Summer is (officially) here, meaning if you own a pool (or have plans to build one), you probably want it open for your family and friends to enjoy. Having a pool takes quite a bit of upkeep, between clearing out debris, making sure the water is clean and checking for damages. You also should keep in mind what pool ownership means in terms of insurance, whether you have just built a pool, if you owned one for years or are still in the planning phase.
Liability is the first thing you should keep in mind when it comes to pools. Pools are what is known as an “attractive nuisance,” meaning that children are curious of these nuisances, and they may wander over to them and risk injury or even death. For injuries on your property, a homeowners policy provides $100,000 in liability coverage typically.
In addition, in most towns and cities, you will have to build a fence or enclosure around the pool or the property; sometimes both. If you already have built a fence/enclosure, make sure that it’s suitable to keep trespassers out: if it isn’t, your insurance company may exclude liability coverage for your pool.
As for your homeowners insurance, be sure to review your policy to make sure that your pool is included—your independent insurance agent can help with this. When it comes to above-ground pools, typically, they are considered personal property; for in-ground pools, your insurance company may ask you to specify if the pool is a part of the home or separate from it. This designation determines what your replacement cost value and personal property limit will be.
Furthermore, while homeowners insurance may cover damages, policyholders still have to maintain regular upkeep for the pool: damages caused by neglect are very unlikely to be covered.
Pools require a lot of work and can present opportunities for damages and injury. However, with the proper coverage from your independent insurance agent, as well as the right safety precautions and due diligence, a pool can be a great thing for you, your friends and your family to enjoy.
Matt McDonough is PIA Northeast's writer, editor and content curator. Matt joined PIA Northeast in September 2023. Before that, he had been an editor for the online entertainment magazine Collider from 2021-23 as a copy editor for its lists section. Matt entered the world of journalism at his alma mater, SUNY New Paltz, writing and reporting for the college's student run newspaper, The New Paltz Oracle. He graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a minor in Creative Writing in 2020.
