Q. At the hotel we were Pesach they placed a high and proper mechitza separating the very large swimming pool into separate areas for men and women. Yet the mechitza didn’t reach into the water itself just to the surface of the water, is that a problem?

A. See Rambam (Isurei Biah 21:21) and Shulchan Aruch (E. H. 21: 1) on the prohibitions involved, on mixed attendance to a beach or pool.

Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that if a proper mechitza is placed, meaning no visual contact exists and the areas are totally separated, then, although the mechitza does not separate the water itself it would be permitted. This, he adds, is subject to the people staying away from the mechitza at least four amos ( two meters) and only if they do not engage in diving under the water.

It is highly recommendable to have, as is commonly done in many such facilities, separate hours for men and women. Also signs should be posted informing of the restrictions and the lifeguards assigned to maintaining the rules.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a