team.

MAY-AUGUST

Site is Prepped, Ready for Install Little construction happening during this time.

AUGUST-OCTOBER

August 1st- Construction Resumes, Rink Installed

NOVEMBER- Ice Start Up!

TRAVELING AROUND THE CLUB

You will enter the lower level of the Coach House as normal. Please be aware of construction though.

During the summer months, the kids will be able to travel to tennis safely. We are asking them to avoid the parking lot and follow the path below.

There will be no concrete on the side walk, but it will be safe for the kids to travel to tennis!

The path will be closed for the next two weeks to rip out the concrete and lay a flat surface so people can walk over it during the summer months

ICERINK CONSTRUCTIONUPDATE

In April A.L. Huber arrived on sight, put up the fences and started the demolition of the old ice rink! The first step was to remove all the old concrete

Once the concrete was removed it was time to flatten the ground to get ready for the new rink!

AIRCONDITIONING UPDATE

Half of the rink has been completely cleared of the old rink! Smoothed and ready for phase two!

The old Ammonia and Glycol was removed from the rink in preparation of removing the the concrete. There were 8+ large jugs of Glycol throughout the rink

POOLLEAK UPDATE

As many of you all saw the pool was full during the month of April but now it is empty! We have identified that there is a leak in the large pool.

The Carriage Club team is currently working on repairing the leak to be ready for the pool season. Once the leak is fixed we will be ready to fill the pool.