September 8, 2026 at 2:10 pm

A Disabled Resident Needs a Pool Deck to Access Their Pool — The HOA Won’t Let Them Build One

by Jayne Elliott

above ground swimming pool

Shutterstock

Imagine having a disability that makes it difficult to exercise, but you can exercise really well in a swimming pool. What would you do if the HOA rules prevented you from being able to use a swimming pool?

In this story, one person is in this exact situation, and they’re really mad at the HOA about it. The HOA has their reasons for making this decision, but that doesn’t make life any easier for the this disabled resident.

Let’s read all about it.

Our HOA won’t let use put in a pool with a deck with steps. Only a ladder, I’m disabled and can’t climb a ladder but can do steps with my cane.

Swimming is the only type of physical activity I can do a lot of!

The water is where I feel free.

I lived in an apartment complex with a pool the last 3 years for that reason.

But OP had to move.

I recently had to move back in with my family due to leaving an abusive relationship and my health decreasing.

They wanted to put in an above ground pool for me. But they didn’t approve the deck because then our neighbors could see us over our fence line.

I’m so annoyed.

OP really needs a pool.

Because my hearts been not doing so well, and excercise would be so good for it but due to my muscular and joint issues, swimming is the best option for that.

I do chair excercise but pool ones are much easier on my body overall and I can swim for much longer.

My doctor was thrilled we were getting a pool, he knew loosing the pool was going to be detrimental to my strength.

I improved a lot in terms of being able to walk longer distances with my devices when I had a pool.

The HOA is being ridiculous. OP needs that pool!

Let’s see what Reddit suggests.

Talking to a lawyer might help.

2026 09 08 at 9.58.01 AM A Disabled Resident Needs a Pool Deck to Access Their Pool — The HOA Wont Let Them Build One

Another person thinks a letter from the doctor might do the trick.

2026 09 08 at 9.58.21 AM A Disabled Resident Needs a Pool Deck to Access Their Pool — The HOA Wont Let Them Build One

This person lists three steps to follow.

2026 09 08 at 9.58.33 AM A Disabled Resident Needs a Pool Deck to Access Their Pool — The HOA Wont Let Them Build One

If you enjoyed this story, check out this post about a neighborhood that’s up in arms after HOA and city clash about whether or not homeowners can place cones.

But this person suggests a workaround that might work.

2026 09 08 at 9.58.53 AM A Disabled Resident Needs a Pool Deck to Access Their Pool — The HOA Wont Let Them Build One

Surely, there has to be a workaround, such as the suggestion for movable steps. Otherwise, talking to a lawyer might be key.

The HOA is being completely unreasonable.

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Jayne Elliott | Contributing Writer, Life & Drama

Jayne Elliott is a contributing writer and editor for TwistedSifter specializing in human interest stories, internet culture, and family dynamics. With over 12 years of editorial experience in digital publishing, Jayne excels at analyzing complex online communities and transforming viral social debates into thoughtful, highly engaging narratives.

Rather than simply aggregating internet drama, Jayne brings a sharp, empathetic editorial eye to everyday dilemmas. She has a unique talent for unpacking the nuances of pop culture and online conflicts, providing readers with relatable, well-researched commentary.

Based in California, Jayne spends her free time outside the newsroom exploring theme parks with her family or beach-combing along the coast.

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