Denying guests access to our pool

[Megan1427]

I haven’t listed my guesthouse yet because I’m very concerned about our pool! We live in the main house and have young children who will be using the pool in the summer. I really don’t want guests to have access to the pool because of liability concerns, and don’t plan to include it in my listing. The problem is that the side door opens up to our backyard, and the pool! I feel like people will be upset when they realize this and are told they can’t use it… It almost feels mean. If anyone has been in or knows someone in my situation, please help! 

[Trude0 · Accepted solution]

My listing is a guesthouse (tiny house), it is in my garden, and I have a pool that is not available for guests. No guest has ever asked to use the pool, and I’ve hosted over 80 stays. 

My setup is a bit different though; the guesthouse is on one side of my house, the pool on the other, not visible from the guesthouse (but visible from the street). And I have set max 2 guests, so my guests are typically adults, not families with kids.

I think you’ll be fine, as long as you make sure the pool is not visible in any photos, you mention in your listing that there is a pool that it is not available, and maybe try to tailor your listing towards a target group that might not be that interested in the pool. 

I’d be more worried about whether the children swimming/playing will disturb the guests…😉

[Megan1427]

Yes, I’m definitely worried about that as well!!! I’m almost thinking I should block off listings during the summer and/or weekends when I know my kids will be out there playing (and the pool will be open) but that will mean I miss out on all the traffic! 😫
I did plan on making it for only 2 people max, just wish I had your setup instead of mine! Thank you for the replies!

[Ahmed570]

Just lock the side door up, if you don't want them to access the pool 

[Helen3]

Depends on whether the side access is a fire exit @Ahmed570 

[Megan1427]

That would block access to the garden and give guests only 1 way to get in and out (which is a fire marshal violation).  I don’t mind if they use the tables around the pool, just don’t think it’s wise to let them in the pool… 

[Frances3408]

@Megan1427. Out of sight can be somewhat out of mind. Have you looked into privacy screening and tall hedging plants in pots as a temporary measure between house and pool? Is there additional separate fencing around the pool? Here in OZ you can no longer have doors into a pool area straight from the house if its being rented or sold.

Just limit your guesthouse to adults but mention shared areas  such as yard unless you can reconfigure that as well and the noise from children playing.

[Elisa]

Hi @Megan1427 😊,
Thank you so much for asking this question here, it's really interesting!

I'm happy you found many hosts to discuss this with. ‌😍‌

Would you mind marking the 'Top Answer' if you find one particularly useful?

Warm regards ‌🌻‌,