Fight Over Backyard Pool Should Be Left Up To Neighbors [OPINION]

There's a world wide pandemic, an election coming up on November 3rd, Supreme Court nomination, a possible sanctuary city for the unborn designation for the City of Lubbock, and local campaigns.

And then there is a story about two neighbors who are disagreeing over a swimming pool. This is one of those types of stories that for most isn't a big deal but it is a type of story that could spin out of control.

According to our friends at KAMC, one resident in south Lubbock who has lived near Lakeridge golf course for 34 years is pretty upset with a neighbor of his because the neighbor is building a pool along with what has been described as a grotto which would be used as a walk-through water fall.

The pool project is legal in the City of Lubbock and since there isn't a Home Owners Association, the project doesn't have to be approved by some organization. The issue, according to the disgruntled neighbor is the sixteen foot "wall" that will eventually become part of the waterfall. The resident said he was consulted but was surprised when he saw the wall. The resident has threatened a lawsuit against his neighbor and he has even tried to get the Lubbock City Council involved it appears.

According to KAMC, Lubbock City Councilman Randy Christian wants to do something about the pool project.

Lubbock city councilman Randy Christian said he is also disappointed with the project and will bring the issue to the city council for possible changes to building permits.

“It’s like the scene out of Jurassic Park,” said Christian. “They were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t think if they should.”

And this is where the story spins out of control.

First, I've seen the video of the pool and it looks nothing like Jurassic Park. In fact, only if dinosaurs are busting out of the backyard and spilling onto the golf course can you say that it looks like a scene from Jurassic Park. And since the pool owner doesn't have dinosaurs, I don't see that happening.

Secondly, what business is it of Councilman Christian's or the Lubbock City Council? If the homeowner is breaking any rules, and clearly they are not, it's not your job to redo the law because one guy is mad.

The citizen who is mad should just wait and see what the completed project looks like before threatening lawsuits or trying to get the Lubbock City Council involved.

Neighbors can be annoying or they can be great. But unless you live in the country or on a sizable piece of land, you are going to have to deal with your neighbors. Back in the day people would get to know their neighbors and if there was a disagreement they would handle it between themselves. That doesn't mean everything was perfect. Many times arguments would move towards feuds. But calling the news media and the City Council? Give me a break.

I understand that someone may not like what their neighbor puts in their backyard, but it is their backyard and if they aren't hurting anyone maybe you just have to deal with it or move.

What if we have a case where someone builds a tall pergola and decides to paint it polka dot colors of purple, lime green, and pink. What if they then decide to grill everyday and smell of cooked meat carries over to their neighbors who happen to be vegans who only like natural wood tones for pergolas? Are we going to call the City to get involved?

How about this. Talk to your neighbors and handle disagreements between the two of you. You may not always get your way but you might just make the situation a little better.

And for City Councilman Randy Christian and others at City Hall. Remember what you told KAMC. Just because you can do something, doesn't mean you should. In fact, that could probably apply to many things the Lubbock City Council has done and will do in the future.