FAQ

1. Does the YMCA receive government funding to operate?
2. Why do you have a corporate office? Isn't that wasting money?
3. Why does it take a few days (or longer) for equipment to be fixed?
4. Why do you have guest fees and why is it $10.00? Isn't that a bit much?
5. Why won't you put FANS up in the wellness centers near the Cardio Equipment?
6. What is the best water temperature for the indoor pool?
7. Is there a required temperature by DHEC?
8. Why does the pool temperature fluctuate?
9. Do you have someone who can help get me started as a new member?
10. Why did you install turnstiles in the facilities?

Does the YMCA receive government funding to operate?

No. Some YMCA's in the form of grants do but the Pickens County YMCA does not.

To expand further, not only are we not funded by a government body, we do not receive money from a National YMCA body either. As a matter of fact, WE send 2% of our budget (NOT donations) to the National YMCA. We take our total revenue, subtract donations, grants, United Way, sponsorship and public support, then send 2% to help support the YMCA of the USA.

The Pickens County YMCA is an independent, self sustaining non-profit organization.

Why do you have a corporate office? Isnt that wasting money?

The reason we have a corporate office is simple, we are out of space at the YMCA. Because we have been utilizing former office space for programs, staff had no where to work. We have 11 directors and several support staff that simply need a desk. The corporate office allows a place for our administrative staff to work, train employees, meet, plan and operate the YMCA. In total, the cost of a having corporate offices requires less than 1% of our total budget.   ( .7% to be exact)

Why does it take a few days (or longer) for equipment to be fixed?

Out of order signs are just as frustrating to us as it is to you. The fitness equipment industry is tough to tackle. Because most of our equipment is under warranty, we can not repair it ourselves. An authorized 'repairman' has to work on the equipment. When we see or get a report that a piece is down, we call in the issue to the manufacturer and they dispatch a repairman. It sometimes takes 2 maybe 3 days for them to arrive. Once there, they diagnose the problem then order the part. And that may take 2-4 days to arrive. Then they come back out to install in the new part. So in all, given the weekends and holidays, it can sometimes take 2, maybe 3 weeks to make a simple repair. We are constantly rushing the process and call on a daily basis for status updates. To a certain degree we are powerless in that process. The best we can do is respond quickly when things do go down.  We also have begun keeping spare parts in storage to eliminate the down time in waiting on parts.

Why do you have guest fees and why are the $10.00. Isn't that a bit much?

Yes and No. $10.00 is a lot for a guest but remember, we are not a guest facility. We are a membership organization. As you all know, our facilities can get crowded. Too crowded sometimes. Thus, we set a guest fee admittedly high to somewhat discourage guest. HOWEVER, we do allow guests to come in for 3 times at no cost to 'try-out' the YMCA. This allows them a few visits to see if they want to join. After that, we want them to be members. Our goal is not to get more guests, we want them to be a part of the YMCA and committed to the organization. We want them to be members.

Please keep in mind that if you have family visiting from out of town, grand children staying with you for a week, or an unusual circumstance, you can contact our Member Services Director, Ryan Smith, and he can give guest passes for those situations. As a member, we want you to bring friends and family but like I described above, we ultimately want the "local folks" to be members.

Why wont you put fans up in the wellness centers near the cardio equipment?

Ah. We see this question a good bit. The simple answer is that some people love fans, and some hate them. When the fans (wall or ceiling) run, we have some members tell us that they don't like all that cold air on them and want them cut off. When they are not running (or not present), then members state they want fans. It is a double edge sword for us.

Our status is to keep a minimal amount of fans so for those who like fans, grab a machine that is close to a fan. If you don't like fans, then jump on a machine that is not near one.

What is the best water temperature?

Depends on who you ask. We have decided that a target of 83-84 degrees best serves the diversity of members and programs within our pool. For some members, 83.5 is too hot and for others, its too cold. It's an ongoing challenge we face.

Is there a required temperature by DHEC?

No. DHEC only regulates chemicals and mechanical systems. Pool size, temperature, etc is a decision of the organization.

Why does the pool temperature fluctuate?

The water heater only has a 1 degree differential; which means that the temperature will float between 83 and 84 degrees. Just like in your home, it doesn't stay on the exact temperature all day. It will stay close but not perfect. The driving force is the outside weather conditions.

Do you have someone who can help get me started as a new member?

Yes!  We have a couple ways to get you started on the right foot.  The first and best option, Wellness Works.  It is a FREE program to members, new and existing, that will not only teach you how to use the equipment, but will teach which equipment to use based on your health goals and needs.  This program will assess your current wellness levels then get you started.  Click here for more information!

The second option is personal training.  It is one on one training for your specific needs on an ongoing basis.  This program is fee based.  Click here for more information.

 
Why did you install turnstiles?

The reason is simple, better security for you!  The traffic in our facilities over the past few years has increased dramatically.  The member services staff at the front desk is a multi-tasking role.  Welcome incoming members, answering phones, signing up new members, answering members questions, etc... You get the idea.

Watching each and every scan and ensuring that each member is scanning their card was becoming virtually impossible.  The turnstiles allow a 'virtual' verification that everyone coming into the YMCA are indeed members and we know who they are.  Other than the initial investment, there was essentially no down falls to having them installed.