Does Homeowners Insurance Cover My Pool?
Generally, backyard pools are either covered under your existing home insurance policy or require a separate, pool-specific coverage plan. Deciding which option to choose depends on your current policy, pool, surrounding environment, and other risk factors. Below is a brief outline of each option.
Types of Insurance
Home Insurance Policy Coverage
Using your existing homeowner’s insurance policy, you’ll generally want to increase your liability coverage limits and property damage limits to ensure you’re covered.
Pool-Specific Coverage Plan
Companies will offer an “umbrella liability policy” as a supplement to your homeowners’ insurance that covers various situations which might not normally be covered.
What Insurance Covers
Insurance policies often address the following situations, whether it’s an extension of homeowner’s insurance or separate swimming pool liability coverage.
Slips and Falls
The area around your swimming pool can pose a potential threat for injury, especially when the ground is excessively wet, or individuals are not exercising caution. Homeowners are expected to take reasonable measures to promptly remove slip and fall hazards.
Attractive Nuisance/Trespassing
The concept of “attractive nuisance” is a legal term that refers to a situation where a homeowner is held responsible because their property has objects or elements that attract young children. Even if a young trespasser takes considerable measures to enter your protected property (such as climbing a fence or breaking in), the homeowner can still be held liable.
Recreational Injury
If your pool has a diving board, slide, or other recreational equipment, there is a heightened potential for injury. It’s important to check your insurance policy to see if this situation is covered, as many companies will count these injuries as exclusions from normal coverage.
Above-Ground Pool Rupture
Above-ground pools often have the same liabilities as in-ground pools but also include the structural risk of rupture. Insurance can cover water damage that results from a pool that breaks open and floods the surrounding area.
Pool Damage
Often, pools are considered an “other structure” underneath your homeowner’s insurance, and any damage to the pool is viewed similarly to the house itself.
Ensuring you are adequately covered and employing the necessary steps to protect your pool and its users are important responsibilities for every pool owner.
How can you better keep your pool, family, and neighbors safe? A pool cover can be a great way to prevent accidents – check out LinerWorld’s selection of pool covers on our website to get started.
