Does homeowners insurance cover swimming pools?

How swimming pools may be covered under homeowners insurance

Homeowners insurance may cover your swimming pool against damage resulting from the covered perils listed in your policy, which often include fire, lightning strikes, hail, vandalism, and even explosions. If a major hailstorm damages the pool liner or other components of the pool, your homeowners insurance policy's dwelling, personal property, or other structures coverage may pay to repair the damage, minus your deductible and up to your policy's coverage limits.

The actual coverage under your homeowners policy that protects your pool may vary by insurer and the type of pool you own:

• Personal property coverage. An above-ground pool will typically be considered personal property by insurance companies if it's portable. Personal property coverage on a homeowners policy typically covers personal property at 50% of your dwelling coverage. For example, if your home is insured for $300,000, you'll have up to $150,000 in coverage to protect against damage to your personal property, including your above-ground pool.
• Other structures coverage. An above-ground pool that is permanently installed may be considered as an "other structure". Other structures coverage is typically 10% of your dwelling coverage, so if you're carrying $300,000 in dwelling coverage, your pool may be covered up to $30,000.
• Dwelling coverage. Some insurance companies may cover your in-ground pool, up to the limits of your policy's dwelling coverage.

Talk to your home insurance provider to determine how your insurance coverages may protect your swimming pool against damages.

What does insurance not cover when it comes to swimming pools?

Your homeowners insurance policy won't cover the following:

• Wear and tear: If your pool liner needs to be replaced because it's old, for example, your insurance won't cover this cost.
• Lack of maintenance: For example, failing to regularly vacuum or clear away leaves and other debris in your pool may clog the filter and cause damage to your pump, which likely won't be covered.
• Failure to properly winterize your pool: If you're in an area prone to freezing temperatures and you fail to lower the water level and drain all other equipment of water, cracks and leaks may occur, which likely won't be covered.
• Flooding: Flood damage is also excluded from a standard homeowners policy.

Does homeowners insurance cover a pool collapse?

Your pool isn't likely to be covered if it collapses but check with your insurer to be certain. If the pool collapse is due to neglect or lack of maintenance, the cost of repairing or replacing the pool is your responsibility.

What if you're liable for injuries at your pool?

Personal liability coverage on your homeowners policy may help cover medical and legal bills if a non-household member gets injured in or around your pool.

Most standard homeowners policies give you the option of $100,000, $300,000, or $500,00 in liability coverage. Should you need more than the liability limits available in order to protect your assets, umbrella insurance can provide additional coverage.

Tips for keeping your swimming pool safe

Following these useful tips may reduce pool injuries:

• Fence: Building a fence around your pool can help prevent unwanted access to your pool. In order to qualify for a policy, some insurance companies may require that your fence is a specific height or made from a certain type of material. See the benefits of adding a fence to your home.
• Lighting: Installing lights in and around the pool area may help to prevent slips and falls.
• Automatic pool cover: A retractable pool cover may reduce the risk of someone accidentally falling into your pool.
• Safety checklist: Keep a list of safety rules and a first aid kit in the vicinity of the pool.

Get a home insurance policy that may protect your swimming pool