Hot Tub location

looking_forward

I am not sure if I have the correct location for this - if not apologies .


I have an issue regarding noise form a neighbours' hot tub


Last year one of our neighbours had a hot tub installed ,the location was by the fence at the end of their garden (some distance from their house) - however the way our houses are positioned means that this tub is much closer to our house - directly behind the fence next to our patio, garden dining table and approximately 10ft from the back French doors of our house ( lounge/tv room ) . The location of this tub has really become apparent over the last few months , on several occasions we have been sitting down eating on the patio when the jets on the tub fire up , you can't continue talking at the dining table as the noise is so loud , not to mention how loudly the neighbours in the tub have to be to talk over the noise of the tub and all this is accompanied by a smell like chlorine . It can also be heard over the television when doors are open and still heard when doors shut - this has gone on for up to 35 minutes , We have lived here for 18 years and I cannot believe an issue like this has arisen - has anyone had a similar situation and what are the guidelines regarding location of tubs. In the winter we obviously never encountered issues but now summer is here I can see this is going to get worse ,


any input greatly appreciated


thanks in advance

kimbyanne

Not sure if anything can be done, hot tubs don't require planning permission so I think they can be located anywhere they want within their garden.

I suppose you could make an official complaint about the noise but not sure how far this will get you.

Is it a fixed "proper" hot tub or an portable like a lay z spa? Have you mentioned the noise to them?

looking_forward

Hi ,

I am pretty sure it is a proper tub fixed structure , it has a small perspex cover/shield over it , when not in use it emits a continuous low hum , the location per se isn't the issue - but rather the secondary implication of that . I haven't spoken yet , it has really only become apparent over the last 4 months or so , I am aware that once the cat is out of the bag .....

but it is not something I would be happy to endure ad infinitum

Red-Squirrel_2

Hot tubs seem to be a bit of a fad, but they're not cheap to maintain properly and I bet the novelty of sitting in a communal bath in your back garden in full view of the neighbours will wear off quickly enough.

I have a feeling that this won't be an issue next summer.

looking_forward

I hope you are right !

I think when this estate was planned and built these things weren't envisaged

gingercordial

Is it your fence or theirs?

If the fence belongs to you, take it down or replace it with a trellis. Sit on your patio and make loud comments and encouraging noises. Invite some friends round for a viewing party. You might find the use of the hot tub declines rapidly... or you'll get invited round and make some new friends :rotfl:

More seriously, I agree with others that it's likely to be a novelty at the moment in the first proper hot weather since they installed it. They'll get bored soon enough and will hardly ever use it.

Caroline_a

This might put them off. It certainly would me!

TheGardener

Have you tried speaking to the neighbour? Perhaps invite them to switch it on and come round - is it possible they are unaware of the impact on you?

Failing that I'd go with gingercordials suggestion of treating them as a spectator sport :rotfl:
or
every time they use it - place a large portable CD payer right by the fence played at a volume to drown it out .
Not sure what their musical taste is but perhaps some experimental electro/rap/grime music might not be their taste?

Slinky

I'd also consider the taking down the fence option. If not that, can you start spying on them from your bedroom windows?

Going round and talking to them may be the best option to start, perhaps it hasn't even occured to them that every word they say can be overheard. They could be mortified to find out they're being bad neighbours.

If not, plan B.

looking_forward

thanks for all the replies and good humour

I don't think hot tub parties are my thing :eek:

I had thought about the CD player too , maybe some vintage sex pistols or such like ....

If the situation persists as it is now I will definitely raise the issue with them , I was just interested as to what is acceptable noise wise and what is reasonable in one's own garden ?
When we are eating or have people round for dinner outside it wouldn't impact their situation

hopefully usage will fizzle out

LEJC

I think that if you live in a reasonably populated area then you must expect some noise from fellow neighbours when in the garden.

I also suspect that they have no idea that their hot tub is causing issues...afterall it's a fair distance from their property and so they wont hear the hum unless you tell them about it.
I also suspect that whist they are using it they dont really hear the noise either they or it is making....nor can they probably see the view from your windows when you look out onto them in the tub.

A little bit of gentle pointing out of these things might make them rethink that they are on full view of the neighbours both in sight and sound!

Although dont assume this hot tub wont be used in the winter too....a cold night and a warm bath under the stars can be attractive to some....as can the kids pool and sleep over parties...

We don't have a huge garden nor do our surrounding neighbours...but a few years back a near new neigbour bought a layz....and only kept it for a year or two once they realised that they were possibly putting themselves a little too much on show around the surrounding area.