It’s often advised that you shouldn’t share everything with your neighbors. If you’re fortunate, you’ll have neighbors who respect personal boundaries. In most cases, people swap food or invite neighbors over for gatherings like barbecues. Occasionally, they’ll let kids come over to enjoy amenities like a pool or playground.
However, there will always be those who take advantage of others’ kindness, seemingly unaware of boundaries. This is exactly what one man experienced when his neighbors became upset after he denied them access to his pool.
The man turned to Reddit to explain his predicament. What started as a generous act ended with him feeling taken advantage of by his neighbor.
He and his fiancée had recently moved to a peaceful neighborhood, feeling secure with its small-town atmosphere. Seeing children in the area, they decided to install a pool, partly because they’d soon have kids of their own and thought it would be nice to occasionally share with the neighborhood kids.
Little did he know this decision would lead to issues.
The man wrote: “I installed an above-ground pool last year, and the neighborhood kids were thrilled. I told them no dogs in the pool since the liner was delicate and could be damaged.” Things began smoothly.
While their parents were on a trip, the kids were playing in the pool. But upon the parents’ return, something seemed wrong. He explained, “This year, when we opened the pool, the kids used it while we were away. When we got back, I noticed the water level had dropped, and I tried refilling it.”
On closer inspection, he found a “significant tear” on one side of the pool. He chose not to make a fuss and fixed the problem.
The next day, the children returned, this time with their Labrador. Having just made repairs, he declined their request, explaining the pool was closed.
Later, he arrived home to find his fiancée in an argument with their neighbor. The neighbors were upset that he wasn’t letting their kids swim, accusing them of disappointing the children.
Despite explaining the situation and the need to close the pool, the neighbors insisted he allow the kids back in.
Now, he’s turning to the internet, wondering if it was wrong to refuse access a second time.
Reddit commenters weighed in, with some citing the “attractive nuisance” law and affirming his right to keep the neighbors’ kids off his property.
