Pool Vandalism

Started by DanielN1 • 9 replies • 1708 views

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DanielN1 (California)
Posts: 3

Posted:

We have a pool that is very close to a highway. The pool is enclosed by a stucco wall and a metal fence, but we still get unwelcome guests who jump over at night, have a swim, leave trash (and other things) and leave us with the cleanup. I am looking for ideas on better securing the pool area without turning it into a barbed-wire eye sore.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

Put a sign up that says there is an electrofied fence...I would make it less attractive by making sure the lights are off at night after 10 PM. That would be a cheaper solution. Maybe fake video camera or signs posted. Members may be uncomfortable thinking someone is filming them at the pool so be careful about deciding to install camera there. Cameras do NOT prevent crime nor do they protect from crime...They just provide evidence or proof there was a break in.

Former HOA President

BrianB (California)
Posts: 2,820

Posted:

well, it depends on where you are, and how much risk you are willing to take.

Broken glass bottles and liquid nail/silicone at the top of the block fence tend to deter people.

So do cactus planted outside the fence... prickly pear, cholla tend to keep people away. If you are south, try bougainvillaea, or in the northwest, stinging nettle. Honey Locust trees, kept in bush form, also effective. Raspberry and blackberry canes also work. Landscape can be your friend, or your enemy.

Camera signs are a potential deterrent, but as noted, they don't stop anything. perhaps just a micro camera that is set up to a website somewhere... as noted, you can see if someone has jumped the fence, and go call the police or something.

DanielN1 (California)
Posts: 3

Posted:

I'm located in southern California, so the landscaping ideas might be ideal.

JimB23 (Virginia)
Posts: 4

Posted:

I was going to suggest poison ivy on the wall.

LarryB13 (Arizona)
Posts: 4,099

Posted:

Cholla (pronounce "Choy ya") would be my first choice. The variety that I am most familiar with grows in balls on short "trees" about 3-4 feet tall. The balls dislodge from the plant very easily and their billions and billions of fine barbed spines imbed themselves in skin and clothing, creating a lot of pain. Whenever I encounter cholla in the desert I give it a wide berth because it seems to jump at and attach itself to anything that comes near it.

JimB23 (Virginia)
Posts: 4

Posted:

Cholla sounds great. Wish it grew in the Northeast.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

Ivy or any type of climbing vine can damage the wall. However, some good holly bushes or hedge would be good. It will need maintained an an item added to the lawncare if provided. You don't want trees as they will shed into the pool, be used to climb on, or block the sun from the pool.

I'd consult a plant nursery people for good options. Plus may be able to set up a deal with them. Some advertising for them and plants for you at a discount...

Former HOA President

BrianB (California)
Posts: 2,820

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By JimB23 on 05/16/2012 5:46 AM
Cholla sounds great. Wish it grew in the Northeast.

It will. Just provide it with 12 hours of sun every day, minimum. Alkali soil. And less than 8 inches of moisture every year. Oh, and reduce the humidity up there to below 10% on average.

Give global warming a chance, you may have it soon enough.

MikeS1
Posts: 521

Posted:

We've had so much vandalism that we just installed 4 cameras with a DVR. It's viewable remotely and it sends pics at night to smart phone app so we can call the police.

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