Neighbour pool noise
Sat, 2008-06-28 18:04
#1
Neighbour pool noise
Sat, 2008-06-28 18:04
#2
About three years ago, the summer after we bought this house, our neighbour in behind installed a big huge bright blue above-ground pool, pretty much as close as he could get it to our lot line. That's probably what bugs me the very most about this situation since they have way more yard than we do, and this thing is as far as he could get it from his house -- three or four times the distance from ours.
So of course his kids are in there screaming, not all the time but almost every day for sure, and now this year the neigbour kids on the other side seem to have an open invitation too, and I'm just not sure which way he's going with this. I also get the slish, slosh, slish of more water evaporating out of that thing every day than I put I on my garden the whole season, plus a nice chlorine scent in my backyard... but it's the screaming that bugs me.
If my own kids even so much as start bickering outside, I send them in, because our lots are generally small here, we have lots of retirees and I figure people really don't want to hear it.
My options as I see them:
- continue life as a refugee from my own backyard;
- speak to the neighbours -- not optimistic on that one, and there's a risk of further alienation (the pool replaced a huge bonfire pit which had been located 15 feet from our cedar hedge -- 'nuff said);
- join the club, get a pool myself -- not happening;
- install a sound barrier, like they have on highways -- or something;
- move;
- file a lawsuit for loss of enjoyment of my property... to what end I'm not sure. Maybe they would move the pool?
Has anyone ever dealt with something like this?
Sat, 2008-06-28 19:14
#3
Boom Boom
Maybe a call to the city bylaw enforcement officer - if they have one - could resolve the problem. My mother had an inground pool built when she lived in Burlington, and she checked with the city bylaws before doing any work, first. Apparently there are restrictions involving fencing and noise (especially after dark).
ETA: I don't know what restrictions exist for above-ground pools, but these ugly montrosities have been around long enough for cities to have written legislation on pool location and perhaps other pool stuff as well.
[ 28 June 2008: Message edited by: Boom Boom ]
Sun, 2008-06-29 15:22
#4
Thanks Boom Boom, I will check that out.
There's quite the polarization of opinion on kid noise, I've noticed. A lot of people do see it as kids' god-given right.
Sun, 2008-06-29 15:31
#5
remind
When I was a kid, the outdoor community pool was just up the street from my grandmothers, it had literally hundred of kids swimming at it. In fact, it sounded like it was right outside in the backyard most days, with the diving boards thwanging every 2 seconds. It was right smack dab in the middle of a residential area. I never remember once where the adults complained about the noise, and they were always outside on the lawn.
Personally, I love the sounds of summer and kids having fun.
Sun, 2008-06-29 15:51
#6
quote:
Originally posted by remind:
[b]When I was a kid, the outdoor community pool was just up the street from my grandmothers, it had literally hundred of kids swimming at it. In fact, it sounded like it was right outside in the backyard most days, with the diving boards thwanging every 2 seconds. It was right smack dab in the middle of a residential area. I never remember once where the adults complained about the noise, and they were always outside on the lawn.Personally, I love the sounds of summer and kids having fun.[/b]
Your self-righteousness is understandable. If only everyone was as wonderful as you the world would be a better place.
It is simply not worth (to you) pondering the prospect that some people might have different responses to noise. And forget about Triciamarie's concerns about the stench of chlorine, and the chemical impact on her garden and backyard.
***
I remember back in elementary school a lot of the boys would scratch their nails on the blackboard because for whatever reason it bothered the girls more than the boys. That was funny in elementary school.
In adulthood most people understand different people response to noise differently.
Sun, 2008-06-29 15:59
#7
SPAIN! SPAIN! SPAIN! SPAIN! SPAIN! SPAIN! SPAIN!
Now before you get all self righteous and sue me for derailing this thread, 500, keep in mind that:
quote:
In adulthood most people understand different people response to noise differently.
Sun, 2008-06-29 16:35
#8
Boom Boom
Noisy children and an outdoor pool in someone's backyard can frankly completely ruin the summer months for someone who bought a house in a nice quiet neighborhood. I'm glad municipalities have the right to control noise and also regulate outdoor swimming pools - fencing, and whatever other municipal regulations may exist for private backyard pools. Above-ground pools can be a real eyesore.
Sun, 2008-06-29 18:33
#9
It's true, I am abnormally sensitive to certain kinds of noise. It's a spectrum issue. Machine noise I am totally fine with -- traffic, sirens, any kind of pump or air conditioner or anything, construction equipment, power tools, lawn mowers, snow plows, industrial noise -- not a problem, at least, no more so than anyone else I know, and probably much less. Any kind of animal or nature sound also doesn't affect me, nor does crowd noise. There is also an NHL ref with a backyard rink on the street in behind me... he refs some of their pickup games -- lots of whistling! -- but far from troublesome, that noise I find actually hilarious.
But if I can hear individual words that people are saying (screaming) or if I can hear music that I hate, I am fundamentally incapable of ignoring that, and it takes all my attention to process that kind of information. So I'm basically held hostage to whoever decides to aurally intrude on my little bit of space.
If it's people noise at a reasonable level, I totally take ownership and deal with my problem myself, usually by just going away. But this I consider unreasonable and unfair and to quite a large extent it is ruining my summer.
Mon, 2008-06-30 04:06
#10
quote:
I remember back in elementary school a lot of the boys would scratch their nails on the blackboard because for whatever reason it bothered the girls more than the boys. That was funny in elementary school.
Wow! You said a sexist comment again!
quote:
In adulthood most people understand different people response to noise differently.
How would you know?
Just could pass up an opportunity to harass her huh? Emailing Michelle.
Mon, 2008-06-30 04:56
#11
quote:
Your self-righteousness is understandable. If only everyone was as wonderful as you the world would be a better place.
Apples, you really owe remind an apology. She wasn't being self-righteous. She was simply telling a story about her personal experience. The quote above was unfair and uncalled for.
Triciamarie, I think I would be pissed too, especially as it seems that he could not take the noise either (thus putting the pool well away from his back door and much closer to yours). Perhaps if you asked him to move the pool closer to his home he may comply?
Mon, 2008-06-30 05:02
#12
thread drift/You never cease to amaze me Scout.
Is it possible that 500 Apples is recalling an observed re-called experience. Is it possible that boys in the class s/he was in liked to run their fingernails over the chalkboard. Is it possible that more females, maybe socialized to behave in this manner, objected to the behaviour than did the boys in the room? Hardly the sexist shitstorm you seem to be blowing it into.
end thread drift/
I would find the noise from a pool very irritating as well. Being very verbal and aural, processing language tends to take precedence over most other activities I engage in.
The municipality may be the best place to start as Boom Boom suggested. If they cannot provide relief then triciamarie will have to decide which of her other options are most palatable.
Mon, 2008-06-30 05:06
#13
Caissa, regardless of what you might think about the sexism comment, Apples was rude to remind. Period.
Mon, 2008-06-30 05:20
#14
quote:
You never cease to amaze me Scout.
Is it possible that 500 Apples is recalling an observed re-called experience. Is it possible that boys in the class s/he was in liked to run their fingernails over the chalkboard. Is it possible that more females, maybe socialized to behave in this manner, objected to the behaviour than did the boys in the room? Hardly the sexist shitstorm you seem to be blowing it into.
Are you still here? I don't really think my sacrasm was a shit storm brewing, but you sure hauled ass in here to defend him anyway. [img]rolleyes.gif" border="0[/img]
Apples didn't provide the context you did but that's not where the glaring sexism was in the post. Thanks anway. The sexism is using a story to suggest that she is just upset at the noise because she is a she and that we "girls" just seem to be sensitive to noise based on an anecdotal story from childhood. Also relating a grown woman to little girls smacks of sexism too. Is that clear enough for you?
Mon, 2008-06-30 05:32
#15
I often wonder if you're still "Here" Scout or is that "all there."
Can you ever read a lot into other people's comments.
Mon, 2008-06-30 05:44
#16
Frustrated Mess
quote:
My options as I see them:- continue life as a refugee from my own backyard;
- speak to the neighbours -- not optimistic on that one, and there's a risk of further alienation (the pool replaced a huge bonfire pit which had been located 15 feet from our cedar hedge -- 'nuff said);
- join the club, get a pool myself -- not happening;
- install a sound barrier, like they have on highways -- or something;
- move;
- file a lawsuit for loss of enjoyment of my property... to what end I'm not sure. Maybe they would move the pool?
Do you like music? Long haired classics? Opera? Do you have a decent stereo.
Play your music in your backyard, using the stereo, and play it loud. Check noise by-laws, but you can probably play it from 8 am to 10 pm without getting a visit.
If the police are called and they do come, invite them into your backyard for tea, ask them if you are breaking any laws, and then invite them to leave upon completing their tea.
Probably the pool is a means of getting the kids out of the house and away from the parents. They probably have DVD players in the backseats and video games and movies galore so that actual communication with their children need not ever have to happen. Quality time is as little time as possible.
I'm probably being harsh but I lived beside your neighbours.
So respond with music the kids and parents will hate.
I heard a CD in a coffee shop not that long ago it was so bad I assumed they wanted to close.
Mon, 2008-06-30 05:49
#17
Good Lord! Well this thread's going downhill.
Apples, I have no idea how you managed to turn reminds post about the sound of children's laughter in the summer into something offensive, but your sideswipe was out of line, and seems to have derailed things nicely. Stay out of this now.
Others...ok, let it go! Let's see if we can get back on topic.
Speaking of which, a couple of neighbours of mine have those things. They were there when I moved in, and the location and size vs. my property line are no issue. Also, they really don't use them much, so I guess I'm lucky in that regard. Were I in a situation like triciamarie I suppose I'd be ticked. Sounds like the most practical advice came from Boom Boom. Good luck with this.
ETA: I cross posted with Frustrated Mess. I suggest Berlioz Requiem. One of the most powerful pieces of classical music ever written. I once put my speakers out in the hall in university residence, and used it when I wanted to "make a statement".
[ 30 June 2008: Message edited by: oldgoat ]
Mon, 2008-06-30 06:38
#18
quote:
I often wonder if you're still "Here" Scout or is that "all there."
Can you ever read a lot into other people's comments.
Look Caissa I left BnR to avoid you, I avoid you here as much as humanly possible, I am not interested in exchanging insults with you.
Oldgoat this attack from casisa is utterly out of bounds and uncalled for. I explained the sexism and what I get back is basically I'm an idiot. Not cool.
Mon, 2008-06-30 06:42
#19
I don't want to trade insults with you either, Scout? You must admit your " Are you still here?" comment was gratuitous to say the least. I did not call you an idiot Scout. For the record, I don't think you are an idiot, Scout.
Mon, 2008-06-30 06:59
#20
"Your still here?" was gratuitous? I guess if it hurts your feelings to be ignored. Your first post in this thread was rude and I responded fairly mildly, no insult. You on the other hand can't seem to stop being insulting.
Mon, 2008-06-30 07:09
#21
I sympathize but isn't it a fact that beyond certain limits (11 p.m. in Quebec), the only way to ensure a modicum of quiet - if you don't like certain types of noise - is to locate someplace with thick walls or a large enough piece of property?
Mon, 2008-06-30 07:16
#22
My impression is that building codes may have been violated if tricamerie's neighbour built a structure too close to the property line. At least it's worth finding out. If building codes have been violated, then tricamerie might be able to compel the neighbours to move the pool.
But before any anything official is called on, you might consider informally and diplomatically knocking on the neighbour's door to address the issue. Hmmm. Maybe just a phone call. (If you know the address, then you can get the phone number at [url=http://www.canada411.com.)]www.canada411.com.)[/url] It seems to me that if there is real physical damage to your own property -- e.g., chlorinated water in your vegetable garden -- then you might convince the neighbour that the neighbourly thing to do would be at least to put up a fence that would block the water.
Or maybe just some Bach organ concertos after all.
Mon, 2008-06-30 07:20
#23
Scout wrote:You on the other hand can't seem to stop being insulting.
That sounds like your posting history since I've been around.
Mon, 2008-06-30 07:23
#24
Michael Hardner
I don't think there's much you can do about this, tm.
They're entitled to do what they want in their yard, and I doubt that speaking to them will help. You might want to ask if they can ask the kids to NOT scream during the summer, but I don't see too many other options.
I don't think you should retaliate with loud music, or be confrontational about it. Live with it, or move is my advice.
Mon, 2008-06-30 07:29
#25
quote:
That sounds like your posting history since I've been around.
Feel free to ignore me. Now run along and send some PMs whining about how much better it would be if I wasn't here so at a later date you can tell me how everyone wishes I'd leave.
Mon, 2008-06-30 07:31
#26
quote:
Originally posted by Michael Hardner:
[b]They're entitled to do what they want in their yard...[/b]
Actually, this isn't true. There are legal limits to what you can do in your yard.
Mon, 2008-06-30 07:36
#27
Michael Hardner
Ha ha, sure...
But noise wise, what are the limits during daytime hours ?
Mon, 2008-06-30 07:48
#28
Scout wrote: Now run along and send some PMs whining about how much better it would be if I wasn't here so at a later date you can tell me how everyone wishes I'd leave.
I just re-read that thread at BnR. Thanks for the walk down memory lane.
Mon, 2008-06-30 08:06
#29
Oh for Godsake will you two take it to email. There's a perfectly civilised discussion going on around you, punctuated with the spectacle of every third post or so one of you pops up and throws a cream pie at the other.
You guys are falling somewhere between comical and annoying. (sort of like Jim Carrey's early movies)
Anyway, cut it out or I'll send you both to the time out room.
Mon, 2008-06-30 08:30
#30
Frustrated Mess
quote:
I don't think you should retaliate with loud music, or be confrontational about it. Live with it, or move is my advice.
Nonsense, invite foul mouthed, leather-jacketed young adults over for an afternoon of drinking. Let them blast the gangsta rap.
Mon, 2008-06-30 08:40
#31
This sounds like a nightmare to me. But I don't know if it's possible to prevent kids from shrieking around pools. I'd be tempted to go the classical music route. I doubt very much that it would stop the shrieking but it would mask it and it would make a point, although it would probably also result in neighbour enmity.
Speaking generally, I have found that there is little sympathy for people with a sensitivity to certain noises. I find most public spaces almost intolerable, due to the music that is played everywhere. (I can't tolerate electronic music. Acoustic is ok.) Ear plugs help but there are a lot of places I simply don't go.
Mon, 2008-06-30 08:40
#32
Michael Hardner
Hell, if we're going down that path why not go scorched earth... or scorched pool ?
That's right...
Burn down the pool !
Mon, 2008-06-30 08:46
#33
Frustrated Mess
That would be illegal and violent, Michael. Geez.
Like you know what bugs the hell out of me and it is entirely legal? Relentless fucking engine noise. ATVs, dirt bikes, pocket bikes, snow mobiles. Everyday that I see gas prices creeping higher I smile. I ignore that I need it too. I forget about the hardship it causes. I take pleasure in knowing one more fuckhead won't be gunning his stinking, loud, anti-social engine today.
And when I had neighbours that wouldn't shut up their damned dog, I blared Red Hot Chile Peppers all day while I was at work and they were home with the mutt. They moved.
[ 30 June 2008: Message edited by: Frustrated Mess ]
Mon, 2008-06-30 09:07
#34
Pogo
Our co-op recently updated the playground. We were able to get a free set from a school that is being demolished. Because it needed a flat surface it had to be put in a different place from the old playground. This exposed a number of households to children's noise that didn't previously have to listen to it. The bottom line though was that kids are part of the community and people have to figure out how to live with them.
It doesn't mean that you cannot look for compromises. As they are your next door neighbors I would hope that you are on first name basis with the kids. Invite them over for watermellon one day and negotiate some compromises. Perhaps you could ask for a quiet hour each day in return you will promise to stop listening outside to the bagpipe marches you have just developed a taste for.
What you are looking for is a little respect of your needs and the way to build that is by building relationships.
Mon, 2008-06-30 09:07
#35
remind
Well fm, considering that as gas prices climb, you will be even more burdened with the sounds of motorbikes, as opposed to the quiet running of cars. Motorbikes are cheaper to operate afterall, and use less gas.
Our neighbour used to make complaints to the RCMP about our music during the [b]daytime[/b] when we were outside doing yard work. But he thought nothing of starting his logging truck up at 3am, in the winter to warm it up for an hour before he left. Finally he moved, because he was not allowed to use his residential agricultural property for business purposes, aka logging truck parked and running in the yard.
In respect to your comment about foul mouthed youth being brought over to tricia's, perhaps she should just invite you? [img]wink.gif" border="0[/img]
Mon, 2008-06-30 09:20
#36
quote:
Originally posted by remind:
[b]
Our neighbour used to make complaints to the RCMP about our music during the [b]daytime[/b] when we were outside doing yard work.
[/b]
Music when people are outside doing yardwork drives me crazy, too. It's acutely painful. I don't understand why people think it's ok to impose their music on other people. Why not use earphones?
I don't complain though. There's no point. I just try to avoid the noise.
Mon, 2008-06-30 09:27
#37
Michael Hardner
quote:
Like you know what bugs the hell out of me and it is entirely legal? Relentless fucking engine noise. ATVs, dirt bikes, pocket bikes, snow mobiles. Everyday that I see gas prices creeping higher I smile. I ignore that I need it too. I forget about the hardship it causes. I take pleasure in knowing one more fuckhead won't be gunning his stinking, loud, anti-social engine today.
Agreed.
Don't forget boats. Resting in a lake-side location is non-existent today. For some reason, people enjoy driving back and forth on them on powered marine vehicles, using engines that ruin everything with their noise.
I have no idea what the appeal could be for such an activity. It seems absolutely stupid to me.
Mon, 2008-06-30 09:33
#38
Leaf Blowers
Mon, 2008-06-30 09:38
#39
What about asking them to split the cost of putting up a sound barrier? Considering they put the pool so close to your yard I think that's fair. Also, you should ask them to put down some tarp or something to keep the chlorine from seeping into your garden (the sound barrier should stop the splashing).
I have little tolerance for inconsiderate neighbours. I live in an apartment building and I'm moving to get away from new neighbours who moved in. They BBQ on our shared balcony and since I don't have an air conditioner my windows are open with a fan on. My place ends up smelling like a smoke house. They've also had loud drunken friends over who've been very loud both before and after the night time cut off point.
Living in an apartment building or in houses on small lots means you have to live with some noise that's unpleasant, but if it's a regular occurance or long-lasting I have issues. Your neighbours have a right to enoy themselves on their property, but their fun shouldn't spoil your own enjoyment. Before retaliating though, I suggest trying to compromise. You might also canvass other neighbours within earshot of the pool and see if they have complaints too. If there are multiple people asking for something to be done they might take it more seriously.
Mon, 2008-06-30 09:44
#40
Boom Boom
Is there anything uglier than above-ground pools? I truly hate these things, I think they're a blight on the landscape.
Mon, 2008-06-30 09:54
#41
Frustrated Mess
quote:
In respect to your comment about foul mouthed youth being brought over to tricia's, perhaps she should just invite you?
I'm there! Coming?
quote:
Well fm, considering that as gas prices climb, you will be even more burdened with the sounds of motorbikes
Yeah, but, [i]motorcycles[/i] are transportation. People, generally, drive them from point a to point b.
Those so-called recreational vehicles they drive up and down the street, all over their yards, and in endless circles like it's an amusement park ride. And they drive through and rip apart pristine wilderness and habitat.
And mostly they are children. If their parents didn't want kids they should have just used precautions rather than tormenting the rest of us with the noise of the machines they hope will alleviate them of their carnal error.
Mon, 2008-06-30 10:02
#42
Michael Hardner
quote:
Those so-called recreational vehicles they drive up and down the street, all over their yards, and in endless circles like it's an amusement park ride. And they drive through and rip apart pristine wilderness and habitat.
Yesssss.... Ban them.
BAN THEM !
Mon, 2008-06-30 10:09
#43
remind
quote:
Originally posted by RosaL:
[b]Music when people are outside doing yardwork drives me crazy, too. It's acutely painful. I don't understand why people think it's ok to impose their music on other people. Why not use earphones? [/b]
We live on 3 acres in the country, and we moved here so we could play music, without bothering anyone. We had no neighbours for about a decade, until mr logging truck driver bought the acreage next to ours and clear cut it.
When we lived in the city we were respectful about it, though we did live on a 3/4 acre lot, surrounded by trees and hedges. However, we had to listen ad nauseum to leaf blowers, ride lawn mowers, air conditioners, and construction sounds, which to me is way worse than Mozart and Pink Floyd.
Mon, 2008-06-30 10:21
#44
remind
quote:
Originally posted by Frustrated Mess:
[b]I'm there! Coming?[/b]
Ohhhh party on the patio, eh...no thanks, was just pointing out a bit of ageism in your post was all.
quote:
[b]Those so-called recreational vehicles they drive up and down the street, all over their yards, and in endless circles like it's an amusement park ride. [/b]
Ya, we have them here too, a lot of them as a matter of fact. Ex neighbour's son used to drive his endlessly around the edge of the property and ours, thank god he was sexist and would not let his daughter ride a motorbike or it would have been double the amount. Though I have to admit, I was torn about that fact, when I watched her looking forlornly at her younger brother riding his motorbike.
quote:
[b]And they drive through and rip apart pristine wilderness and habitat. [/b]
Alberta snowmobliers, and ATVers, by the thousands do that here.
The deer run when they hear them, but they never do with our music playing. [img]biggrin.gif" border="0[/img]
quote:
[b]And mostly they are children. [/b]
Here it is mostly adults, using the term adult broadly though.
quote:
[b]If their parents didn't want kids they should have just used precautions rather than tormenting the rest of us with the noise of the machines they hope will alleviate them of their carnal error.[/b]
I think that is a hasty and broadbrushing judgement that cannot be made.
Mon, 2008-06-30 10:29
#45
I have a municipal swimming pool along with a football pitch across the street. All summer I have to listen to kids hollering, referees' whistles and, worst of all, rugby players grunting, so I understand where the OP is coming from. Winters are quiet, though.
My solution to the pool noise would be to sprinkle sugar or pour ginger ale all over your adjoining fence. This would attract many, many wasps, which may discourage the noisy little buggers somewhat.
Now neighbours' barbecues and their stench; what can one do about that?
Mon, 2008-06-30 11:19
#46
Frustrated Mess
quote:
Ohhhh party on the patio, eh...no thanks, was just pointing out a bit of ageism in your post was all.
For the best, I guess. Should we meet, you and I would likely end up in some short-lived, torrid, love affair.
quote:
I think that is a hasty and broadbrushing judgement that cannot be made.
That's sort of a harsh conclusion. Have you seen these things? They build them for tiny tots. I've seen them as young as at least six.
What kind of a parent sets their children loose in these things that move at high rates of speed and, for the bigger kids, travel on legal roadways to get to the bush which is riddled with objects with which to collide.
I mean, if a parent is buying the kids one of these, filling it with gas, and then walking inside to watch Seinfeld reruns, well ...
Mon, 2008-06-30 11:29
#47
I'm still checking on our pool ordinances here but I'm pretty sure that BBQ'ing on a balcony in an apartment building is against most fire codes. One call to the fire department and the red trucks should be along to take care of that problem, permanently.
Mon, 2008-06-30 11:33
#48
Hey, patio party sounds like fun. We'll show them rugrats from babbling.
Mon, 2008-06-30 11:35
#49
Boom Boom
quote:
Originally posted by al-Qa'bong:
My solution to the pool noise would be to sprinkle sugar or pour ginger ale all over your adjoining fence. This would attract many, many wasps, which may discourage the noisy little buggers somewhat.
[img]biggrin.gif" border="0[/img] [img]biggrin.gif" border="0[/img] [img]biggrin.gif" border="0[/img]
Mon, 2008-06-30 11:49
#50
Frustrated Mess
quote:
Now neighbours' barbecues and their stench
Is that one or separate issues?
Mon, 2008-06-30 11:56
#51
Hmmm, I guess it depends on the neighbours' bathing habits.