Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Swimming Pools?

Owning a home with a pool can be an exciting investment, but it’s critical to ensure that you have adequate insurance to protect yourself, your property and your finances. Homeowners with a pool may need coverage in addition to their standard homeowners policy.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Pools?

Homeowners insurance will typically help cover a swimming pool if a covered incident damages it and can help pay for expenses if a guest is injured. However, you may want to increase your coverage limits based on the pool’s value and accessories, such as a deck or water slide.

How Does Owning a Swimming Pool Affect Homeowners Insurance?

Homeowners with a pool often see higher rates because owning a swimming pool increases your liability exposure by presenting the possibility of someone getting injured or drowning on your property. Because a swimming pool could be considered a detached structure in your yard, you may also need other structures coverage if you don’t already have it.

Do I Need Extra Insurance for a Pool?

If you want even more protection, consider purchasing a personal umbrella policy. An umbrella policy helps provide liability coverage above the limits of your homeowners policy. It will kick in when other forms of insurance have been exhausted. A qualified insurance provider can help ensure you have adequate protection for any incident that could occur.

Ways to Protect Your Pool

Even when you have the proper insurance policies to protect yourself and your pool, it’s essential to do what you can to prevent incidents. The following are a few tips:

• Cover the pool when not in use. By keeping your pool covered, you can prevent animals and children from falling in. Plus, it can help keep your pool clean from unwanted debris.
• Build a fence around your pool. Locked fences and alarm systems can help prevent children from entering the pool unsupervised.
• Keep electrical cords away from the pool. Electrical currents could go through the water and injure swimmers.

Insurance for Swimming Pools in Pittsburgh

If you want to learn more about how owning a swimming pool affects your homeowners insurance policy, contact James L. Smith Insurance. We are committed to helping you find the best coverage for your needs.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.