There’s nothing better than cooling off in the pool as the weather warms up. But while you’re lazing away in the sun, sipping lemonade and watching your loved ones splash around, do you feel confident that you and your family have protection against accidents? Do you have enough insurance for the risks of your pool?

Pools can be a major responsibility and even one incident can cause major financial concerns. Don’t let an unforeseen event ruin your summertime fun—and your wallet. Make sure you have enough insurance to protect your assets (and your pool) if something happens.  

So how much insurance do you need for your pool?

Pool insurance basics

Here are some fast facts you need to know about your pool and pool insurance.

  • Pools are considered “attractive nuisances.” This means they draw attention, especially from children, and they’re an increased liability. Attractive nuisances usually have special requirements, and sometimes higher premiums, on your insurance.
  • Some homeowners insurance will help cover your swimming pool, and some won’t. Make sure you chat with your insurance agent to see if and how your pool is covered on your homeowners’ policy.
  • Some insurance companies won’t cover homes that have a pool, based on their underwriting guidelines. Other companies will cover the home but exclude the pool. And others will require safety features in order to extend coverage to include your pool.
  • Always disclose a pool and other features of your home. Failure to disclose means your insurance company has the right to deny claims or drop your policy altogether.
  • An in-ground pool is insured differently than an above-ground one. In-ground pools are either covered under dwelling coverage or “other structures,” since it’s a permanent fixture on your property. Above-ground pools are typically considered personal property, so they may be covered by your contents coverage.
  • If your pool is covered under “other structures,” it will usually provide up to 10% of structure coverage for physical damages to the pool.
  • Hot tubs may also fall under contents coverage.
  • If you have a slide or diving board, your insurance company might deny coverage or make your premiums more expensive. Some may also make you sign an exclusion clause, so any injuries related to the slide or diving board won’t be covered.

Pool liability

Your pool is likely one of the biggest risks on your property. It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt, right? Whether it’s a slip and fall around the pool’s edge or a sprain off the diving board, injuries are not uncommon around the pool.  

But you don’t have to fear your pool—if you have the right insurance!

Your homeowners liability insurance usually can help cover pool-related liabilities. So, the liability limits on your home are the same for your pool.

But how much liability coverage do you need for a pool?

Pools increase liability, which means you could end up with hefty settlements in the case that someone is injured on your property. This means you typically will want higher-than-normal liability limits.

The general rule is that you want enough liability insurance to cover all your assets. This is in case someone comes after you for “everything you own.” If your homeowners insurance won’t offer liability limits that cover your assets, then you’ll want to consider purchasing an umbrella policy for supplemental liability insurance. Umbrella policies are inexpensive but provide a lot of liability coverage (minimum of $1 million).

If that’s not possible or you’re more risk tolerable, we typically recommend a minimum of $300,000 in liability for pool owners, based on average expenses of liability claims.

Pool damages

Although not as common as liability claims, your pool can incur damages that are applicable to insurance payouts. Your homeowners insurance may cover physical damage to your pool if caused by a covered peril. Typical covered perils include:

  • Fire
  • Lightning
  • Hail
  • Explosions/riots
  • Vandalism
  • Vehicle collision (car runs into pool)

Some insurance companies will have specific exclusions just for the pool that you’ll want to be aware of. For example, your pool might not be covered if damaged by a falling tree, even if your house itself might still have coverage against falling trees.

Earthquakes are a common disaster that damage pools, but most insurance companies don’t include earthquake coverage in a homeowners insurance policy. You should consider purchasing separate earthquake insurance.

Make sure you talk with your insurance agent to see what is and isn’t included for your pool coverage. Any gaps in coverage might require additional policies.

When it comes to damages, you want to consider how much it would cost to rebuild the structure if it were completely damaged. That’s the number you’ll want for your dwelling, other structures, or contents coverage (depending on how your insurance company classifies your pool). Not sure how much it would cost to rebuild? A pool professional or one of our licensed insurance advisors can help you come up with the right number.

How to reduce your pool risk

  • Put a fence around the pool area. You may even want to put an alarm on the fence that rings aloud and alerts you when opened. This minimizes unwelcome visitors (who are a major liability).
  • Add safety features, like steps into the pool or padding along the rim. The safer your pool, the lower the risk. (The lower the risk, the lower your insurance premiums.)
  • Have safety accessories on hand, like a first aid kit and floatation devices.
  • Put mesh safety covers over your pool when not in use.
  • Install pool drain covers to prevent things getting trapped.
  • Always supervise kids in the pool.

Just a few precautionary measures can help you minimize your risk, so you’re less likely to run into an injury and insurance claim. Your insurance company may also require certain safety features, like a fence, to grant you coverage with a pool. It never hurts to be safe!

Note: You are responsible for everyone on your property, even if they weren’t invited. So if the neighborhood kids go for a swim while you’re away, you’re still responsible for any of their injuries. That’s why a guarded fence and other safety features are especially important to reduce your risk.

Stay safe, have fun

Pools are an increased risk for your home, but for most people the risk is worth it. That’s why it’s so important to talk to a licensed insurance agent to compare quotes and review your homeowners policy. Call one of our licensed insurance advisors today at (844) 824-2887 to review your coverage.

At InsuraMatch, we’re here to find the perfect policy for you. That means we’re not looking to sell you on a specific company or plan. We will find the right carrier, with the right coverage, at the right price, so your home and pool will be fully covered.


Let us do the heavy lifting to find you the perfect insurance. Compare home insurance quotes with one of our expert insurance advisors at (844) 824-2887 today. We can help you insure your pool!

 

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