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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Neighbours Built a Pool, We Got the Noise – Help!!

101 replies

Foxy200 · 11/06/2025 23:04

Looking for a bit of advice (or maybe just a place to vent, honestly). Our neighbours have recently put in a swimming pool—fair enough—but they've stuck the pool heater right up against the fence that borders our garden. Their garden is actually big enough that it could’ve been placed literally anywhere else, but they’ve chosen the one spot that causes us the most grief.

The thing gives off this constant low rumbling noise. It’s not really loud, probably not enough to be considered an official nuisance, but it's always there. We notice it every time we try to sit outside, and even when we have the windows open, it's just enough to be annoying. It's next to our patio, so we hear it most when we’re trying to relax outside.

The worst part is they’re just generally not the easiest people to deal with. A few neighbours have had run-ins with them too. They’re the sort that think the rules don’t apply to them, so having a polite chat doesn’t feel like a real option.

The whole thing has kind of ruined the vibe of our garden, which we've spent a lot of time (and money) making nice. Now we barely want to sit out there anymore, which is gutting. We’re also worried it could even affect the house value if it ever came to selling, having an annoying noise like that humming away in the background.

So, has anyone dealt with something similar? Any tips for blocking out that kind of low-level constant noise? Ideally looking for something subtle acoustic panels, clever planting, garden structures, whatever works. Appreciate any ideas!

OP posts:
BrendaTheBlendeer · 30/06/2025 18:55

Foxy200 · 30/06/2025 16:22

I’ve spoken to the council, and their procedure is to notify the neighbour in writing that a complaint has been made. They will then monitor the noise over a two-week period.

It will be obvious that the complaint has come from us, as the noise is coming from directly along our shared boundary. Second, I’m worried that the neighbour will simply stop the noise during the monitoring period to avoid detection, and then return to their usual behaviour afterwards — they have a habit of being quite sneaky and manipulative.

To make matters worse, this person has a history of being aggressive and unreasonable. My other neighbour had a very unpleasant experience with him, and I’m genuinely worried about the possibility of retaliation or further conflict if he finds out we’ve made a complain

Well, worst case scenario is that you get two weeks free of noise if they turn it off during the monitoring then? And if it goes back on, make another complaint.

ouch321 · 30/06/2025 19:00

Lol.

Of course I'd like to live in a house fancy enough to have a swimming pool. (Yes it's next door but it's unlikely OP lives in a bedsit which is next to a large house with a pool). Who wouldn't?

But it's crass to come and moan about it. A bit like the people who come on and moan that they're struggling on their £500k salary.

I'm sorry you cannot recognise that. Perhaps it's something you could reflect upon.

Jc2001 · 30/06/2025 19:11

ouch321 · 30/06/2025 19:00

Lol.

Of course I'd like to live in a house fancy enough to have a swimming pool. (Yes it's next door but it's unlikely OP lives in a bedsit which is next to a large house with a pool). Who wouldn't?

But it's crass to come and moan about it. A bit like the people who come on and moan that they're struggling on their £500k salary.

I'm sorry you cannot recognise that. Perhaps it's something you could reflect upon.

If she was complaining about not being able afford to heat her swimming pool or something like that, you might have a point. But she's not.

sesquipedalian · 30/06/2025 19:17

OP, does their heater require air round it? Because if it’s right up against your fence, I’d make sure it was hermetically sealed from your side.

Flossflower · 30/06/2025 19:36

McCartneyOnTheHeath · 30/06/2025 16:26

I might plant something against that fence that needed an awful lot of watering. I'm pretty sure electric things short circuit in damp conditions. 😉

The shrub might also deaden the noise

SomethingOnce · 30/06/2025 19:38

Emilysmum90 · 30/06/2025 16:33

I'm pretty sure anything like that needs to be a minimum of 1 metre from your boundary. That's certainly the case for heat pumps and air conditioning units unless they've obtained planning permission stating they're exempt. I don't see why this thing would be any different.

Have you measured the noise in decibels from your side? You can download an app on your phone that will do this. Then include those readings when you write to complain to the council.

The 1m rule for heat pumps changed very recently.

SoftPillow · 30/06/2025 19:38

Is it the water pump or the heater? We have an air source heat pump and it’s really very quiet. You wouldn’t know if it was on or off unless you were right next to it (it is also nowhere near any neighbours in our case)

So perhaps theirs is faulty? The pool machinery / water pump should be indoors and you’d be unlikely to hear that although that does create a constant whirring noise that is certainly louder than the ASHP.

As a first step I would text to mention it’s noisy and disturbing you, and ask if perhaps they could look into it. I would then escalate to the council if they don’t sort it out.

I would also install a water feature which can be very effective at disguising other noises and provide you with some respite from the noise.

80smonster · 30/06/2025 19:41

A pool is on my wish list for next house. I guess you probably always put the plant for the pool by whatever boundary fence is nearest?

Bedknobsandhoovers · 30/06/2025 19:48

My brother built some baffles to reflect noise coming from beer chillers at the pub next door to him.

Basically solid wooden walls. On the side of his house. Because of the different levels they are up on a wall. It made some difference.

Ddakji · 30/06/2025 19:59

ouch321 · 30/06/2025 19:00

Lol.

Of course I'd like to live in a house fancy enough to have a swimming pool. (Yes it's next door but it's unlikely OP lives in a bedsit which is next to a large house with a pool). Who wouldn't?

But it's crass to come and moan about it. A bit like the people who come on and moan that they're struggling on their £500k salary.

I'm sorry you cannot recognise that. Perhaps it's something you could reflect upon.

Pompous nitwit post of the day.

JustAboutHangingInThere · 30/06/2025 20:00

You could plant shrubs to deaden the noise and swishy swaying things like bamboo and grasses than make a nice noise in a breeze.

Bryonyberries · 30/06/2025 20:04

My neighbours put a pool with a filter or heater or something right under my bedroom window one year.

It got low on water one night and was awful noise wise. I ended up messaging and saying it was even nosier than usual and wanted to let them know in case it was breaking. They sorted it and then turned it off in the evenings. The following year they put the pool elsewhere. But that endless noise is soul destroying when it’s hot like this and you want windows open.

BellissimoGecko · 30/06/2025 20:10

hayfeverforever · 30/06/2025 16:29

Cracks me up that that people moan like this and think they are entitled to a quiet world. If you are poor and can’t afford to live in the countryside, just say so.

That’s a really mean-spirited post.

Why should op put up with this permanent noise nuisance? Something like that can really affect your quality of life. She is not being U to complain.

BellissimoGecko · 30/06/2025 20:12

I’d tell the council what you have told us, and ask if you can record the neighbour without them knowing.

JohnofWessex · 30/06/2025 20:18

If you are concerned about the neighbours kicking off, ring doorbell & cameras are what is suggested.

Plus of course thats quite damaging for their case

Gruttenberg · 30/06/2025 20:19

AbzMoz · 11/06/2025 23:12

I’ll bet they have the heater on all summer, use the pool for an hour and half and then lament the astronomical bills. It won’t be a problem next year!

Could you propose a timer for the heater, or some sound proof insulation, or put some hedges on your side? you could consider a trickling water fountain if you’re into that sort of thing (they drive me a bit mad), or buy an outdoor speaker box and play the radio at a low / reasonable volume when you’re out there.

I don’t think moving it is an option unless it violates fence proximity or whatever, so maybe propose what’s reasonable or control what you can on your own side.

We had an outdoor pool for 15 years in our previous house, and sold it with the pool in situ. Our heater was in a garage though, so that in itself wasn't annoying. Ours was used every Summer until we sold our house.

We only got an outdoor pool because our neighbours at the time objected to our planning application for an indoor pool, so we changed our plansl. No planning permission was required for the outdoor pool, which I'm pretty sure was much more of an annoyance that an indoor one would have been.

I guess what I'm saying is it's not necessarily true that it will be used for one summer. It was quite cost effective as the heat was well retained until the cover came off.

**Edited as I realised I was chatting about our outdoor poo 😂

Gruttenberg · 30/06/2025 20:22

Should have also said that I agree that @Foxy200 should pursue the noise nuisance.

Maddy70 · 30/06/2025 20:24

ouch321 · 30/06/2025 16:13

Translate... OP lives in a v fancy neighbourhood and wants us all to know.... 😉

Christ so only people in social housing high rise flats can post here?

Could you ask if they could move the pump to the other side as it's really noisy in your house? It's a better way rather than saying it's pissing you off

Gall10 · 30/06/2025 20:24

outerspacepotato · 30/06/2025 16:16

Start a wind chime farm.

This would be my solution…wood ones, metal ones, bell ones, china ones, shell ones, empty baked bean can ones, the worlds your oyster (maybe oyster shell ones!).

justasking111 · 30/06/2025 20:31

Ninja saboteurs. Find a friend whose an engineer.

hayfeverforever · 02/07/2025 10:48

PiggyPigalle · 30/06/2025 18:12

Cracks me up, that you should think country living is quiet.

I don’t think. I know it’s quiet because I live in the countryside. It’s bliss I’d recommend it.

hayfeverforever · 02/07/2025 10:51

BellissimoGecko · 30/06/2025 20:10

That’s a really mean-spirited post.

Why should op put up with this permanent noise nuisance? Something like that can really affect your quality of life. She is not being U to complain.

Edited

It’s not mean spirited at all. You get it all the time with people complaining about babies/children on planes etc it’s life there’s noise, get over it. If you don’t like noise don’t step outside. Simple

minipie · 02/07/2025 10:53

I’d be inclined to set up some outdoor speakers and play Come on Eileen very loudly every time they use the pool.

greencartbluecart · 02/07/2025 11:01

There is a difference between unavoidable and temporary noise like a child on a plane - but the parents are failing if they don’t actually try to keep the child quiet - and continuous noise which is antisocial

if we all took the attitude that people should suck up our noise you would never hear yourself speak - imagine a train carriage with everyone playing their own choice of music out loud. Things work because most people are self aware and considerate

teh only option is foe OP to play loud music , and then the neighbours get big speakers and then the whole street is like a ill planned music festival

BellissimoGecko · 02/07/2025 19:24

hayfeverforever · 02/07/2025 10:51

It’s not mean spirited at all. You get it all the time with people complaining about babies/children on planes etc it’s life there’s noise, get over it. If you don’t like noise don’t step outside. Simple

Don’t be so stupid and obtuse. Having to put up with noise on a flight is not remotely like having to put up with permanent unpleasant noise in your garden, which you enjoy and like being in.

Why should OP’s neighbours have the right to create a horrible noise that they have put as close to OP’s garden as possible so she can’t use her garden, just so they can enjoy being in theirs?

Can you really not see that they are wrong?

I hope you’re not OP’s neighbour…

people all need to be courteous and reasonable. That way they should all get on.

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