The Australian dream of owning a home with a pool can quickly turn into a nightmare when neighbours start making demands.
For one couple, a simple “no” to a request for pool access sparked a series of confrontations that left them feeling harassed and frustrated.
What Happened?
The couple, who wish to remain anonymous, moved into their new home two years ago. At first, everything seemed perfect. They enjoyed hosting friends and family during the cold winter months. However, things took a turn for the worse when the weather warmed up, and their neighbors started asking for access to their pool.
It turned out that the previous owners of the house had allowed the neighbors to use the pool whenever they wanted. The gate was always open, and the neighbors even had their own inflatables and paid for the maintenance of the pool. But the new couple was not interested in continuing this arrangement.
The Harassment Begins
Despite their polite refusal, the neighbors would not take no for an answer. They would constantly approach the couple, asking for access to the pool and offering to pay for maintenance fees. The couple tried to brush them off, but the neighbors would not give up.
Things escalated when the neighbors cornered the homeowner while they were gardening. The homeowner firmly told them to stop asking about the pool, but the neighbors continued to follow them, talking their ears off. The situation became so intense that the homeowner had to ask them to leave their property.
A Conversation That Went Nowhere
The couple realized that every conversation they had with their neighbors revolved around the pool. They were no longer being seen as people, but as the owners of a pool that the neighbors wanted to use. The final straw came when a neighbor showed up at a party the couple was hosting and started talking about the pool again. The homeowner had to ask them to leave, saying, “Can you go now? I’m having company!!!!”
The Internet Weighs In
The couple’s story sparked a heated debate online, with many people siding with them. “Stand your ground, I would do the same. Good luck!” wrote one commenter. Another added, “This is not a public pool and you are not insured to run one. These neighbors are awful.”
The couple’s experience serves as a reminder that setting boundaries is essential, especially when it comes to your home and property. It’s also a warning to prospective homebuyers to research the neighborhood and get to know their future neighbors before making a decision.
What do you think? Should the couple have given in to their neighbors’ demands, or were they right to stand their ground? Share your thoughts in the comments below!