Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Swimming Pools?

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Swimming Pools?

No matter where the pool is in your home, homeowners insurance typically protects it against covered perils, such as fire, windstorm or vandalism. The policy will pay to repair or replace the pool if it's damaged by one of those perils. It can also cover your liability costs if someone is injured in your pool and you're found responsible.

Learn more: What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

Types of Coverage for Pools

The type of your homeowners insurance that pays your claim depends on the incident and the type of pool you have. Here are the different types of coverages that may come into play:

• Personal property coverage: This type of insurance covers small above-ground swimming pools when they're damaged. Personal property coverage limits are usually set around 50% of your dwelling limit.
• Other structures coverage: For an in-ground pool or an above-ground pool that's permanently installed on your property, your insurance company may consider it an "other structure." Coverage for other structures is usually set at 10% of the dwelling limit.
• Dwelling coverage: If you have an indoor pool or an outdoor in-ground pool, then your dwelling coverage will likely kick in because the pool shares the same foundation as the home. This portion of your policy usually has the highest limits.
• Liability coverage: This type of coverage financially protects you if someone who doesn't live in your household is injured in your pool, and you're held responsible. Liability coverage would pay for your legal expenses and the injured person's medical bills up to your coverage limits.

What Does Homeowners Insurance Not Cover for Pools?

Homeowners insurance may exclude coverage for your pool in some cases. You won't be able to file a claim for the following:

• Wear and tear: As your pool ages, you may need to fix things like cracks in the pool liner, leaks from aging equipment or algae buildup. These are considered your responsibility and not your insurer's.
• Intentional damage: Home insurance is meant to cover unexpected accidents, not deliberate damage you cause to the pool.
• Lack of maintenance: Your policy also won't cover damage caused by neglect or improper maintenance.
• Failure to winterize: It's important to prepare your pool ahead of the cold season by cleaning it, testing the chemicals and lowering the water level. Failing to take these steps may result in damage that's not covered by home insurance.
• Earth movements: Damage from earthquakes and other ground movements is also usually excluded from home insurance policies, unless you've purchased additional coverage.
• Damage from animals: Damage by certain types of animals—rodents, insects and birds, for example—is typically excluded from standard home insurance.
• Equipment failure from electric issues: You may need an equipment breakdown endorsement to cover pool parts that break down due to electrical failure.

Learn more: What Is Not Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

What Happens if You're Responsible for a Pool-Related Injury?

Pools are considered an "attractive nuisance," which is a dangerous object on your property that may attract children. This increases the risk of someone getting hurt or even drowning. You could be held responsible for their medical bills if that person isn't a member of your household.

Your home insurance may pay for these costs and any related legal bills, up to your policy limits, if it has not excluded pool coverage. You'll need to file a home insurance claim to get these benefits.

Some policies only cover swimming pool-related injuries if you've followed the insurance company's safety protocol. For example, your insurer may want you to install a fence around the swimming pool to limit access.

How to Avoid Pool-Related Claims

Follow these safety tips to avoid drownings, injuries and pool-related homeowners insurance claims:

• Research any relevant rules. Insurance companies, state laws and city ordinances may require homeowners to take safety precautions when owning a pool, such as installing locked fences.
• Limit access to the pool. Adding a fence around the perimeter, using a pool cover and installing an alarm on the gate can help prevent trespassers from swimming in the pool.
• Never swim alone. Swimming alone increases the risk of an accident, which can result in a claim.
• Supervise children in and around the pool. If you invite children to swim in your pool, make sure they're supervised by a responsible adult.
• Place lights around the pool. This can help prevent slips or falls, especially in the dark.

The Bottom Line

Homeowners insurance will pay to repair your swimming pool when it's damaged by a covered peril, such as a windstorm or vandalism. It can also pay for your liability costs, such as medical bills and legal expenses, when someone is injured in the pool and doesn't live in your home.

But the specifics depend on what type of pool you have and the language in your policy. If you need to buy home insurance to get pool coverage, you should understand how your credit may influence your premiums.

Insurance companies can use credit-based insurance scores to set your premiums in some states. If you live in one of these states, consider monitoring your credit and taking steps to improve your credit score before gathering quotes. Taking these steps can help keep your rates low after you install a swimming pool.