Use of your pool while you are away

[Maritimer]

We bought a home with a pool recently. Like most in TV its in a lanai with appropriate screen doors. But when we are away we leave a lanai door unlocked so the pool guy can get in -- the latch is more than 54" above the ground as is required for toddler intrusion safety. The neighbours (who are fine folk -- that's not the issue) have told us that when the previous owners were away for the summer, they were told that they could use the pool whenever they wanted -- and they did. There is an expectation or at least a hope, it would seem, that we will have the same "policy". But the liability issue if there is an accident seems to us very serious. Sure, perhaps the neighbours would not sue if there were a slip and fall on the pool deck or worse, but the insurance companies are seldom so understanding. Any thoughts or experience on how this expectation of being a good neighbour is handled?

[retiredguy123]

Just say no.

I would also put a lock on the lanai door, and give the pool guy a key or the combination.

[retiredguy123]

///

[tophcfa]

We bought a home with a pool recently. Like most in TV its in a lanai with appropriate screen doors. But when we are away we leave a lanai door unlocked so the pool guy can get in -- the latch is more than 54" above the ground as is required for toddler intrusion safety. The neighbours (who are fine folk -- that's not the issue) have told us that when the previous owners were away for the summer, they were told that they could use the pool whenever they wanted -- and they did. There is an expectation or at least a hope, it would seem, that we will have the same "policy". But the liability issue if there is an accident seems to us very serious. Sure, perhaps the neighbours would not sue if there were a slip and fall on the pool deck or worse, but the insurance companies are seldom so understanding. Any thoughts or experience on how this expectation of being a good neighbour is handled?

In addition to liability I would be concerned about the pool water. Specifically, I worry about TDS (total dissolved solids) building up in the pool water. We are very careful to not introduce stuff into the pool that builds up TDS and wouldn’t trust others to do the same. TDS come from things like soap residue, sun tan lotion, deodorant, make-up, perfume, and other man made products. Natural stuff like dirt, hair, and sweat are taken care of by the pool chemicals and filter, but TDS can not be removed from the water. When the TDS count gets high it becomes very difficult to properly balance the pool water and the water must be drained and replaced, which is both a pain in the a$$ and expensive.

If you have internet active when not there I would put a camera in your birdcage to watch your pool, otherwise I would put up a battery operated trail camera. We don’t lock the doors to our birdcage because if someone wants to get in it would be better to let them use the door than cut your screen. Good luck.

[retiredguy123]

If you don't lock the door, your defense against liability is compromised. Florida law has an "attractive nuisance" doctrine. So, if a child drowns in the pool, you can be held liable.

[LAFwUs]

Op,
I'm afraid, as others have said, that's going to be a big no-go for me as well.
Too many factors, with you not being there can/could come into play as well...what if something happens, like damage to your pool or property.
Although your neighbors may be great people, even here in the villages, great people can bring over really crappy guest who could cause you a whole series of issues...

[Topspinmo]

Hello (spelling) NO, plenty of pools in villages. Kind of neighbor’s everybody wants, right…..

[Babubhat]

Never. Massive liability exposure. There are plenty of amenity pools for them to use

[coffeebean]

Just say no.

I would also put a lock on the lanai door, and give the pool guy a key or the combination.

Absolutely agree 100%.

[bilcon]

For the past few years, my neighbor, who is still a snow bird after 13 years, has let a neighbors grandkids use his pool when they come for the summer.. It's like a day camp when they come. I finally had enough when I saw the kids alone in the pool and hot tub without any parental supervision. While he is enjoying his summer on a lake somewhere, we have to put up with someone who does not even live on our block. I finally called him and told him that kids were using his pool without supervision and that besides the liability, we have to put up with loud noise daily during the summer. He has not spoken to me since, but I did not see any kids in the pool this summer. There is a rec center, with a family pool very close to his house. There are enough family pools in TV. I think your neighbor has some B---- asking to use your pool when your are away. Some people have no class.

[bilcon]

For the past few years, my neighbor, who is still a snow bird after 13 years, has let a neighbors grandkids use his pool when they come for the summer.. It's like a day camp when they come. I finally had enough when I saw the kids alone in the pool and hot tub without any parental supervision. While he is enjoying his summer on a lake somewhere, we have to put up with someone who does not even live on our block. I finally called him and told him that kids were using his pool without supervision and that besides the liability, we have to put up with loud noise daily during the summer. He has not spoken to me since, but I did not see any kids in the pool this summer. There is a rec center, with a family pool very close to his house. There are enough family pools in TV. I think your neighbor has some B---- asking to use your pool when your are away. Some people have no class.

[ElDiabloJoe]

Unless they knew me well, I would consider it even presumptuous to ask. They might hint at it, but that's a big "ask" of a new acquaintance. Awfully bold of them, in my opinion, to even ask it. People that bold will push boundaries until they are told or made to understand "no."

Concur with locking screen. I understand the desire to prevent greater damage, but you leave yourself open, literally, to liability and theft.

[Bay Kid]

There are neighborhood pools everywhere. Not like they can't swim.

[MrFlorida]

I would not allow it, too much that can go wrong.

[Chi-Town]

Just let them know that an open pool policy is not in the cards and that it is nothing personal. And there is no back and forth on that matter.

[PoolBrews]

In addition to liability I would be concerned about the pool water. Specifically, I worry about TDS (total dissolved solids) building up in the pool water. We are very careful to not introduce stuff into the pool that builds up TDS and wouldn’t trust others to do the same. TDS come from things like soap residue, sun tan lotion, deodorant, make-up, perfume, and other man made products. Natural stuff like dirt, hair, and sweat are taken care of by the pool chemicals and filter, but TDS can not be removed from the water. When the TDS count gets high it becomes very difficult to properly balance the pool water and the water must be drained and replaced, which is both a pain in the a$$ and expensive.

If you have internet active when not there I would put a camera in your birdcage to watch your pool, otherwise I would put up a battery operated trail camera. We don’t lock the doors to our birdcage because if someone wants to get in it would be better to let them use the door than cut your screen. Good luck.

I agree that I would not let my neighbor have access to my pool when I'm gone - the liability issue would be my primary reason.

The information concerning TDS is inaccurate and a relic of the way pools were cared for years ago (reference TDS - Further Reading | Trouble Free Pool (https://www.troublefreepool.com/wiki/index.php?title=TDS)). When properly checked and maintained, TDS never comes close to being an issue, and is irrelevant.

The only time a pool owner should ever have to drain a pool is if CYA (cyanuric acid) levels or pool hardness reach levels that compromise the ability to maintain the pool. Even then, it's not costly. Simply drain the amount of water required to bring the levels down to the recommended levels (there are calculators to determine how much to drain) using a standard sump pump attached to a hose. Then bring the level back up using your water supply. When I filled my entire pool, the cost was less than $30, so If I had to remove 1/3 of my water to correct one of the above issues we're only looking at $10.

[Speedie]

In addition to liability I would be concerned about the pool water. Specifically, I worry about TDS (total dissolved solids) building up in the pool water. We are very careful to not introduce stuff into the pool that builds up TDS and wouldn’t trust others to do the same. TDS come from things like soap residue, sun tan lotion, deodorant, make-up, perfume, and other man made products. Natural stuff like dirt, hair, and sweat are taken care of by the pool chemicals and filter, but TDS can not be removed from the water. When the TDS count gets high it becomes very difficult to properly balance the pool water and the water must be drained and replaced, which is both a pain in the a$$ and expensive.

If you have internet active when not there I would put a camera in your birdcage to watch your pool, otherwise I would put up a battery operated trail camera. We don’t lock the doors to our birdcage because if someone wants to get in it would be better to let them use the door than cut your screen. Good luck.

Most TDS comes from the water that has evaporated leaving behind the dissolved solids naturally in the fill water. Over time the concentration will increase and need to be reduced by flushing part of the water out of the pool and replacing with fresh water resulting in dilution of the high TDS

[Bitsee]

We had bought a brand new corner CYV 6 years ago near Brownwood.
Our new so called "friends" and neighbors we THOUGHT we could trust with a key.. agreed to check our house once a month while we were up north for 4 months.
Well I'm here to say that our home was one big free for all that 1st summer there !!!!
Those trusted neighbors invited thier relatives to stay in our house, stored things in our garage, used items from our home and kept them,
used our corner lot, and back yard for a dog potty place continually, and left oil stains in our driveway from the vehicles that were parked
there on a regular basis......
ALL OF THIS OCCURRED THAT SUMMER AT OUR CYV WITHOUT ANY OF OUR PERMISSION MIND YOU !!!!
When we returned in Fall the one and only nice neighbor lady in there told us what had been going on there that entire time.....WOW.
Needless to say, WE WERE BEYOND LIVID !!
A huge confrontation took place with those so called friends, we sent them a bill for the entire cleanup fees, and put every person on notice that lived next to us and witnessed that fiasco for 4 months.
And get this.....all those neighbors were so angry that we returned for the winter and thier free-for-all was over that they refused to talk to us !!!!
Needless to say, that house was sold 3 weeks later and we NEVER looked back !!!!
Good riddance to bad rubbish ~

[wisbad1]

We bought a home with a pool recently. Like most in TV its in a lanai with appropriate screen doors. But when we are away we leave a lanai door unlocked so the pool guy can get in -- the latch is more than 54" above the ground as is required for toddler intrusion safety. The neighbours (who are fine folk -- that's not the issue) have told us that when the previous owners were away for the summer, they were told that they could use the pool whenever they wanted -- and they did. There is an expectation or at least a hope, it would seem, that we will have the same "policy". But the liability issue if there is an accident seems to us very serious. Sure, perhaps the neighbours would not sue if there were a slip and fall on the pool deck or worse, but the insurance companies are seldom so understanding. Any thoughts or experience on how this expectation of being a good neighbour is handled?
Absolutely no! Liability, my neighbour asked me to use our pool when we were gone, no. He didn’t like it, too bad. There are so many pools in the villages use them .

[Djean1981]

Just no. I would not like others in my house or pool while I'm away.

[asianthree]

Then again OP your neighbors may be giving you a line of sh**. That they were given free rain of using pool while previous owners were gone. Hoping you would fall for questionable idea, and guilt you if you choose not.

[CZN715]

We bought a home with a pool recently. Like most in TV its in a lanai with appropriate screen doors. But when we are away we leave a lanai door unlocked so the pool guy can get in -- the latch is more than 54" above the ground as is required for toddler intrusion safety. The neighbours (who are fine folk -- that's not the issue) have told us that when the previous owners were away for the summer, they were told that they could use the pool whenever they wanted -- and they did. There is an expectation or at least a hope, it would seem, that we will have the same "policy". But the liability issue if there is an accident seems to us very serious. Sure, perhaps the neighbours would not sue if there were a slip and fall on the pool deck or worse, but the insurance companies are seldom so understanding. Any thoughts or experience on how this expectation of being a good neighbour is handled?

Same thing happened to me in CT. The occasional ask to use the pool turned into all day, everyday, radios, the dog, flotation devices, snacks, friends.. Made things very uncomfortable. They moved away before I had to throw them out. Never again!

[La lamy]

Another vote for NO, way too risky.

[Babubhat]

Why you have multiple security cameras to alert for any event. Inexpensive protection. Amazon has wyze for about 35 dollars

We had bought a brand new corner CYV 6 years ago near Brownwood.
Our new so called "friends" and neighbors we THOUGHT we could trust with a key.. agreed to check our house once a month while we were up north for 4 months.
Well I'm here to say that our home was one big free for all that 1st summer there !!!!
Those trusted neighbors invited thier relatives to stay in our house, stored things in our garage, used items from our home and kept them,
used our corner lot, and back yard for a dog potty place continually, and left oil stains in our driveway from the vehicles that were parked
there on a regular basis......
ALL OF THIS OCCURRED THAT SUMMER AT OUR CYV WITHOUT ANY OF OUR PERMISSION MIND YOU !!!!
When we returned in Fall the one and only nice neighbor lady in there told us what had been going on there that entire time.....WOW.
Needless to say, WE WERE BEYOND LIVID !!
A huge confrontation took place with those so called friends, we sent them a bill for the entire cleanup fees, and put every person on notice that lived next to us and witnessed that fiasco for 4 months.
And get this.....all those neighbors were so angry that we returned for the winter and thier free-for-all was over that they refused to talk to us !!!!
Needless to say, that house was sold 3 weeks later and we NEVER looked back !!!!
Good riddance to bad rubbish ~

[Luggage]

And then they'll also drink your liquor. As others have said put on a lock and give your pool guy a key. Solve the problem and then don't worry about kids or dogs getting into the Ianai

[banjobob]

I would just say no to the use of the pool while you are away, just good common sense so that no issues ever arise.

[bowlingal]

Do you know for a fact that the previous owners allowed your neighbors to use your pool?

[sallyg]

Just say sorry, no. Too risky. Best to lock the door and give the pool guy a key. I'd say your neighbors were pretty nervy to ask. Lots of pools here for their enjoyment.

[Bikehike]

There are so many pools in The Villages and there's always one right around the corner. Maybe if they were acting as your home watch? But no parties Joel use your best judgment

[NoMo50]

No way, no how. You are not being stingy, you're being smart. I would also go the extra mile and install motion activated WiFi cameras in the pool area. Then, you can remotely ensure your neighbors are not on your property without permission, plus you can check to make sure your pool service person is doing his/her job. The nerve of some folks is unbelievable.

[JSR22]

We have a pool, and none of our neighbors have asked to use it when we go away. One person did ask if they could bring their dogs over to swim.

[tonycirocco@me.com]

Dogs!!????

[JSR22]

Dogs!!????

Yes dogs like to swim, and they cannot go into the ponds because of the alligators.

[TOMCAT]

I would never ask anyone if I can use their pool when they are away. Even I know about liabilities. There are plenty of pools that I can go to. That reminds me when a child asks me to pet my dog in front of a parent. I feel bad, but I usually say no because I am not sure how my dog will react and might bite. He has not bitten anyone yet, but one never knows.

[TOMCAT]

We had bought a brand new corner CYV 6 years ago near Brownwood.
Our new so called "friends" and neighbors we THOUGHT we could trust with a key.. agreed to check our house once a month while we were up north for 4 months.
Well I'm here to say that our home was one big free for all that 1st summer there !!!!
Those trusted neighbors invited thier relatives to stay in our house, stored things in our garage, used items from our home and kept them,
used our corner lot, and back yard for a dog potty place continually, and left oil stains in our driveway from the vehicles that were parked
there on a regular basis......
ALL OF THIS OCCURRED THAT SUMMER AT OUR CYV WITHOUT ANY OF OUR PERMISSION MIND YOU !!!!
When we returned in Fall the one and only nice neighbor lady in there told us what had been going on there that entire time.....WOW.
Needless to say, WE WERE BEYOND LIVID !!
A huge confrontation took place with those so called friends, we sent them a bill for the entire cleanup fees, and put every person on notice that lived next to us and witnessed that fiasco for 4 months.
And get this.....all those neighbors were so angry that we returned for the winter and thier free-for-all was over that they refused to talk to us !!!!
Needless to say, that house was sold 3 weeks later and we NEVER looked back !!!!
Good riddance to bad rubbish ~
So sorry for your experience. Some people can take advantage of good nature. That was terrible!

[MSGirl]

We bought a home with a pool recently. Like most in TV its in a lanai with appropriate screen doors. But when we are away we leave a lanai door unlocked so the pool guy can get in -- the latch is more than 54" above the ground as is required for toddler intrusion safety. The neighbours (who are fine folk -- that's not the issue) have told us that when the previous owners were away for the summer, they were told that they could use the pool whenever they wanted -- and they did. There is an expectation or at least a hope, it would seem, that we will have the same "policy". But the liability issue if there is an accident seems to us very serious. Sure, perhaps the neighbours would not sue if there were a slip and fall on the pool deck or worse, but the insurance companies are seldom so understanding. Any thoughts or experience on how this expectation of being a good neighbour is handled?

Maybe it’s me, but besides the liability issue, I think it’s a little nervy of the neighbors!

[NotGolfer]

I have friends and acquaintances who have pools---I'd never ask them if I could use it, even if they were home!! I agree with the other posts re: liabilty etc., but it's just not using manners to ask for any time!!!

[KSSunshine]

After reading through the comments, (and we have a pool, too), it is too much of a liability risk. While they would say that they would never sue you, a third party could to recover their costs against your home owners insurance. I also make sure that both of us are in the pool area since at our age, a medical event can occur. You potentially have more people around you at a Villages pool to provide aid until EMS can arrive. While I love my neighbors, I will just invite them when we are home. May be a good idea to check with your insurance agent about your liability if someone gets hurt in your pool...or uses it without your blessing.

[billethkid]

Common sense conclusion.....Nobody outside, the family, uses the pool while we are away!
No further discussion needed.

[OhioBuckeye]

You know where we live (not in TV) we have Blink Cameras, they’re inexpensive & you can see anybody that comes in view of the camera when you’re anywhere in the U.S. We live in Texas & we see anything or anyone in Ohio. As soon as you see them on your Blink camera you could call the police. We have one on the back of our house & on our front porch. No one can get away with anything, they’re very clear!

[tophcfa]

If we were willing to let others use our pool while we weren’t at our Villages home then we would rent our home and get paid for it. That’s one of the primary reasons we have never rented our home.

[Mellow]

I would think it to be extremely forward of the neighbors to think you would take a chance on such a liability.

[ElDiabloJoe]

Maybe I'm missing something, but with so many pools available, why would you ask to use someone's private pool. In fact, why would anyone want a private pool?

I had one in SoCal for several years. It's kind of like the beach when you live there. You use it a bunch the first summer, half as much the next summer, half as much of that again the third summer and by year 5, you don't even look at it. You just pay the premium for installing it and then keeping it running. About year 5 you're due for a plaster acid washing on top of all that.

[JSR22]

Maybe I'm missing something, but with so many pools available, why would you ask to use someone's private pool. In fact, why would anyone want a private pool?

I had one in SoCal for several years. It's kind of like the beach when you live there. You use it a bunch the first summer, half as much the next summer, half as much of that again the third summer and by year 5, you don't even look at it. You just pay the premium for installing it and then keeping it running. About year 5 you're due for a plaster acid washing on top of all that.

I totally disagree. We had our pool built 7 1/2 years ago and use it almost daily. It was fantastic during the pandemic. I would not live here without my own pool. Nothing beats floating in the dark looking up at the stars.

[sborlove]

Remember the pool is protected by only a screen that can be cut or pushed in/out. So when you lock your pool you create more damage. The best thing to do is put up camera's and ask your neighbors to watch your house.

[coffeebean]

We have a pool, and none of our neighbors have asked to use it when we go away. One person did ask if they could bring their dogs over to swim.

Seriously? You are kidding. Right???

[JSR22]

Seriously? You are kidding. Right???

I am not kidding. There are not any safe places for dogs to swim here other than pools.

[Sherry8bal]

There is too much liability that COULD happen to take this risk. Neighbors always say "it's okay" but if something dire were to happen, they would be the first ones to see their lawyer. I would not take any chances.

[Topspinmo]

Even if someone would give me permission I would NOT go on there property. Why? Opens me up for liability. I was taught never go on property unless I was going to front door, which IMO only legal way.

[TOMCAT]

Maybe it’s me, but besides the liability issue, I think it’s a little nervy of the neighbors!

Yes, I agree.

[TOMCAT]

I remember a friend of mine drove a co-worker home because the car broke down. On the way to driving that co-worker home, my friend got into a fender-bender and that co-worker sued her insurance company. Made her premiums go up. No good deed goes unpunished.

[BlueStarAirlines]

Maybe I'm missing something, but with so many pools available, why would you ask to use someone's private pool. In fact, why would anyone want a private pool?


I can swim whenever I want at any time I want. Since I'm still working, I often jump in several times throughout the day, where it would be impossible if I had to go to the rec center. During events like COVID when the rec centers were shut down, I was able to still swim. When my kids and grandkids come to TV, I don't need to find the nearest family pool.

I've also had neighbors ask if they can use my pool, so private pools must be a desirable thing....

[GizmoWhiskers]

Yeah, just say no and direct them to all the many many pools in TV, too much liability not to.

[Lisas61]

I am shocked anyone would even ask. If your expensive pool has an issue that needs repair will they help to fix it? There are 106 pools or something like that here. Go use one of those or pay $100,000 to put your own pool in. People just blow my mind.

[Keefelane66]

It’s called common sense.

[Garywt]

If you don't lock the door, your defense against liability is compromised. Florida law has an "attractive nuisance" doctrine. So, if a child drowns in the pool, you can be held liable.

Most neighbors would understand if they were asked not to use the pool. On a different note, why do you put a u in neighbors? Just curious, I see it a lot.

[retiredguy123]

Most neighbors would understand if they were asked not to use the pool. On a different note, why do you put a u in neighbors? Just curious, I see it a lot.
I didn't do it, the OP did.

"Neighbor" is U.S. English. "Neighbour" is British English. I guess both spellings are technically correct.

[Red Rose]

That is a VERY nervy neighbor to expect that. Absolutely do not do it. Too much liability on your part. Lock the door and give maintenance person a key.

[Garywt]

I didn't do it, the OP did.

"Neighbor" is U.S. English. "Neighbour" is British English. I guess both spellings are technically correct.

Ok, maybe too much British English coming over, lol. When my company was bought out but a British company where were a few words that just dint fit with spell check.

[Calisport]

Tell the neighbors "Hell No" not just "NO"

[Boomer]

As Barney Fife would say, “Nip it in the bud.”

You have tacky neighbors.

(There’s sensible advice in this thread.)

Boomer