Keyless Entry Systems (Potentially for Our Pool Gate)

So........ your seriously thinking of spending $3,000-$10,000 on something that locks a door?

Beyond providing useless statistics on who enters and when, why not just stick to a key?

You can spend $10,000 on a key system but it only takes one person to let someone in who can walk in right behind another person. If confronted they can just say they their key is upstairs. Most people will just say "ok".

Seems like a waste to me.

Safety code changes here will likely stop us from using our current system in which a person "keys in" and "keys out."

New codes will effectively require us to install a new iron gate where the lock's key-hole meets the new standard of 54 inches above the ground.

It's not prudent to simply install a new key system where residents may receive cheap copies of their pool key at the hardware store and give to all their friends and non-residents so they don't have to, at least, let them in the pool. So, a copy-resistant key system (like Medeco) makes sense to be installed in the new gate that meets codes.

THEN, we must install an "exit button" inside the pool area for emergency exits - as "key in - key out" has been ruled unacceptable to our local fire marshall.

So, when the next fire marshall inspection comes (in 2010), we expect to be told we're out-of-code and have corrective measures mandated.

Keeping the key-based system means:

1. Purchase a secure iron gate with a lock-hole sitting 54 inches above the ground.
2. Purchase a new key system where keys are highly copy resistant - our HOA job is protecting the asset
3. Purchase the installation of an emergency exit button to unlock the gate to exit w/out a key
4. Purchase 236 keys @ approx $8 per copy-proof key.

A Keyless entry system installation:

1. We keep our gate
2. The system comes with the new "escape button" as standard equipment
3. 236 programmed keycards come with the installation.

No, we'll not keep out the determined freeloaders without physically patrolling the pool. But, we are facing an upgrade of our pool gate entry system whether we like it or not.

That's why I'm asking about keyless entry. We'll end up spending a few thousand dollars no matter what we do in all likelihood. Having easily copied keys makes no sense if we're facing upgrades and makes no sense from a liability standpoint.

Try this:
If your gate is really expensive. Call a local locksmith. Ask him add a lock at 54" to the gate. He will arrange someone to weld a small box on to the gate and another box on the fence. Then he will install a combo lock. You can ask him to install plexiglass or weld fencing/grate around the lock so someone cant reach around to unlock.

Kelly - we went this route just this past winter - We had huge issues with non payment of dues - 60% of our homeowners are overseas and were just blowing us off. We installed the new key swipe system and put the policy in place that if you were delinquent the key would be deactivated. Most of those folks that do short term (vacation) rentals ponied up pretty quick so they could still advertise that there was pool access to their vacation home and the owners of the long-term rentals have started paying as well because their renters are complaining. Granted this doesnt do much for us in the short winter we have in Florida but I had 5 homeowners (all delinquent) at my door this last weekend wanting access to the pool.

One suggesstion based on my last note - dont let them know that the board are the ones activating / deactivating keys - put it off on the management company. That way you wont have them driving you crazy.

All the homeowners like the new system. It took care of all of the folks that had passed off keys to friends getting access to the pool and they are pretty vigilant about making sure that they dont let in people that dont have a key or are trying to tailgate. They pay a pretty penny for the use of the pool and dont want someone else useing it for free.

Virginia - there are keyless entry systems that require Internet access so that your property manager can activate and deactivate residents' access from the office. It seems very effective for non-payers because the property manager can move efficiently.

My HOA settled on an Linearcorp.com (Formerly IEI) LS-2 lockset. You must program it with a handheld remote device in person so it's not as convenient.

Our collections procedures are very fast so the daily routine of turning on and off pool & dog park access isn't something we do regularly. Therefore, remote internet connecting wasn't worth the cost plus the monthly fee to maintain a commercial telephone connection or broadband connection.

Our cost was $2,400 installed. The keycards cost around $4.80 per keycard - cheaper than secure keys.

If memory serves me correctly, the high-end Broadband Internet accessible keyless entry can manage 256 doors (we have 1 gate) and run $8,000 to $10,000.

A dial-up modem keyless entry system was about half that amount but requires a phone line to call in.

The keyless entry system doesn't allow for key copying, which was a huge problem for us. Sure, people could let people in the pool area but the convenience of a pirated key fueled much more trespassing. The copyproof keys w/ lockset cost more than the LS-2 system.

Manuals:
http://docs-europe.origin.electrocomponents.com/webdocs/0d18/0900766b80d18076.pdf
http://docs-europe.origin.electrocomponents.com/webdocs/0d18/0900766b80d18077.pdf

We installed a DSC system (maxsys) this summer and it is remotely managed by the property management company using software they call into the panel with using a telephone line. We have two card readers on our two gates ... and the inside handles are panic handles and always open without the keycard. There is screen mesh on the doors to prevent opening from the outside. I think the system was almost $7000 ... but most of that was actually the cost of the keycards for 900 homes and some of those are additional cards for future losses. System did have a few issues with clock being off and some cards not working initially (reprogrammed, then fine). But the system works good now, but took almost an entire summer to work out all the kinks completely.