Do You Have to Tell Insurance About a Pool?

Homeowners insurance is a financial safeguard, protecting one’s property and assets from unforeseen events. Certain features, like swimming pools, can significantly alter a property’s risk profile, making it important for homeowners to understand how a pool impacts their insurance coverage.

Why Pools Affect Homeowners Insurance

Swimming pools increase property risks, a significant factor for insurers. The primary concern is potential accidents, injuries, and fatalities, especially drowning incidents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that drowning is a leading cause of death for young children, with a substantial percentage occurring in residential pools. This heightened risk elevates the homeowner’s liability exposure, even if the injured party was a trespasser.

Beyond personal injury, pools also introduce potential for property damage. Issues such as leaks, structural problems, or improper winterization can lead to costly repairs to the pool or surrounding structures. Insurers account for these risks when underwriting policies. A pool increases the likelihood of claims, requiring coverage re-evaluation.

Notifying Your Insurer

Homeowners must inform their insurer about a pool, whether existing or newly installed. This ensures the insurer is aware of the changed risk and can adjust the policy accordingly. When contacting your insurer, be prepared to provide specific details about the pool.

This information usually includes the pool’s type, such as in-ground or above-ground, and its dimensions, including size and depth. Insurers will also want to know about any recreational features, like diving boards or slides, as these can increase risk. Details regarding safety features are often requested, such as fencing, self-latching gates, alarms, and pool covers. The date of the pool’s installation may also be relevant for their assessment.

Policy Implications of Pool Ownership

A pool significantly impacts homeowners insurance. It primarily affects liability coverage, which protects homeowners if found liable for injuries on their property. Insurers often recommend increasing liability limits for pool owners, with amounts typically ranging from $300,000 to $500,000, or even suggesting an umbrella policy for additional protection beyond standard limits.

The pool structure itself is usually covered under the “other structures” portion of the policy if it’s an in-ground or permanently installed above-ground pool. Portable above-ground pools might be classified as personal property. Premiums generally increase to reflect the heightened risk and expanded coverage, with estimates often ranging from $50 to $75 per year, though this can vary based on factors like pool type and safety features. Some insurers may even decline coverage if certain safety measures are not in place, or exclude high-risk features like diving boards.

Consequences of Non-Disclosure

Failing to notify your insurer about a pool can lead to severe repercussions. If an accident or damage occurs with an undisclosed pool, the insurer may deny claims, leaving the homeowner responsible for substantial costs. This means out-of-pocket expenses for medical bills, legal fees, or property repairs could be significant.

Beyond claim denial, the insurer might cancel the policy due to misrepresentation or a substantial change in risk. Policy cancellation can make it difficult to obtain new coverage, potentially forcing homeowners into higher-risk pools with increased premiums. In some instances, insurers may even identify undisclosed pools through aerial images, leading to non-renewal or cancellation.