More than 10 million residential homes in the U.S. have a pool, according to data from the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance.1 While having a pool is a major perk in the summer months, it also poses unique insurance risks year-round.
Most standard home insurance policies cover damage and liability risks associated with pools and hot tubs. But if you own a pool, it’s important to understand the limitations of your home insurance policy. You can benefit from increased liability and dwelling coverage.
Here’s what you need to know about pool insurance and how having a pool can affect your premium.
Homeowners insurance typically covers damage to swimming pools from a covered peril, like natural disasters or vandalism. It should also cover some of your liability if a guest incurs an injury in or around your pool.2
The actual home insurance coverage that can apply to your pool after a covered peril depends on the type of pool you have. Learn what type of pool your personal property, other structures, or dwelling coverage kicks in for after damage below:
Portable above-ground pool: If you have an above-ground pool that’s movable, the personal property section of your home insurance policy usually covers it.
Permanent above-ground pool: The other structures coverage portion of your home insurance policy covers permanently installed above-ground pools.
In-ground pool: Your dwelling insurance policy should cover in-ground pools and hot tubs.
Your home insurance policy’s coverage limits determine the amount of coverage your pool has. For example, if your other structures coverage has a limit of $30,000, your permanent above-ground pool has up to that amount of coverage if a covered peril damages it.
Home insurance policies only cover pool damage caused by a covered peril. Most policies also extend coverage to pool parts and accessories, like pumps, filters, and heaters. Standard home insurance policies can also cover other issues, like pool leaks and pool collapse, but only if a covered event caused the damage. Your policy won’t cover any damage to leaks, pumps, filters, heaters, liners, or foundations related to normal wear and tear.
For example, if a tree falls onto your pool in a hurricane and the entire structure crumbles, your home insurance policy would cover the cost of repairs. But if your pool crumbles due to age and normal wear and tear, home insurance won’t cover the damage.
Home insurance policies have certain exclusions when it comes to pools. Here are some of the losses that a standard home insurance policy doesn’t cover:
Owning a pool comes with inherent risks, but home insurance policies cover pool liability. For example, if a guest slips on a wet pool deck and needs medical attention, your homeowners insurance would cover the guest’s medical bills and your legal fees if the guest sues you.
But it’s also important to have enough liability coverage to protect yourself financially against the risks of having a pool. Most standard home insurance policies provide at least $100,000 in liability coverage, but experts recommend that pool owners increase their coverage limits to $300,000, $500,000, or higher, depending on personal assets.4
You might also consider adding an umbrella insurance policy, which provides excess liability coverage above your homeowners insurance policy limits. An umbrella policy will provide $1 million in coverage over your standard limit for about $200–$300 extra per year.5
Having a swimming pool at your house can affect the cost of your homeowners insurance. Insurance companies usually charge customers with a pool higher liability insurance rates because the risk represents a higher likelihood of a claim and insurance payouts.
Homeowners who have a pool or hot tub don’t face a specific rate increase. Rather, your premium will depend on factors like the type of pool you have, what safety measures you’ve implemented to keep people safe around the pool, and your past claims history.
In addition, some insurance companies require homeowners with an attractive nuisance on their property to carry a certain amount of personal liability coverage. If your insurer requires you to purchase higher liability insurance limits than you would otherwise need, it’ll cause your premium to increase.
To keep your family members and guests safe around your pool, it’s important to implement the right safety precautions. Here are some swimming pool safety tips:
Install a barrier around the pool. To keep children and unwanted guests out of your pool, install a fence or barrier around the pool area. Consider adding additional safety features, like a self-closing gate or lockable gate, as an added layer of security.
Learn water rescue protocols. As a pool owner, you should consider getting training in water rescue protocols in case someone starts to drown. Consider taking a water safety training course and staying up to date on your CPR certification.
Post a list of safety rules. Remind guests how to stay safe at the pool by posting a list of safety rules in a visible area. Include rules about supervision, not running on the deck, areas to avoid, and diving safety tips.
Don’t leave toys in the pool when not in use. Already an attractive nuisance, a pool can look even more enticing to kids if they see toys or floaties in the empty pool. Limit risks by removing these items from the pool when you’re not using it.
Never leave kids unsupervised. You should always supervise kids, even strong swimmers, while they use the pool. Make sure an adult is always present and actively monitors the kids in case of an emergency.
If you have a pool at home, it’s important to understand what your insurance policy does and doesn’t cover. Here’s some additional information that can be helpful for pool owners.
Insuring your pool is a good idea because pools pose additional risks to homeowners. Standard home insurance policies cover pools, but you might want to purchase higher coverage limits on your pool, especially for your personal liability policy. If you don’t know how much pool insurance you need, contact an insurance agent from your home insurance company.
Pool ownership can increase your insurance premiums due to the risk of pool-related injuries and accidents. If something happens, your insurance company might have to pay out a personal liability or medical expenses claim, which can be very expensive.
Your homeowners policy will only cover a pool collapse if a covered peril causes the damage. Home insurance won’t cover pool collapse due to general wear and tear, age, or lack of maintenance.
The main disadvantage of insuring a pool is that your insurance premium will likely increase. But it’s important to notify your insurance company if you have a pool or plan to install one. Your insurer may not cover your loss for a pool-related claim if you don’t tell your insurer about the pool.
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