Foreclosed Homes, Abandoned Swimming Pools: A Growing Hazard to Neighborhoods

Lawrence Egerton

Attorney
(866) 735-1102 Ext 350

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With the number of foreclosed homes continuing to rise each day, more and more community pools are being left unattended. Those that are left undrained become stagnant, algae-filled breeding grounds for mosquitoes, as well as a drowning hazard. Even pools that have been drained pose a significant danger to the public, especially children.

When a pool supervised by adults and 8 lifeguards is not enough to stop child deaths, imagine the danger an unattended cloudy pool contains. Drowning deaths caused by these public hazards can be prevented, but who is responsible for keeping these pools safe?

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When the homeowner is forced from the home, and it sits unsold, who is responsible for the public health and safety? Even with the home vacant, the homeowners association should have some responsibility to the neighborhood as a whole. Especially when the pools that have fallen into disuse are community pools. The city and county also have some responsibility to protect public welfare.

address the issue. But, most importantly, make sure your kids understand the dangers and to steer clear of abandoned pools.