AITA for refusing to let my neighbor’s kids use my pool?
A Reddit user recently moved into a home with a backyard pool, and soon after, their neighbors asked if their kids could use it occasionally. The user declined, explaining that they weren’t comfortable with the responsibility of supervising other people’s children in their pool.
Since then, the neighbors have been dropping hints about how “nice” it would be to share. Now, the user is wondering if they were wrong for refusing and if it’s fair for them to stick to their boundaries. Read the full story below!
‘ AITA for refusing to let my neighbor’s kids use my pool?’
I (34M) recently moved into a new house that has a backyard pool. It’s been great for relaxing and cooling off, especially during the summer. My next-door neighbors have two young kids who noticed the pool and asked their parents if they could come over to swim.
The parents approached me one day and asked if I’d be open to letting their kids use the pool “every now and then.”
I was polite but said no, explaining that I’m not comfortable with the responsibility, especially since I’d need to supervise. They looked disappointed but didn’t argue. However, since then, they’ve dropped a few hints and even mentioned how it would be “nice” if I could share the pool with neighbors who don’t have one.
Now, they’ve started giving me the cold shoulder, and I feel a bit like the neighborhood Scrooge for not sharing. Still, I don’t want to take on the extra risk and responsibility, even if it might make me look unfriendly. AITA for not letting my neighbor’s kids use my pool?
Take a look at the comments from fellow users:
mrporterisonreddit − Letting them use your pool is just a lawsuit waiting to happen. They can have their ass on their shoulders all they want, but it’s not worth being financially ruined. Definitely NTA.
GloomyBake9300 − If it comes up, you can always tell them your insurance agent advised against it. You can also call your insurance agent, ask them what they think, and they’ll tell you it’s a risk, and then you can tell your neighbor the same thing.
couchfly − When a lawyer found out we got a trampoline he was immediately like “get a good lock and a no trespassing sign and MAYBE you wont have to pay through the nose when a kid goes in without permission and injures themselves.” That probably goes double for a pool. No fence? ALLLL the liability. NTA
celticmusebooks − Spoiler alert: These are the same parents who will sue you for every dime and see you homeless if anything happens to one of their “little darlings” on your property.
Look into the cost of an umbrella liability insurance for 10 million dollars — that should cover lifetime care for a person who becomes a quadriplegic after a pool accident then tell the parents if they are willing to pay that premium UPFRONT every year AND guarantee they will be with the children while swimming and ONLY with advance permission then you’d be happy to consider it.. NTA
ParfaitAdditional469 − NTA. If something happens to the kids, the parents will rush to find a lawyer and sue
justthoughtidcheck − NTA. If being the neighborhood scrooge means that you will have peace of mind, then so be it. You’re under no obligation to let anyone use your pool. If they want a pool for their kids then let them have one built.
dragonfeet1 − Yeah hi EMT here and you are 15000000% NTA. The worst calls I’ve ever been on, hands down, are the pediatric drowning calls. I’d never seen a cop break down in tears before until a few summers ago when he jumped in the pool (after stripping off his duty belt) to retrieve the kid.
He was dripping, and shivering and just bawling when we were working the kid and told him we couldn’t get the kid back. I would not wish that on anyone. And if it’s on your property, you hold liability. It sucks. It’s the worst.
Do not under any circumstance open yourself up to this. If you see them at your pool (if they try to be sneaky sneaky) call the cops and get them officially trespassed. Not just for your sake but because, again, dead kids are awful.
Beautiful-Story2811 − Not the AH. You just know that ‘every now and then’ means every summer day that ends in Y. Next thing you know, you’ll be hosting kiddie BD parties and sleepovers. DON’T. DO IT. And the next time they ‘drop a hint’, promptly hand them the card and brochure for a reputable pool company that finances.
OR you could text them the link for YouTube videos for DIY above ground pools. Either way, when it comes to letting people use your amenities…believe the old adage, *’no good deed goes unpunished.’* Enjoy your pool, stand firm in your resolve with a clear and firm, NO.
GloomyBake9300 − It would be different if you had offered. That’s an imposition and a responsibility.
DanaMarie75038 − NTA. Better cold shoulder than getting sued if something happens to their kids. I don’t understand why people think they can ask neighbors to use their pool and get upset when told “no”.
Do you think the user is justified in refusing to let the neighbor’s kids use their pool, or should they try to accommodate their neighbors’ wishes? How would you handle this situation? Share your thoughts below!
