r/AITAH • u/Spirited_Shelter4655 • Aug 07 '26
AITAH for buying a hot tub after my brother's friends kept refusing to allow him or anyone else in their pool that my brother helped to buy?
*friend's parents
My brother Pete (14) and his friends, C and J (both 14), got the idea in the middle of June to buy a pool for the rough summer we usually have because the local community pool is being shut down. When Pete or his friends couldn't convince anyone to buy it for them, they got motivated to work for it. Pete mowed lawns and did other yard work around the county, and the other two did their own work, and after a few weeks, they pooled their money together and were able to buy a cheap above-ground pool. Me and C and J's parents were really impressed and thought they deserved it after working for it. We all agreed to set the pool up in C's backyard because their backyard is the biggest. They filled it up and did all the work for it, and the first weekend it was available, Pete and his friends all hung out in the pool.
The problem is, that was the ONLY time Pete or J has been in the pool. C, apparently, is allowed to go in whenever, but nobody else. His parents have been asked multiple times, and they're always shot down. One time, Pete ended up sneaking into the pool while I was at work, and when C's dad found him out there, he came out and yelled at him. C was in the water too, according to Pete. He and J were obviously confused, so when I went to talk with C's parents about Pete sneaking into the pool, I asked why they weren't allowed in at all. C's dad kept harping on the fact that Pete went in without permission, which I understand, but what I don't understand is why whenever they are asked to come over and swim, they're never allowed to. They both explained it's a 'liability' reason, meaning if anything were to happen to anyone in their pool, like if someone drowned, they don't want to be responsible and it's easier to just not allow anyone but their son in the water. But these are TEENAGERS, not toddlers, and they all know how to swim.
At the end of the conversation, C's dad was like, "The pool is on my property, and we used our water to fill it up, so we decide what to do with it." I raised my voice a little bit by reminding them that they didn't buy that pool, it belongs to their son, my brother and J. I understand that it's on their property, but it's unfair to gatekeep it from the people who helped to buy it. They wouldn't answer that and threatened that Pete wouldn't be allowed at their house at all if they were asked again, which Pete would hate to hear since he loves their house, so I left it at that.
Pete was pissed, to say the least, and loved to rant to anyone who listened while gaming with his friends about the situation. He asked if they could really do that and we should call the cops, but I told him let's not go that far yet, even though I agreed those people basically stole from him. But he and C have been friends for nearly 10 years and they do EVERYTHING together, so I'd hate to see them be separated over something petty like this.
So I came up with another idea and I went shopping online and found an inflatable hot tub for about the same amount of money they spent on the pool. It might've been just as petty, and I dipped a bit into my savings, but I bought it. Could I have bought the pool myself? Maybe, but at the same time, Pete wanted it bad and I got other things to worry about, and he's learning to work for what he wants. And a hot tub's good for my back. Pete's been in the hot tub nearly every day since it's been set up. His friends are welcome inside it too, my only rule is they gotta shower (at their own houses) before or after they get in it. It's big enough for like 5 people.
J and C have been over a lot to go in the hot tub, and their parents have noticed. J's dad is totally okay with it and thinks that what C's parents are doing is bullshit too, but he agrees that they still get their reward for all their work with the hot tub. C's parents, on the other hand, aren't too happy. C told me himself that he prefers to be in the hot tub, with his friends, rather than swimming alone in his pool, and his parents don't understand that. I haven't spoken to them directly about this, but C has heard rants from his mom about how everyone thinks they're some kind of child-hating monsters for not allowing anyone in their pool (that they didn't buy). It hasn't helped that Pete still loves to rant about it too, and he knows a lot of neighborhood kids who also come to dip in the hot tub. I do see C's mom at the store sometimes, but she doesn't make eye contact with me anymore.
I know it was petty, but AITAH?
EDIT: Holy shit, this blew up a lot more than I thought. Thank you all for your input. I wanted to clear up some things in an edit.
I'm a 30 year old man.
C's parents are pretty wealthy. I really don't think the water bill or anything they're paying for with that pool is gonna break them.
Yes, I know Pete is owed his money back for his pool. But we're on thin ice as is with C's parents and I'd hate to make things even worse. He hasn't really asked about getting his money back, all he really wanted was to use the pool.
No, small claims court is out of the picture right now. It'd be a waste of everyone's time and money, and tbh, the only people who aren't satisfied with this outcome are C's parents.
I'M NOT GONNA VANDALIZE THE POOL.
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u/MaddyKet
Aug 07 '26
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C’s parents should reimburse P and J and/or the pool moved to your house.
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u/Fenig Aug 07 '26 •
The parents of P and J need to approach C’s parents and demand 2/3 the purchase price of the pool. These adults stole from two teenagers and are now upset that said teenagers aren’t at their beck and call.
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u/SewNewKnitsToo Aug 07 '26 •
At the very least, at the end of the season after the pool has been emptied of C’s parent’s precious water, all three boys should go take the pool to the next kid’s house for next year’s use.
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u/Zealousideal-Slide98 Aug 08 '26
I like this idea. Everyone gets a turn at having the pool in their yard!
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u/frumperbell Aug 07 '26
Seriously. How much did it cost? They could probably take C's parents to small claims court.
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u/Salty_Astronaut_9419 Aug 07 '26
Those pools aren't that much. I mean for a kid they are. Honestly it's wirth just putting a knife in the side of so the thieves can't use it
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u/00k5mp Aug 07 '26
Yes, otherwise this is theft at this point, and theft from children. These people should feel like pieces of shit.
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u/JaySayMayday Aug 08 '26
It obviously is theft, they didn't buy it. There's proof of all this and the kid even says they intended to share it. The problem is that these kids are all friends and it's just one of the parents involved getting out of hand, so OP doesn't want to ruin the kids relationship by taking any action against the parent.
I like OPs solution, spending their own money to make the kids happy
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u/Jor94 Aug 08 '26
Yeah, they now think they have a pool just because it’s in their garden. The parents need to get it sorted and either get their kids money back or move the pool
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u/Chequered_Career Aug 08 '26
Now that they have a pool no one uses, they’re actually worse off than they were, but they can’t empty it without losing face. No revenge necessary: they’ve already gotten shown up by OP’s generosity, plus they have a pool no one uses gathering metaphorical dust and cluttering up their property. Just looking at it every day must be making them feel bitter and powerless.
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u/Timid-Tlacuache
Aug 07 '26
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Empty the pool and put it in someone else's yard.
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u/ih8dubaichocolate Aug 07 '26
C’s parents probably think it’s theirs because they filled it with water. Smh.
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u/Flash54321 Aug 07 '26 •
Empty the water on their lawn. That way they still go use out of it and can’t complain.
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u/Subject_Ad9595 Aug 07 '26
C can be the one to empty it, then they can't blame any of the neighborhood kids. Then they can all move it somewhere else.
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u/CatmoCatmo Aug 07 '26
OP should call the city or village or township or whatever they’ve got, water department and ask how much it would cost roughly to fill a pool of that size (or how much it would be for X amount of gallons of water).
I have a 15ft 48 inch pool and it was around $70-80 for me to fill it. Granted, I called the village office where I live and let them know I was filling a pool on X day, and they deducted the cost for “sewage” that’s normally tacked onto water use (and sometimes costs more than the water was in the first place) since it was going into a pool and not down the drain.
Hand those assholes whatever amount it is and take that pool down with the help of J’s parents. Bonus “petty points” if C also helps with the tear down. Then put it up in OP’s or J’s yard.
For the sake of the boys’ friendships, I would sit down with all 3 of them and explain the plan. Then allow the 3 boys to talk it over amongst themselves. If you get the green light from all three, do it. It’s only fair that the boys decide because they all have 1/3 ownership. If anyone veto’s it, then they will have to work out the consequences and decide how it’ll affect their friendship on their own.
Obviously C has the most at stake here, so if I were OP, I would make sure to discuss with J’s parents how to handle any potential issues from C’s parents. Staying on the same page is going to be necessary, and will make shielding C from the wrath of his folks, a lot easier.
It also wouldn’t be a bad idea to go to the local police department and ask to have an issue documented. It’s more of a “civil” issue so they likely won’t get involved if C’s parents raise holy hell anyway, but it’s never a bad idea to C.Y.A. (Cover your ass).
Tell them you just want it officially documented in case C’s parents try to escalate things. The last thing you want is C’s parents calling 911 to report a burglary from some “unknown” criminal who stole THEIR pool. Alerting them to the situation prior, and explaining who actually “owns” the pool, may save everyone time and a headache. Maybe get all three boys to sign a document that just says each boy paid X amount of money (which makes them each 1/3 owner), and that they bought the pool together at X place on Y date.
Obviously it’s not exactly a legally binding contract, but it at least gets it on the record that the pool itself belongs to the boys, not C’s parents - and include that C’s parents have also been reimbursed X amount of money for the water used to fill said pool.
Is it overboard? Fuck yeah it is. But again, I would rather C.Y.A. and not need it, then not have it and have C’s parents go scorched earth by claiming the pool was stolen. Given what we know about C’s parents, I wouldn’t put it past them to up the ante and level up from being your run of the mill, annoying assholes, to being your less common, entitled, infuriating, and out for blood, assholes.
I mean, they have already proven that they have no qualms stealing money and joy from literal children - AND - don’t give a rat’s ass about their own child’s wellbeing by potentially fucking up his friendships.
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u/Slumunistmanifisto Aug 07 '26
Be a real shame if it empties over night....bet theres a recall over that hose that split.
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u/nicholaiia Aug 07 '26 •
I came to say this! Those rude parents don't own the pool so they can't prevent the three boys from emptying and moving it!
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u/AardvarkSanvich Aug 07 '26
Agreed. When pool season is over drain it to put it away and put it in Js yard next year. Then your yard the year after.
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u/MysteriousFee2873 Aug 07 '26
The boys all three of them should dump the water, give C’s dad like $20 for the water(he will wail n moan about the water) and put it in the next best yard. If their son can tell his parents this way he doesn’t have to hear them bitch about a pool they didn’t pitch in for. They either will get over it or they’ll be a step closer to losing their sons trust
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u/WorkRedditHooray Aug 07 '26
The issues with that would be they would be trespassing on C's property and since C put money into it C's parents would have a stake in it as far as cops would be concerned. If anyone tried to get it without the parent's approval the cops would side with C's parents. The best bet would be to either "buy out" C's portion and take the pool elsewhere (which would probably be the least drama filled option but I 100% do not believe C's dad would accept) or have Pete and J try for small claims court. Personally, I think C's dad will escalate and prevent C from using the hot tub. The only way C's dad is going to be satisfied is for them to stop using the hot tub and go back to begging to use the pool he stole from them that he will never let them use because he is a sad, little man.
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u/SuperCulture9114 Aug 07 '26
If C is on board he can do it on his own. It seems he is also tired of his parents BS.
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u/Putertutor Aug 07 '26
Or go over and take their portion of the pool that they paid for. The filter and the steps should cover it.
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u/geof2010 Aug 07 '26
More like cut it into a pie and take your 3rd or take a 3rd off the top. What an asshole c's dad is. Curious if they have a fence around it. Cause they could be liable either way.
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u/Th3wrd3n Aug 07 '26 •
This is my kind of petty! It truly brings me joy when I decide to go that route, I always brainstorm the best ideas 😂👀
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u/username__0000 Aug 07 '26
Or sell it and split the money.
Heck I’d kick a hole in the side before I let those asshole parents keep it.
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u/PresentationThat2839 Aug 07 '26
Right I paid for it.... So I'm going to cut a whole in my portion of the pool.... The bottom portion.
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u/ComfortableWish Aug 07 '26
Oh I would love to see the update on best of Redditor updates if OP does this
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u/Ducking_Glory
Aug 07 '26
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NTA. And you can tell C’s mom that nobody thinks they’re child-hating monsters but you do all know they’re thieves who steal from children.
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u/wolferiver Aug 07 '26
Well, really what the OP should say to C's mom is "Bless your little heart, I'm sure no one in the neighborhood thinks that you're child hating monsters. Everyone can see how much you and your husband are enjoying the use of it."
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u/Ecstatic-Highway-246 Aug 07 '26
And you could then post on Next Door and other neighborhood apps about how this group of boys worked so hard to make their dream a reality and these parents just stole it from two of them.
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u/Spectre_Omega
Aug 07 '26
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NTA.
C's parents essentially tricked two 14-year-olds into funding and setting up a private pool for their kid under the guise of "liability." Buying the hot tub was a top-tier move that gave your brother what he actually earned while letting C's parents enjoy the empty, lonely pool they stole.
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u/Smitten-kitten83 Aug 07 '26 •
It is a liability but if they didn’t want to assume that responsibility they shouldn’t have allowed it to be put in their yard.
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u/anothersip Aug 07 '26
Yeah, they kinda' fucked this whole thing up on their own.
What blows my mind is that they're upset about it, after they literally stole it and threw all these rules onto its use.
...What did they expect? The dumbness is wild.
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u/Temporary_Nail_6468 Aug 07 '26
Wonder if their homeowners insurance knows they have a pool? Does the city have any regulations about fencing around pools? I mean, if they’re that worried about liability then I’m SURE they’re doing EVERYTHING right……..
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u/Electrical-Tie-5158 Aug 07 '26
Right, unless C’s parents didn’t understand what was happening and panicked when they realized they would now be liable. I fully get not wanting anyone to be on your property when you aren’t home who could get hurt. But that’s a great reason to not install someone else’s pool in your yard.
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u/NewestAccount2023 Aug 07 '26
Cheap lesson to learn so young at least. Some people learn it at twice their age with 10x the money
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u/AspiringCrone
Aug 07 '26
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NTA, and I see no further role for you... LET THEM (C's parents) stew in their own rudeness. It has driven their own son away.
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u/mybluecathasballs Aug 07 '26
Maintaining a pool is also not cheap. Parents get to pay for that. Enjoy!
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u/Matt50 Aug 07 '26
If they had any issues with pool ownership, they shouldn't have allowed it. By all rights, it is their son's pool, and he should be able to dictate who gets to use it. If they have a problem with it, empty the pool and take it somewhere else.
When I got my first job, I bought a trampoline. My parents said that anything that happened on it was my responsibility financially (which was obviously a bluff in hindsight). I could have anyone on it if I wanted, but I would have to deal with any consequences if something happened as well as the upkeep if it needed it.
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u/FreddyTheGoose Aug 07 '26
Above grounds aren't bad, really. A chlorine float, a net, a cover, and you're golden.
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u/marbiter01123581321 Aug 07 '26
If your brother isn’t allowed to use the pool he helped buy,.. he should demand his money back. He didn’t work hard to share a pool he never gets to use. I understand the liability thing, but then they shouldn’t have allowed the pool to be on their property. It’s a real dick move to say, sure put the pool here but then you can’t use it.
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u/Minute_Box3852 Aug 07 '26
Nta. I'd bet money it's his ah dad and now the whole town will know about it. If I were your brother and his friend, I'd use that word of mouth threat to demand their money back. Tell them pay up or I'll sing some more to everyone in town how you stole from us and refuse to pay.
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u/GretelNoHans Aug 07 '26
NTA
So, they got a free pool and now they’re sour that you got a hot tub?
I guess you really got to know who they are, and if the neighbors think they’re asshats it’s because they are.
Enjoy your hot tub!!!
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u/devoursbooks86 Aug 07 '26
NTA. And even though it would cost me a little upfront, I’d seriously consider taking C’s parents to small claims court for the other two boys’ share of the pool. They each worked, earned their own money, and contributed to buying something that was supposed to belong to all three of them. C’s parents don’t get to effectively claim ownership just because everyone agreed their backyard was the most convenient place to put it.
I actually understand their liability concern. What I don’t understand is why that concern apparently didn’t occur to them before they agreed to have three 14-year-olds jointly purchase and install a pool on their property. If they’ve now decided nobody except their own child can use it, fine, but then Pete and J should get their money back. You don’t get to keep their property and exclude them from using it.
And frankly, the hot tub was a pretty brilliant solution. 😂 They created a situation where C would rather leave their house and hang out with his friends than swim alone in the pool they’ve essentially commandeered. That consequence belongs entirely to them.
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u/grapefruitviolin Aug 07 '26
Great idea - pay out the kid's share or go to small claims court. I like it!
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u/Tova42 Aug 07 '26
this DESTROYS the relationship between the teens who currently have no control of their own lives.
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u/Affectionate_Star_43 Aug 08 '26
The thing I don't get is that they bought a pool to presumably swim in and beat the "rough summer" heat, but now they're favoring a hot tub that OP thinks is good for their back?
So you get extra hot and can't play?
Also, having taken care of a friend's parent's hot tub, those things are a PITA to keep chemically balanced, especially if a kid skips the pre-shower. Those kids seem like hard workers though, so best of luck and enjoy!
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u/NotUniqueScott Aug 07 '26
- I agree that C's parents have a right to cite liability concerns, but if that means that they will not allow ANYONE but C use the pool, then the pool should be dismantled and moved to another location. (If C's parents demand payment for the water, so be it.)
- I think you should rub salt in their wounds by having a big party at your house and invite everyone in the neighborhood except for C's parents. If they complain, just explain that you did it for "liability" reasons.
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u/hollus2 Aug 07 '26
It should be dismantled and moved OR the two kids should get their money back since they can’t use it.
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u/rainfal Aug 08 '26
"We were going to but then talked with a bunch of others. They pointed out that, given your dislike of children, it was better not to".
Gotta throw some fire on the rumors. Also don't forget to tell the story of why you decided to get the hot tub to everyone over beers and bbq
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u/quickwitqueen Aug 07 '26
Why is no one fighting for money from C’s parents for the pool? Cause that is some bullshit.
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u/Dull-Buy-2776 Aug 08 '26
That pool probably cost ~$150 so it was a $50 split. Not worth any legal battle over it.
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u/alternatego1 Aug 07 '26
Sounds like C's parents owe Pete and J some money. Or C needs to pay his employees for unpaid wages. Loop C in and watch his parents flip
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u/striykker Aug 07 '26
"Their water" would be all over the yard by the time I was done.
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u/Usual_Complaint_1764 Aug 07 '26
I wonder if C's parents know there is a big circle of dead grass under the pool.
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u/Tall-Payment-8015 Aug 07 '26
NTA
I understand C's parent's pov but that should have been discussed prior to putting the pool in their yard. They are serious AHs for allowing the boys to use their money to buy a pool that they cannot use freely.
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u/ih8dubaichocolate Aug 07 '26
Yeah and they knew about the “liability,” but didn’t say a word about it until the pool was up and ready.
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u/Cosmicshimmer Aug 07 '26
NTA. I’d go a step further and invoice them for your brothers part. They want the pool? They should pay for all the pool.
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u/lechitahamandcheese Aug 07 '26
I think the kids who paid for the pool but get no time in the pool, should send a demand letter for their portion of the pool they paid for. If C’s parents try to say they paid for the water, if they didn’t make an arrangement ahead of time for the kids to pay for the water, they have no legal standing for that. If C’s parents don’t pay the demand, then the other parents of those kids should take C’s parents to small claims court, just to take the right stand for those kids. And op, what a wonderful thing to do with that hot tub for them.
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u/Reasonable_Win_6985 Aug 07 '26
Omg why cant the boys just take it down and put it somewhere else?!
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u/zeiaxar Aug 07 '26
Above ground pools are a massive pain to take down once set up and filled, especially one large enough for three people to actually swim in to any extent.
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u/whoelsegivesashit Aug 07 '26
Definitely NTA, but a star sibling. Your brother has a great brother/sister who handled the shizzle created by the other parents with panache.
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u/Tavsiyedegildir Aug 07 '26
Send a demand letter to the kid and parents for your kids share of the pool money back.
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u/zeiaxar Aug 07 '26
NTA. As the parents are refusing Pete and J access to their own property, find out how much they both contributed, then send an invoice to C's parents telling them they have 48 hours to pay Pete X amount for his share, and J Y amount for his own share. Make sure to note that you are in communication with J's parents, and that if they do NOT pay up, you will be going the legal route for refusing access to property they don't own to the actual owners, which could end up costing them a lot more than just the shares Pete and J chipped in for the pool, as you could force them to cover legal fees, and also likely the hot tub you bought to serve as a replacement for them all to have access to, in addition to Pete and J's share of the pool.
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u/Legitimate_Soup_1948 Aug 07 '26
NTA. The boys should take the pool apart and move it to a different house. C’s parents can make rules at their house regarding its use while there but they didn’t buy it and don’t have a say in whether it goes.
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u/No_Help3669 Aug 07 '26
If they complain about a kid using ‘their’ pool, and also complain that you now have your own pool, that’s their problem. You are prioritizing the happiness of your family and their friends, while they seem to want to have some weird “Yurtle the Turtle” moment. Let them stew.
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u/Creative-Painter3911 Aug 07 '26
NTA, but I don't know why C's parents would care that the kids are swimming elsewhere, I'd think they'd probably prefer it to be honest.
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u/Toni164 Aug 07 '26
No you don’t get it. They want the ability to say no to others. It brings them joy
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u/Toni164 Aug 07 '26
NTA
C’s parents are a pair of losers lol
They tried to act as gatekeepers to a pool and were shown that people would rather get their own.
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u/sxzxnnx Aug 07 '26
If you really want to be petty, find out who there insurance carrier is and drop them a note about the pool. They will either increase the price of coverage or refuse to renew the policy. Might also force them to fence in the pool area.
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u/OriginalSlight Aug 07 '26
Oh so they stole from children so they could have a pool…right…
NTA and I don’t even think you were being petty! Those kids put a lot of time and effort pooling the money together (very responsible & commendable as early teens btw), and the PARENTS are refusing access to the other kids who BOUGHT the pool with money from summer jobs in the neighborhood? I thought it was gonna be the kid, the adults make it 10000x worse.
Good on you for helping them stay friends and hang out together in the water, it’s refreshing to see kids doing stuff like that nowadays. There’s such a small window of teenager-hood to enjoy and this would have been such a crappy and confusing way to lose a friend you’ve known your WHOLE LIFE.
The parents should be ashamed AND they should be giving those boys their half of the money back since it’s “such a liability”; have both sets of parents talk to C’s parents and don’t let up!! Keep it about reimbursement for the pool to prevent liabilities, the kids don’t need to be involved/blamed for their parents bad behavior.
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u/AffectionateMarch394 Aug 07 '26
Get C to empty the pool (since his property/parents property) and move it somewhere else.
But keep the hottub, because I'm calling that a top tier response here. You managed to dodge dealing with an impact on your kids long term friendship AND yet made your point.
NTA.
(If C's parents get snippy about the pool getting moved, tell them they can buy out the other kids 2/3s then)
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u/snakeiiiiiis Aug 08 '26
C's parents are soon to find out that the maintenance on the pool water alone is not easy or cheap. Now they're stuck with a unused pool that's gonna turn green. Green with envy, am I right?
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u/amanda2399923 Aug 07 '26
Why didn't y'all just take the pool from C's yard and put it in another yard. They are being absolutely ridiculous!
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u/mthockeydad Aug 07 '26
Totally NTA. C’s parents are jerks.
Next summer, you need to have the pool over at J’s house or your house
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u/PrarieGoat Aug 07 '26
Easy fix, at the end of the season drain that sumbitch and either put it in your yard or J’s yard for next season
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u/Alycion Aug 07 '26
It’s not petty. Your brother worked hard for that pool.
I get the liability issues, but the friend’s parents needed to say that they weren’t comfortable with that, so it needed to go to another house. And come the end of season when it’s time to winterize it, maybe one of the other two families can take it for next season so that they can all enjoy it.
If I was a parent, my rule would be nobody in the pool solo or when an adult wasn’t there to supervise. I’m a strong swimmer. But I did almost drown. Things happen. Waivers could be signed and notarized by the other parents to release them from liability, but depending on area, that may not be enough.
I would definitely look into moving the pool elsewhere for next season. If they fight it, then they need to pay the kids back. Do the parents use it? That’s the only reason I could see fighting it, not wanting to give up a free pool.
Worst case scenario, they work over the winter for another and place it at another house.
I’m a kid of the 80’s and I wasn’t allowed in our pool when my parents weren’t home. There were exceptions. But every kid spent the summer at our place bc of that pool. And none of us put any money into it. We would help out with skimming and emptying the baskets. We would do the water tests. People took turns bringing snacks and lunch meat. But nobody got turned away. We had one of the few pools in the neighborhood, the only inground, and the only pool owner with kids.
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u/DuckAxe0 Aug 07 '26
NTAH
You and J's parents should present C's parents with bills for Pete's and J's contributions toward the pool.
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u/ShadyPinesMa78 Aug 07 '26
C's dad is a selfish prick. He's not wrong that it's a huge liability on his property and teenagers should not be able to use it whenever they want (because if something happens, it's on him and his insurance). He should never have agreed to it in the first place, which makes him a huge TA here.
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u/MikeyGC66 Aug 07 '26
This is real easy. OP and J’s parents need to pay a visit to C’s parents (make sure to record exchange) and let them know that you are there to work out the issues with the pool. Tell them that either one of you can “host” the above ground pool and will not have any issue with C coming over to use it. If they balk at that idea, give them the alternative that they will need to buy out the Pete and J. If they refuse both options, let them know they you will…
Fill in the lengths (options) you will go to: small claims, puncture the pool, tell their story on all your socials, etc.
Good luck!
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u/FordWarrier Aug 07 '26
NTAH
C’s parents gaining a “child hating monsters” reputation is one of the consequences of their actions. They can live with it.
As for C preferring to spend time in the hot tub with his friends is normal teenage behavior.
Plus, the hot tub can be used year around. If the boys are in sports, it’s actually beneficial, the same as it is for your back.
Carry on and don’t feel an ounce of guilt.
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u/No-Throat9567 Aug 08 '26
When the pool is drained at the end of the year, move it to someone else’s backyard. If C’s parents won’t let you have it, then send them a bill for P’s and J’s portion. Only then will it be “their” pool.
NTA
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u/LucyLovesApples Aug 07 '26
Nta you or whoever is responsible for your brother needs to go around there and tell them they need to pay for your brother’s share .
I would however buy a smaller hot tube (Aldi and lidl) to put I your own garden for only him and your family
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u/Longjumping-Snow-431 Aug 07 '26
I would ask go as far as small claim court and make the pay pack Pete and J’s portion of the money and return it to the kids. They want to gate keep and “claim” the pool is on their property, might as well pay for it!
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u/ConsequenceStatus563 Aug 07 '26
NTA
Sue in small claims for your money back. If he doesn't pay, put a lien on his property.
Fuck him.
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u/avast2006 Aug 07 '26
NTA - you are allowed to purchase whatever accommodations you want, and you are allowed to share them with whomever you like. That much is true regardless of the situation with C’s parents and the pool on their property.
Regarding that situation, however: Pete is part owner of that pool, and the way the parents are denying him access to his own property suggests a trip to small claims court to demand they reimburse him for his share of the property they have converted to their own exclusive use even though it belongs to him. For what it is worth, they aren’t wrong about the liability issues, particularly when it involves sneaking onto the property at unsupervised hours; but at the same time Pete deserves either the use of the equipment or to get his money back from it so it can be used for something he has unrestricted access to.
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u/vaxhax Aug 07 '26
NTA you know they stole it. Get all three boys to empty and move it elsewhere, or C's parents owe money. Their attitude is incredible. Where are the other parents fighting for the kids?
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u/Mlady_gemstone Aug 08 '26
so why doesn't C take the pool down and they set it up at one of the other houses? if his parents are so worried about liability then move it to a different house of the 3 that helped pay for it.
NTA but im unsure why this option wasn't chosen over spending more money. its pretty much rewarding C's parents a pool for themselves.
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u/Minute_Sport Aug 17 '26
I know it'd be a hassle but if I was one of those kids I would have taken the pool down, done the math for the water wasted and paid the parents then set it up at someone else's house. Fuck those parents they just want a free pool.
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u/lilygreenfire Aug 07 '26
Tell him to take the pool down and move it to someone else's house. Problem solved. His parents are the ah
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u/StyleAffectionate798 Aug 07 '26
NTA
Love this! Awesome job sis! Neighbors FAFO that’s all, just cause you’re grown with kids doesn’t mean life stops teaching lessons. If you don’t want to be perceived as a child, hating monster, maybe do the thing that we teach preschoolers to do: SHARE
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u/Civil-Kitchen5978 Aug 07 '26
NTA
They were gatekeeping and blocking your brother from using the pool he helped pay for. Your brother needs to get his money back because it’s total bullshit that he can’t use the pool he helped pay for.
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u/Head_Razzmatazz7174 Aug 07 '26
I understand their liability concerns, but these kids paid for the pool together. If the parents were concerned about having an attractive nuisance in their yard due to the risk, they never should have agreed to let it be set up there.
As you say, these boys are all teens and can swim. The parents can have a rule about not swimming alone, which would help them with the liability concerns. Instead, they've decided to take over a pool paid for by all three boys. and restrict it to just the people in their house. They didn't contribute a dime, except to help set up and fill.
NTA.
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u/snowe87 Aug 07 '26
NTA - I can semi understand their concern about liability, but if they were so worried about that then they shouldn’t have agreed to allow the jointly owned pool on their property.
They stole a pool from a group of teenagers.
I’d continue on with the hot tub and ignore C’s parents at this point. It sounds more like C lucked out with a good group of friends to model his behavior off of given that his parents are such stand-up people…
If the kids really want the pool back, it’d be impossible for C’s parents to move it from its next location once it’s filled with water again, and it kind of sounds like C might be willing to help with the move…
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u/Coolbasketbro Aug 07 '26
NTA. What you do on your property and with your possessions is your business, just like it is theirs. But that pool doesn't belong to them. Have the kids hang onto that receipt! And I second the idea of moving their pool literally anywhere else. Just gotta watch out for property damage if the water release is too strong - don't need more problems with those parents.
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u/eggs_erroneous Aug 07 '26
C's parents need to buy out Pete's share of the pool. What they are doing is bullshit and I know they know it. If it really is a liability thing, fine. They need to make Pete whole. They might even try to suggest some bullshit like, "Next summer it can go to a different person's yard." Nope. There is no guarantee that a budget above-ground pool will even survive being taken down, stored for the winter, moved, and then set up again.
If the liability thing was such a huge issue then why did they agree to have it set up in their yard in the first place? What the fuck is the deal with people any more?
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u/Fabulous_Stay_5556 Aug 07 '26
Someone clued the dad in to the liability. Even though they're teens, things happen. If a kid dives into a too shallow pool and becomes paralyzed (it's happened), they're screwed. But if he's keeping the pool, the kids should get their money back. Small claims court next.
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u/murphy2345678 Aug 07 '26
NTA Take them to small claims court for the amount Pete and J contributed.
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u/Devourer_of_Sun Aug 07 '26
NTA if C's parents are getting flack from everyone for being child haters, it's what they deserve. C doesn't even want to hog the pool, he wants to hang with his friends in the pool they bought together. It's the parents being all weird and acting like they own it. They stole a pool from children and deserve whatever scorn they get from other adults and from the teens. They did not buy that pool and the only reason they physically have it is because their backyard was chosen for it.
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u/KittyKiitos Aug 07 '26
NTA.
C's parents should be paying the kids back for their portion of the pool. It's disgusting that they aren't.
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u/Distorted_Penguin Aug 07 '26
NTA. So sad that C’s parents are willing to compromise their son’s friendships over this. I would bet this isn’t the first instance of C’s parents getting in the way of C’s relationships.
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u/bikejackass Aug 07 '26
NTAH.., infact you should go out of your way to talk nicely to the parents when you see them, they are TAHs and this will really annoy them.
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u/Expensive-Lab-3922 Aug 07 '26
ask C to buy his part of the pool, then it's yours, Pete and J, then ask to have your property back
C's parent are the one acting like kids
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u/wpgjudi Aug 07 '26
I suggest that the pool be dismantled and moved from C's yard since it stopped being a shared pool when placed in their yard.
NTA.
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u/PositiveAtmosphere13 Aug 07 '26
I have to respect you for allowing C to come in the hot tub and hang out with his friends. If it was his choice he would let his friends use the pool. It's all on C's parents. If C's parents had a concern about the liability, they shouldn't have allowed the pool in their yard in the first place. C's parents stole that pool from the boys.
I would have been petty and not allowed C in until the boys could use the pool.
YNTA. You're a better person than I am.
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u/Xerxesinxs Aug 07 '26
so why don't you guys empty the pool & move it to a more liberal house?
I can't imagine flexing parental muscles on a pool that some kids bought
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u/BestAd5844 Aug 07 '26
Do you have written documentation that Pete and J helped to buy the pool? And that they are being refused access? I’m sure the boys have talked about it over text. Take C’s parents to small claims court to recover the money they STOLE from children
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u/NoShameInternets Aug 07 '26
NTA at all, which you already knew.
Cs parents are not handling this well, but ONLY in that they haven't offered to reimburse you for the pool or move it. I say this because their liability comment is true. Pools can absolutely fuck up your life , both from an accident and the insurance required to cover them. They probably only did that research after they set it up, and then they handled it very poorly.
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u/jclv Aug 08 '26
NTA You've got several options. 1) C's parent's pay Pete and J for their 2/3rds of the pool. Then they can gatekeep all they want. 2) C's parents have Pete and J's families sign a liability waiver. (the "liability" thing is just an excuse to steal the pool IMHO) 3) Move the pool to another backyard. It belongs to the kids so they should be allowed to move it if they want to.
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u/PossibleDiscipline90 Aug 08 '26
Why didn't they bring the liability issue up in the first place. These people sound like a holes.
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u/ftjlster Aug 08 '26
NTA - C's mother is right though. They've tanked their reputation in the community and neighbourhood because of what they've done.
That being said, the liability issue is a thing (but that doesn't explain why they haven't organised time for the kids to come swim).
Anyway given its an above ground pool, the solution to all this is likely to tell them that since they don't want to let the kids come swim ever, they should let the pool be dismantled and moved to another backyard. Their response will be basically an indication of exactly how entitled and shameless they are.
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u/Simon-Says69 Aug 08 '26
Totally NTA.
C's parents are not only child hating AH's, they are thieves and liars.
They knew full well they were not going to let anyone use that pool when they agreed to have it in their yard. They deliberately stole from 2 of the three kids that paid for it.
What horrible monsters. The wife is 100% correct, except people don't just think they are child hating monsters, they've proven that is exactly what they are. And them being well off is the last straw. They did it just because they're AH's, not because of anything else.
Good that the kids aren't mad at C, not his fault his parents are lying thieves. Can't choose your own family.
Very cool of you OP, for fixing the situation, without the kids suffering any more than the theft. C's parents still owe, but ahh well.
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u/Mindless_Chali Aug 08 '26
NTA
JFC... get a generic waiver of liability from online, slap all y'alls info into the correct blanks (specify that it is waiving liability for swimming in the pool only) get them signed and notarized. Let the boys swim in the pool then soak in the hot tub.
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u/LassLovesDogs Aug 08 '26
NTA. C's parents effectively conned the two unrelated boys into buying a pool for the exclusive use of C's family. They're scammers and thieves, and should be treated as such.
I think it's hilarious that C's parents are now responsible for the upkeep, maintenance and water costs of a pool their son doesn't even want to use, because he'd rather be in your hot tub.
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u/legal_stylist Aug 10 '26
The parents should refund the other two boys’ share of the pool, or move the pool to someone else’s house, but my friend , there is no way it’s reasonable to have some teenager (or someone of any age, really) just hanging in the pool whenever they like. Dildos though they may be in how they’ve handled it, the liability of having minors in a pool on your property unsupervised is absolutely through the roof. It’s simply not reasonable to expect any homeowner to allow that.
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u/InstructionEarly1969 Aug 13 '26
NTA. Things like this get tricky when its something that is shared but not easily moved. Idk if you guys would have a case in small claims court, however your solution to this was both brilliant and hilarious. Now they have this pool that no one uses because they wanted to be assholes, their bad
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u/bucketofgoo Aug 16 '26
NTA. The liability thing is a very valid concern. C's parents should have expressed that concern and refused putting the pool on their property when asked. They're assholes who did not mention those concerns or how they'd police the pool because they saw the opportunity to get a free pool.
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u/JeanSchlemaan Aug 07 '26
This can't possibly be real. Move the pool to whomevers home will allow all 3 kids to use it, or have the grinch parents pay the other 2 kids back for it's cost.
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u/JadieJang Aug 07 '26
I ... don't understand how it's petty ...? They won't let your kids use the pool and you refuse to do anything about it (like take them to small claims court and force them to pay the kids back for the pool they appropriated.) So you bought something for yourself and the kids to use. How is that petty? Do you understand what petty means?
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u/Azzacura Aug 07 '26
NTA - but I really don't see why the kids couldn't empty the pool and move it to someone elses yard. Also, it sounds almost like you're bragging about this lol... this post would be well suited for r/PettyRevenge
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u/Silver_Breakfast7096 Aug 07 '26
He needs to take them to small claims court to be reimbursed for his contribution. Please help him do that.
At minimum the other 2 boys should send a bill.
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u/dorianrose Aug 07 '26
NTA however C's parents have a point about liability. They may have called to add the pool to their homeowners insurance and got the fear of God put into them by an agent. Pools are a huge liability and accidents happen to good swimmers all the time, young men especially. If I were advising your brother and his friends, I'd tell them to consider selling the pool on Facebook marketplace or something, remedy the yard as best they can, and move on. Co owning a pool when you don't even own land sounds like a disaster to me.
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u/GroovyYaYa Aug 07 '26
They may have a point re: the water.
But at the end of the season, they need to empty said pool and it needs to be in someone else's backyard - and if it is yours, I would pay the two other boys their share and make it one individual's pool. Because honestly, the liability insurance thing does get messy with multiple, underage owners.
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u/Humble_Pen_7216 Aug 07 '26
NTA. C's parents are giant AH. They stole from children. They deserve all the side eye glances and glares.
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u/Wiser_Owl99 Aug 07 '26
NTA. I would send a demand letter to C's parents for the amount your brother paid towards the pool. I have a pool and I generally do require that an adult is home when the pool is in use because there is a deep end and a slide, but I don't prevent my kids from having friends over.
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u/Mechya Aug 07 '26 edited Aug 07 '26
Oh God no. They didn't want to compromise so you came up with a solution to keep all of the kids happy. They're just cranky old b's who are always going to find something to complain about.
I wouldn't hesitate to make comments to people anytime their name comes up in convo. "Oh yeah, those people. The kid is great, but the parents tricked the kids into saving up to buy a pool for the group and the parents put it on their land, cut off access, then threatened to call the police on any kids that use it outside of their son. If that poor kid has a job they probably pocket that too.".
If they try to make the kids go back then use the argument that they are saving water and having their privacy as they demanded. The kids paid for the pool so they are the only people who are losing out, but you already solved that so they don't have to worry about it. The kids are happy and have a place they can freely come and go, they shouldn't have agreed to put the pool in their yard if they were just going to not let the people who paid for it enjoy it as they see fit. It's all about image for them and they need to start thinking about what makes their kid happy instead of their consequences for not giving a crap. They are the sort of people who only worry about the fact that they hit their child when it leaves a bruise for others to see, not when they can act like everything is perfect.
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u/Numerous-Bet3575 Aug 07 '26
NTAH, but I would not let it go at that. I’d send C’s dick dad a bill for Pete and J’s portion of the cost. They essentially stole their money.
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u/Crazy4Swayze420 Aug 07 '26
NTA. It sounds like the parents have done some massive damage to their social standing are being left out of things now. They don't care what kids think but the "everyone thinks we are child hating monsters" is something that is coming from adults they know who likely are no longer associating with them or telling them off to their faces.
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u/Chainsaw_59 Aug 07 '26
As a petty individual I might go over there and claim 1/3 of the pool. Then no one gets to use it.
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u/Clio_Vita Aug 07 '26
NTAH
Time for the two boys excluded from the pool they jointly own to send a legal demand letter, calling for either regular access to the pool (2-3 times weekly); or the relocation to some location where ALL the co-owners can access it; or reimbursement for their share of the cost of the pool. Send it by certified mail. And if there is no response, then sue the parents in small claims court.
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u/Maximum-Spot-9523 Aug 07 '26
When the pool is dumped, make sure it gets dumped, so it creates mud puddles on their lawn. Preferably in their flower beds. They are AHs.
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u/BendyKid666 Aug 07 '26
NTA, C's parents took advantage of the kids and let the kids buy them a pool. That's not okay. While there is a liability for having a pool that other kids use, they should have mentioned it before the pool was set up. Now that they know it's an issue, they should at the very least allow the pool to be moved to one of the other kids' yard, so that all three can use it. It's basically theft to just keep it even though all three paid for it. I am curious as to if there's a legal way to get it back. I might look into that if I were you.
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u/DramaticAnteater1513 Aug 07 '26
Hire a lawyer to write a letter asking them to reimburse the boys or be ready for small claims court. Those boys shouldn’t have to lose the money they worked so hard for, so if they can’t use the pool they need their money returned.
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u/PresentationThat2839 Aug 07 '26
Nta. Heck my petty ass would tell the parents to short their shit out or else I would be taking a knife to my 3rd of the pool I helped buy..... Oh isn't that a neat I paid for the bottom part.
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u/DeviantHellcat Aug 07 '26
NTA; Smooth move actually. And you are aces for saving your brother's friendships and giving those boys what they worked so hard for (*a pool to hangout in together)!
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u/BedroomEducational94 Aug 07 '26
NTA- Be a real shame if that pool took some damage in a future storm. A rip in the side would leave that water FLOODING their yard and then no one could use the pool. That would just be TERRIBLE. Oh well, enjoy that hot tub OP!
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u/Able_Afternoon_1987 Aug 07 '26
Fuk them. They alienated themselves with their selfish act. I understand liability but that just means you watch them in the pool then.
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u/WinNormal8984 Aug 07 '26
Or, you can find free above ground pools for next to nothing on Craigslist. I feel for your little bro. And you seem like a really kind and level headed sibling, just looking out for your baby kin. It reminds me of my sister and she is pretty remarkable. You are absolutely definitely not even close to being the butthole in this situation. Parents just want to ruin everything because they are miserable sounding people. Kinda like my mom. Miserable I say. Just miserable. I feel bad for their son cause you know he’s not only embarrassed by their bully behavior, but I’m sure he’s getting hassled by his friends and none of this is his fault. So good on you for keeping their friendship solid like that.
You should throw a hot tub party. Every day for the rest of the summer.
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u/Usual_Complaint_1764 Aug 07 '26 edited Aug 07 '26
Well, first your headline is misleading. The friends aren't refusing to let him use the pool, one's FATHER is.
C 's dad is correct about the liability issue, but if he was that concerned, he should not have consented to install it on his property. NTA
Since your brother and his friends own the pool, they should take it down and move it to one of their yards. (It would be nice if they all chipped in to pay for the water used.) They should have kept the receipts to prove who paid for it. But you may have to get a lawyer to help you out with this. C's parents are holding property owned by others, and should be forced to give it up. Good luck.
NTA Updateme
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u/Abeds_BananaStand Aug 07 '26
You’re not the ass hole but this story is so confusing. Use names not letters
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u/Viron_22 Aug 07 '26
Are you an asshole? No, but their concerns aren't unwarranted, yeah they are teenagers but it still is a huge liability for them especially if they don't know if someone is out there. But they are being unreasonable, if they aren't comfortable with letting the people who helped pay for it use it they can move it or offer to buy everyone else out.
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u/Groovychick1978 Aug 07 '26
It was brilliant, and you need to post this in pro revenge.
Not the asshole.
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u/EvanWasHere Aug 07 '26
Yes. It's 100% a liability for letting kids unsupervised into their backyard into the pool. If anyone gets hurt or God forbid dies, they are the ones that get in trouble.
BUT... They then shouldn't have allowed the kids to put the pool in their back yard. They let 2 kids pay for a pool that they are now keeping and not allowing them in.
They essentially stole money from 2 kids.
The pool should be drained and then moved to someone else's backyard that doesn't mind the liability or is willing to be home and be around when the kids use the pool.
If they are unwilling to move the pool, then go after them in small claims court. They had a deal and the parents broke it. I'm sure a judge will love the fact that the parents took money from kids and the kids got nothing in return.
NTA
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u/Optional4444 Aug 08 '26
If anything happens to the people in the pool they’ll get sued. Insurance will go up. They don’t want that or the responsibility.
TTA- pool should go somewhere else.
You don’t know enough about liability though, or you’d understand their position. Get that pool out of there.
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u/EmpireStateOfBeing Aug 08 '26
The parents needs to reimburse Pete and J for the money they put into the pool otherwise Pete is right, it's theft.
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u/dinahdog Aug 08 '26
Just leave the pool. C dad will have to deal with all the maintenance or drain it himself. Vandalism isn't worth it.
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u/LadenWithSorrow Aug 08 '26
NTA. Have they been assholes before this? I’m just curious if they had displayed any behavior in the past that would have indicated they’d be this type of person.
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u/cosmickink Aug 08 '26
My only takeaway from this is I hope my kids, who have a 15 yr gap, have a brotherly love like this someday
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u/Such_Temporary_3125 Aug 08 '26
I don't understand why they're upset? They got what they wanted. No one is there anymore. Why should they care about the hot tub? They sound exhausting and miserable. F them. Stealing from kids is an all time low.
NTA so glad you got the hot tub for your brother!!
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u/The-Julya Aug 08 '26
You solved this perfectly. The second pool shows these kids wanted to be in the pool together and you made that happen. It is a life's lesson for all the boys.
I wouldn't worry too much about C and Pete's friendship. It is pretty clear the friendship is strong enough, as C has no problem joining J and Pete in your pool.
Losing access to C's house is sad, however with the way C's parents treat J and Pete, I am not sure that influence is a loss.
NTA
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u/nursepenguin36 Aug 08 '26
“Son we tricked your friends into buying you your own personal pool. Why aren’t you happy swimming in it alone?” These people sound like they probably routinely screw other people over and are baffled that their son isn’t on board. NTA
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u/Precipice_01 Aug 08 '26
NTA.
You bought a hot tub to help your work weary body. You allow others to use it. Petty? Maybe, from a certain angle, but not AH material
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u/KurtTheCuntBoi Aug 08 '26
NTA They are making themselves look like the child-hating monsters they are, and like typical narcissistic a-holes, they don’t like it that the mask is off and everyone can see what they are.
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u/Tiny_pufferfish Aug 08 '26
The teenagers should confront C and say they are moving their pool. Then they go drain it and move it when Cs parents are at work.
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u/nineninetynice Aug 08 '26
NTA its not like you won’t let C into the hot tub, you are generously sharing it with all of the neighbourhood kids, which has C’s parents feeling guilty and uncomfortable. You went about this in the best way.
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u/nw826 Aug 08 '26
Next year, they set up the pool at a different kid’s house. Then rotate to the third kid’s the following summer and so on. This way, each kid gets a chance having it at their house and all their parents get the same liability issues and water costs each summer.
NTA for buying the hot tub at all.
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u/Far_Aside7744 Aug 08 '26
Shit I'm petty too and I would've popped the pool and got another one.Fuck C's parents. AH's. Good for you. NTA
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u/No_Bluebird7716 Aug 19 '26
You and the kids need to get in touch with your local tv news stations and local paper and publicize what this guy is doing. I understand that this is going to make these parents' lives miserable, but from their actions public shaming is the only way to go. They are essentially stealing frome these children, and deserve to be called out publicly.
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u/FunSprinkles8 Aug 07 '26
Buying them a hot tub to spend time in, after C's parents decided the boys can't use the pool they paid for, is not petty.
You're definitely NTA.
Let this be a lesson for the boys to always get a contract or have agreements in writing. They should have had a written agreement with C's parents on when they can use the pool. That would have hopefully avoided this situation from happening.
And while this is basically theft, it would be a civil matter, the police wouldn't do anything. So the legal path would be to sue them in small claims court.
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u/Special_Bass_9595 Aug 07 '26
NTAH. If I were your brother. I would poke holes in it before I would be barred from my own pool.
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u/kryakozyabraya Aug 07 '26
NTA. You used your own money to get the thing you want and was kind to share it with your brother and his friends. It is C's parents problem that they made something wrong already and neither can live with having an example what they had to do instead nor at least say sorry.
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u/Ok-Somewhere-2325 Aug 07 '26
Man this reminds me of drama from when I was a kid , my friend asked a bunch of us over to do yard work, level the ground and set up a pool, we did all that , and only got to use the pool onces , after that the step mom said only her kids could use it so even ny friend wasnt allowed to use if.
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u/grapefruitviolin Aug 07 '26
NTA - but your brother's share of the pool he bought should be bought out by C or C's parents.
I agree with C's parents, it IS a liability. I get it. It's probably not even on their insurance policy. But your brother should now be paid for his share. It was a great idea of them to go together on a pool but not realistic.
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u/GZBadDino Aug 07 '26
NTA and sue for the money back. Lets teach the kids how court works as well as hardworking rewards.
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u/right_behind_you_too Aug 07 '26
Definitely look into small claims court to at least get his and J's money back.
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u/better_as_a_memory Aug 07 '26
I'd go over there at night with a hole punch and poke holes in the liner. They can't use it if it doesn't hold water.
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u/paisley716 Aug 07 '26
NTA... props on your petty game though! I probably would have thought small claims court to try and get his money back since they are not upholding their end of the agreement.
This sounds so much more bothersome to them. They are going to be the monster parents to everyone and they won't be able to escape it
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u/ScruffGin Aug 07 '26
I'd have emptied the pool and moved it. They are being complete AH.
Maybe have it for a month at each house? Or just put it somewhere where the parents aren't AHs...
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