Understanding Swimming Pool Insurance Requirements | Openly

A swimming pool enhances your backyard, providing endless fun and entertainment for your family and friends. However, it's important to understand how a swimming pool can impact your homeowners insurance. Ensuring you have proper home insurance coverage protects you from unexpected financial burdens in case of accidents or damage to the pool itself.

In this article, we’ll dive into home insurance coverage for homes with swimming pools to help you navigate this critical aspect of pool ownership.

At a glance: 

• A swimming pool increases your home insurance premium due to the higher risk of accidents and injuries.

• There are limitations and exclusions to swimming pool coverage, like certain types of damage, high-risk features, and coverage caps.

• Review your homeowners policy carefully, understand how it covers your pool, and consider additional coverage if needed.
  
  

Understanding home insurance basics

Home insurance is a financial safety net that safeguards your property against unforeseen events. It covers various aspects of your home including the following: 

• Dwelling coverage—This is the foundation of your insurance, protecting the physical structure of your home, including the walls and roof. If a covered event or loss damages your home, dwelling coverage helps pay for repairs or even rebuilding.
  
  
• Personal property coverage—Just like the valuables you keep inside your home, this coverage protects your belongings from events like theft, fire, or vandalism. It covers things like furniture, electronics, clothes, and appliances.
  
  
• Liability coverage—This protects you from financial hardship if someone gets injured or their property is damaged while on your property.
  
  

The impact of swimming pools on home insurance

Having a swimming pool may be great when the weather's hot and you’re looking to cool off; but it’s important to understand how a pool affects home insurance. 

Swimming pools are considered high-risk features by insurance companies due to the increased potential for accidents and injuries. 

• Increased liability—Children are especially vulnerable to drowning, even in shallower pools. Minor slips and falls around the pool area can also result in serious injuries. As the homeowner, you're liable for anyone who gets injured on your property, and a pool creates a higher risk of such incidents.
  
  
• Potential for property damage—Swimming pools are susceptible to damage from storms, freezing temperatures, or  falling trees. Repairs for these issues can be costly.

Due to the elevated risk factors, homeowners with swimming pools typically pay higher insurance premiums. The exact increase depends on various factors, such as the type of pool (in-ground pool vs. above ground pool), the presence of a fence and other safety features, and your home insurance claims history.

Coverage for swimming pools

Homeowners insurance typically covers swimming pools, but the extent of coverage depends on the type of pool and the specific details of your policy. 

In general, in-ground pools are typically covered under other structures coverage, while above-ground pools may be covered under either other structures or personal property coverage. Check with your insurer to understand how your policy covers your pool and discuss any additional coverage you might need.

Here's how your homeowners insurance might cover your pool:

Liability coverage

Perhaps the most important coverage for pool owners, liability coverage protects homeowners financially if someone gets injured while using the pool. This coverage helps cover the cost of medical expenses, lost wages, and even legal fees if a lawsuit arises. Given the inherent risks associated with pools, having sufficient liability coverage is highly recommended. 

Personal property coverage

Your homeowners policy's personal property coverage may extend to pool equipment and accessories, such as pool filters, pumps, diving boards, or pool furniture. Coverage details will vary depending on your policy, so ensure you understand what's included and any limitations on value.

Home insurance coverage limits and exclusions

Homeowners insurance policies often have limitations and exclusions regarding swimming pools. While an insurance policy can offer valuable protection, there are limitations and exclusions you should be aware of, including:

• Types of damage—Some policies might exclude coverage for certain types of pool damage. General wear-and-tear, lack of maintenance, or intentional vandalism may not be covered.
  
  
• High-risk features—Some insurers may not cover pools with diving boards or slides due to the higher risk of serious injuries. If they do cover high-risk features, you may see a higher premium.
  
  
• Liability—While liability coverage can help if someone is hurt in your pool, it may not apply if the accident was due to owner negligence or failure to maintain proper safety measures, leaving you on the hook for damages.
  
  
• Coverage caps—There may be limitations on the amount your insurance covers for pool-related claims. This could be a specific dollar amount or a percentage of your dwelling coverage.

Mitigating swimming pool risk and its impact on home insurance

Fortunately, while swimming pools may increase insurance premiums, implementing safety measures around your pool may positively influence your insurance premiums. Some examples include installing pool safety measures and regular maintenance:

• Pool fencing—Having a secure fence with a self-closing and self-latching gate around the pool perimeter is an absolute must for most insurance companies to provide coverage. A well-maintained fence acts as a barrier, preventing unsupervised access to the pool, especially for young children, and even pets.
  
  
• Pool alarms—Installing a pool alarm can demonstrate your commitment to safety and potentially lower your home insurance costs. Pool alarms can detect movement in water and can even alert you if your pool fence is opened unexpectedly.
  
  
• Pool covers—When your pool is not in use, it’s best to secure a pool cover as added protection.
  
  
• Regular pool maintenance—A well-maintained pool with balanced chemicals and proper circulation is less likely to experience leaks or accidents. In addition, repairing chipped tiles or other potentially dangerous damage can show the insurance company you are a responsible pool owner. 

These are just some examples, and it's always best to check with your specific home insurance provider to see how they view different safety measures and ways to reduce your home insurance premium.

Tips for homeowners with swimming pools

Having a backyard pool can be fun, but it's important to understand how it affects your insurance. Here are some tips to navigate your homeowners policy and ensure you have the right coverage:

• Know your coverage—Don’t be afraid to dive deep (pun intended) into your homeowners insurance policy. Review the details with your insurance agent to understand how your existing home insurance policy covers your pool (if at all).
  
  
• Inventory your pool equipment—Create a detailed inventory of your pool equipment and accessories, like pumps, filters, cleaners, or diving boards, to ensure proper coverage under your personal property coverage.This may help you be reimbursed for replacement or repair if a covered loss occurs and coverage is provided. 
  
  
• Consider additional coverage—Depending on the value and features of your specific pool, you may require additional coverage beyond what your standard homeowners insurance policy offers. Discuss your needs with your insurance agent to determine whether an umbrella insurance policy or special pool insurance coverage is necessary.
  
  
• Shop around for quotes—Don't be afraid to get multiple home insurance quotes, and don’t settle for the first quote you receive if it doesn’t fit your needs. Compare rates and coverage options from different insurance providers to find the best coverage and value.
  
  

Dive into peace of mind

At Openly, we understand the unique needs of homeowners, including those with swimming pools. Our comprehensive home insurance policies, offered through a network of knowledgeable independent home insurance agents, helps you get the right coverage tailored to your specific situation. Independent agents provide expert advice and personalized service, making the process of buying home insurance seamless and stress-free.

Partner with Openly and our independent agents to secure the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home and pool are well-protected. Contact us today to learn more about our tailored home insurance solutions and how we can help you safeguard your home investment.

* We provide this information to help you understand insurance. Any coverage is subject to the terms of your policy. Please refer to your policy and declarations page for complete terms, conditions and coverage details.

¹ Les Masterson. “Does homeowners insurance cover swimming pools?.” Insurance.com Published 20 May 2024. Accessed 13 June 2024. https://www.insurance.com/home-and-renters-insurance/coverage/new-pool-your-homeowners-policy.aspx 

² Insurance Information Institute. “Pool Safety & Insurance.” III.org. Accessed 13 June 2024. https://www.iii.org/article/pool-safety-and-insurance