Am I being horrible

[Inthegarden23]

I have a large pool in my back garden. Next doors kids just asked if they can go in. I said no. I feel bad now . The reason is they are quite rough in how they play. Like damaging the fencing. Throwing cans from the window etc . I know that's not the pool but im worried the pool could get damaged it was alot of money. I worry about kids in water as well and it being my responsibility to watch them all.

I did tell them maybe we can sort something when the weather is a bit better.

Not mean, perfectly fine.

pools are so easy to break, and it’s really hard when you had someone else’s kids in your home being tougher than your own kids. We had next doors oldest in the pool and I kept having to tellhim to be more gentle, it really pissed me off and I wish I just said no.

also it would be your responsibility to watch him presumably.

They are 9 10 11. No I have not spoken to the parent. Because its not my business what they do in their own garden/home I did tell the to stop with wrecking the fence as its on to my garden. They are not bad kids I think they just get bored

There is no way I would let random kids into my swimming pool without parental input. You have no idea if they can swim or not and it just isn't safe.

If you do allow this the parents will need to supervise, not you.

What about insurance in case of an accident?

I think you did the right thing. If something happens it's your pool it happened in so not worth the risk. Dont feel bad, they are not your responsibility.

While it wasn't the best approach to say 'maybe another time', I think we all know why one might say that. It's difficult for most people to give a flat refusal, especially face to face.

I wouldn't want them in the pool, either. You'll have to plan what to say when they ask again.

Do not let them in your pool without their parent in the garden watching them.

I'm not sure what you mean

Ok so it seens it was best to say no. I just felt a bit bad . But seems it was for the best.

The fence is not that bad. But I did tell the kids to stop as it would have got worse had they carried on.

Hi @Inthegarden23 no you are not being horrible, i would have done the same x

You would have to be absolutely insane to allow those kids to swim in your pool, even with their own parents watching them. You have no idea how diligent they would be in watching their kids.

No mean at all. Like you say, you'd then be responsible for their safety. The water would likely get cruddy from stuff they traipse in and then the risk of damage to the pool.

If their parents want to buy a pool, that's great but it's not your responsibility to provide access to you pool. My parents NEVER had a pool, I survived.

They are in their garden. I guess parents in the house.

Not at all

You are perfectly reasonable to say no for all the reasons above
And because you don't have to share
Or give a reason why

You are absolutely right to tell them no, they cannot use your pool. Also it might be a good idea to get a camera set up so you can check they're not using it if your away, it doesn't sound like their parents do a lot of supervising.

It's your garden, not a public playground. Of course you were right to say no, even if they hadn't already caused damage.

Why do you keep going on about the fence