Are Pools Covered Under Home Insurance?

Home insurance protects homeowners against various perils. A common question arises when considering a swimming pool: is it covered? Understanding how pools are treated under standard home insurance policies is important for ensuring adequate protection and mitigating risks. This article clarifies pool coverage within a typical homeowner’s insurance framework.

How Pools Are Typically Covered Under Home Insurance

Swimming pools can be covered under different sections of a standard homeowner’s insurance policy, depending on their type and attachment to the main dwelling. Coverage extends to physical damage to the pool structure and liability risks associated with its use.

In-ground and permanently installed above-ground pools are generally classified as “other structures” on a homeowner’s policy. Limits are commonly set at a percentage of the dwelling coverage, often around 10%. For example, a home insured for $300,000 might have up to $30,000 in “other structures” coverage for a pool and related permanent fixtures.

Portable above-ground pools are usually considered “personal property,” falling under the same coverage as other movable belongings. Personal property coverage is often set as a percentage of your dwelling coverage, typically ranging from 50% to 70%. Some indoor or outdoor pools sharing a foundation with the main house might be covered under “dwelling coverage” due to their integral connection.

Beyond physical damage, liability coverage is a significant aspect of pool protection. This helps cover medical expenses and legal fees if someone is injured in or around your pool, or if the pool causes property damage to others. Since pools are considered “attractive nuisances” by insurers, adequate liability coverage is important for pool owners.

Common Policy Exclusions and Coverage Limitations

While home insurance often provides coverage for swimming pools, be aware of common exclusions and limitations that can impact claims. Understanding what is typically not covered can prevent unexpected financial burdens. These exclusions generally relate to the cause of damage or the nature of the pool’s use.

Damage resulting from gradual deterioration, wear and tear, rust, corrosion, or a general lack of maintenance is typically not covered. For instance, if a pool liner needs replacement due to age, or a pump fails due to neglect, these issues are generally excluded. Damage caused by improper winterization, such as cracks from freezing water, would also likely not be covered.

Certain perils are also commonly excluded from standard home insurance. Flood damage and damage from earthquakes or other earth movements are almost universally excluded. Homeowners in prone areas would need to purchase specific flood or earthquake insurance policies.

Intentional damage caused by the homeowner or household members is never covered. If the pool is used for commercial purposes, such as offering swimming lessons, standard personal lines coverage may be voided. Damage during new pool construction or installation is typically not covered by a homeowner’s policy, falling instead under the contractor’s insurance. Some policies may also have specific exclusions or require special underwriting for high-risk accessories like diving boards or slides.

Steps to Ensure Adequate Pool Protection

Homeowners can take several proactive steps to ensure their swimming pool is adequately protected under their insurance policy. These actions help mitigate risks, optimize coverage, and potentially influence premiums. Implementing these measures can provide greater peace of mind for pool owners.

Notifying your insurance company about the installation or purchase of a pool is a primary step. Failure to inform your insurer about this significant addition could lead to claim denials. Inform them no later than when the pool is completed to ensure continuous coverage.

Carefully review your specific policy documents to understand existing coverage limits and exclusions related to your pool. Confirm how your pool is classified—whether as an “other structure” or “personal property”—to ascertain the applicable coverage limits.

Consider additional endorsements or riders to enhance coverage beyond standard policy limits. Options like equipment breakdown coverage can protect against failures of pumps, heaters, or other pool machinery. Given the increased liability risk, increasing your liability limits, typically to $300,000 or $500,000, is often recommended. For broader protection, purchasing an umbrella insurance policy, offering additional liability coverage, is a prudent consideration as it extends beyond your standard homeowner’s policy.

Implementing safety measures around the pool can reduce the likelihood of accidents and may positively influence insurance premiums. Installing a secure, self-latching fence, pool alarms, and a safety cover can significantly reduce risk. Maintaining the pool regularly to prevent issues like leaks or equipment malfunction is also important.