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Having a pool in your yard is great, especially as we prepare for the summer season to start in full swing. However, with any kind of pool comes friends and neighbors that want to use it too.
You might be dreading this summer because it means your neighbors will be trying to get into your pool for the next several months. Of course, just because you have a pool doesn’t mean you should feel obligated to let everyone and anyone use it.
How to keep neighbors out of your pool
If you want to keep your neighbors out of your pool then you need to set clear boundaries about when, or if, they are able to use it. It might be nice for your neighbor to let them swim at your house every once in a while, but you aren’t under any obligation to do so.
Not to mention, you might be the one responsible if someone were to be hurt while using your pool. So there’s actually a lot of risk and liability involved for you.
1. Talk To Them
You should start by politely talking to your neighbor if you don’t want them swimming in your pool. Try not to bring it up if they are already over, as this might embarrass them or hurt their feelings. Try to wait until a good time and reach out to them to talk.
2. Be Clear and Direct
When setting boundaries with your neighbor in regard to your pool, make sure to be clear and direct. Let them know why you don’t want anyone other than you and your family using your pool. Explain the kind of risk you would face if anyone were to get hurt.
Don’t beat around the bush either, and don’t back down if they seem resistant. Be clear and direct about the fact that they shouldn’t be using your pool if not explicitly invited.
3. Offer Times They Can Swim
If you want to you can let your neighbor know the times it would be okay for time to swim. You might be planning a cookout or pool party that you could invite them to so they can enjoy swimming.
If you don’t mind them using the pool sometimes, as long as they ask in advance, you can tell them that. Just let them know that you won’t be letting them swim every time they ask.
4. A Locked Cover
Certain kinds of pools can use locked covers that will prevent anyone from being able to swim. These are a great way to deter unwanted guests. Not to mention you can rest easy no one will be able to get hurt in your pool while you aren’t around.
Locked pool covers are also a safer option for the summer when pools are usually left uncovered. They can keep people from accidentally slipping and falling in.
5. Tall Fence
You can also put up a tall fence around your pool that will prevent people from getting to it without you there. Your neighbor shouldn’t be hoping the fence to swim, and sometimes this is all you have to do to keep unwanted guests away.
6. Alarms
There are pool alarms you can install that will go off when someone jumps in uninvited. These alarms are usually motion-activated, and you can turn them on any time that your pool should be empty. This will be a clear sign to any uninvited guests that they shouldn’t be there.
7. Cameras
Cameras can help you watch when your neighbors are swimming in your pool, especially if they’re doing so behind your back. Anything your cameras capture can be used to confront your neighbors down the line if you need to.
Cameras like the Blink Outdoor camera make it easier than ever to keep watch on your property 24/7.
8. Put Up Signs
Posting a couple of no swimming signs is another good way to let your neighbors know they aren’t welcome in your pool whenever they please. These signs can also keep you from being responsible if someone decides to ignore them and go for a swim anyway.
Conclusion
Having your own pool is great, but it’s not as enjoyable if you feel like your neighbors are always trying to use it. It can be even worse if your neighbors have decided to swim in your pool behind your back.
While this can be stressful to deal with, there are quick and efficient ways to handle it. You should start with trying to talk to your neighbors, but if that isn’t successful you can try other methods.
