Orlando Harmon
Whether you're considering installing a pool or buying a home with an existing one, it's important to understand how homeowners insurance applies to pools. Pools are considered attractive nuisances by insurance companies, meaning they can increase your liability risk. This is because swimming pools are associated with an increased risk of accidents and injuries, especially for children. The type of pool you have, whether it's in-ground or above-ground, and whether it's portable or permanent, will determine how it's classified by your insurance company. In-ground pools are typically considered other structures, while above-ground pools may be classified as personal property or other structures, depending on their permanence.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of pool | In-ground, above-ground, portable, permanent |
| Coverage | Dwelling, other structures, personal property |
| Other structures coverage | 10% of dwelling coverage |
| Personal property coverage | 50% of dwelling coverage |
| Perils covered | Fire, lightning, hail, vandalism, explosions |
| Perils not covered | Wear and tear, lack of maintenance, neglect, flooding |
| Liability coverage | $100,000-$500,000 |
| Safety features | Fence, lights, non-skid surface tape, lock on ladder |
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What You'll Learn
In-ground pools are usually considered 'other structures'
In-ground pools are typically considered "other structures" by insurance companies. This is because they are deemed to be part of the physical structure of your property, much like a detached garage or fence.
The classification of your pool is important as it determines the type of coverage it will fall under. In the case of in-ground pools, they are usually covered under "other structures" coverage. This means that any damage to the pool caused by covered perils, such as fire, lightning, hail, vandalism, or explosions, will be covered up to the limits of your policy. It's important to note that normal wear and tear, poor maintenance, neglect, or flooding are generally not covered under standard homeowners insurance policies.
In some cases, in-ground pools may also be covered under dwelling coverage, especially if they share the same foundation as the home. Dwelling coverage protects the physical structure of your home, including the walls and roof, and can help pay for repairs or even rebuilding in the event of a covered loss.
It's always a good idea to confirm with your insurance provider how your pool is classified and what specific coverage types apply. You may also want to consider additional coverage, such as an umbrella policy, to ensure you have adequate protection in the event of accidents or injuries associated with your pool. Pools are considered "attractive nuisances," which means they can increase your liability risk. Having sufficient liability coverage can help protect you financially if someone is injured while using your pool.
Additionally, certain safety features, such as a gated fence, lights around the pool, and non-skid surfaces, may be required by your insurance company or municipality to reduce the risk of accidents and meet the criteria for coverage.
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Above-ground pools may be deemed 'personal property'
Above-ground pools are generally considered personal property by insurance companies if they are portable. This means that they can be removed and are not permanently installed. In this case, personal property coverage on a homeowners policy typically covers the pool at 50% of the dwelling coverage. For example, if your home is insured for $300,000, you will have up to $150,000 in coverage to protect against damage to your personal property, including your pool.
However, if an above-ground pool is permanently installed, it may be considered an "other structure". This typically falls under the "Other Structures" section of your homeowners insurance. Coverage is usually 10% of your dwelling coverage. So, for a $300,000 policy, that's up to $30,000 for your pool.
It's important to note that the classification of an above-ground pool as personal property or an other structure can vary between insurance companies. Therefore, it's always recommended to confirm with your insurance agent to avoid misunderstandings at claim time.
Additionally, it's worth considering that pools, regardless of their type, are considered ""attractive nuisances". This means that they can increase your liability risk, even if someone uses your pool without permission. Standard homeowners insurance typically includes personal liability coverage, but you may want to review and increase your limits. Liability limits of $300,000 to $500,000 are often advised for pool owners. An umbrella insurance policy can also provide additional liability coverage beyond the limits of your standard policy, offering extra protection if accidents occur.
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Pools increase liability risk
Pools are considered "attractive nuisances", which means they can increase your liability risk even if someone uses your pool without permission. In the case of Florida, a pool is considered an attractive nuisance under state law, which means it is something that a child is likely to be attracted to. This means that if a child trespasses on your property and uses your pool without your permission, you are still responsible for their safety.
The Insurance Information Institute (III) recommends potentially increasing your liability coverage. You can do this by raising the liability limits in your homeowners’ policy. You can also purchase an umbrella insurance policy to provide additional liability protection. Umbrella policies can extend liability coverage beyond the limits of your standard policy, offering extra protection if accidents occur.
The liability limits of $300,000–$500,000 are often advised for pool owners. This is because a pool injury can result in very expensive lawsuits. For example, a hotel in California faced the possibility of a $68 million verdict after a child almost drowned in a hot tub.
In addition to the financial costs, there are also safety considerations to take into account. It is crucial for pool owners to understand the responsibilities that come with owning a pool. There are many general safety precautions you can take to ensure your friends and family enjoy your pool safely. For example, teaching pool rules to your children and guests and posting them in a highly visible location. You should also install a fence with self-locking and self-closing gates to completely isolate your pool from your house and the areas around it.
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Homeowners insurance may cover pool damage
Whether or not homeowners insurance covers pool damage depends on several factors, including the type of pool, the cause of the damage, and the amount of coverage you have.
In-ground pools are typically considered part of your property's physical structure and are covered under "other structures" in your homeowners insurance. On the other hand, above-ground pools are generally considered personal property, with coverage typically falling under "personal property" in your insurance policy. However, a permanently installed above-ground pool may be classified as an "other structure."
Your homeowners insurance may cover your swimming pool against damage caused by specific events, such as fire, lightning, hail, vandalism, or explosions. For example, if a hailstorm damages your pool, your insurance may cover the repairs, minus your deductible and up to your policy's limits.
It's important to note that normal wear and tear, poor maintenance, neglect, and flooding are typically not covered by homeowners insurance. Additionally, damage caused by earthquakes is generally excluded from standard homeowners insurance policies.
To ensure you have adequate coverage for your pool, it is recommended to review your policy carefully and consult with your insurance agent. You may also need to increase your coverage limits or consider an umbrella policy for enhanced protection.
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Insurers may require safety measures
Pools are considered "attractive nuisances", meaning they can increase your liability risk even if someone uses your pool without permission. Thus, insurers may require you to implement safety measures to reduce this risk. These measures can include:
- Installing a secure fence with a self-closing and self-latching gate around the pool perimeter. The fence should act as a barrier to prevent unsupervised access to the pool, especially for young children and pets.
- Placing lights around the pool to reduce the risk of someone slipping or falling.
- Installing a pool alarm to detect movement in the water and alert you if the pool fence is opened unexpectedly.
- Using a pool cover when the pool is not in use for added protection.
- Regular pool maintenance to ensure balanced chemicals and proper circulation, reducing the risk of leaks or accidents.
- Implementing non-skid surface tape on your diving board.
- Having a lock on the ladder to an above-ground swimming pool.
In California, swimming pools built after 2007 require two drowning prevention or safety measures, such as pool alarms, door alarms, or a mesh pool fence and cover for different seasons. It is important to consult with your insurance agent and review your policy to understand the specific safety requirements and ensure adequate coverage for your pool.
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Frequently asked questions
Homeowners insurance typically covers swimming pools, but the extent of coverage depends on the type of pool and the specific details of your policy. Pools are often classified under dwelling, other structures, or personal property coverage.
In-ground pools are typically considered "other structures". Permanently installed above-ground pools may also be considered "other structures", while portable above-ground pools are usually considered personal property.
"Other structures" coverage typically includes damage caused by covered perils such as fire, windstorm, hail, lightning, vandalism, and explosions. It does not usually cover wear and tear, lack of maintenance, neglect, or flooding.
Pools are considered high-risk "attractive nuisances", meaning they can increase your liability risk. Liability coverage protects you financially if someone gets injured while using the pool, covering medical expenses, lost wages, and legal fees.
