Does Homeowners Insurance Cover an Above Ground Pool? Having swimming pools in your backyard may be heavy on your pocket due to their maintenance and equipment replacement costs. However, you can dodge this bullet by having your swimming pools backed by a robust insurance policy!
A swimming pool with pristine waters is considered an integral part of many American households for an indefinite amount of summer fun and leisure. Not only do swimming pools add a bluish beauty to your humble abode, but they are great for recreational activities as well.
However, with a swimming pool comes maintenance. According to research, an average of 390 deaths occur due to swimming pool debts in America.
If you have an above-ground pool on your property, you need to get it insured – it’s a simple rule of thumb. In general, most damage to and losses from an above-ground pool should be covered by a homeowners insurance policy. However, there are several important caveats to be aware of when it comes to above-ground pools and insurance coverage.
Homeowners insurance and above-ground pools – Will it cover damage to your pool?
Whether your swimming pool is covered in your insurance policy highly depends on the insurance company you’re in business with. Some insurance companies cover above-ground swimming pools; others don’t. Also, some insurance companies have tight criteria if they are to cover your swimming pool in your homeowners insurance.
Swimming pools are termed an “attractive nuisance” by insurance companies or anything that may attract and imperil a youngster. And if you possess a pool — or any other attractive nuisance — you’re responsible for any complications that occur as a result of it, regardless of whether the individual got authorization to use it or not.
Homeowners insurance policies typically contain at least $100,000 in liability coverage, although some experts advise purchasing $500,000 in coverage. You can raise the threshold on your personal liability insurance or buy a separate umbrella policy that will bear the expenses of any liability claim up to the total of the umbrella policy offer.
When you aren’t sure about whether your above-ground swimming pool is covered in your insurance policy or not, it’s time to view and scrutinize your insurance policy.
If it is an above ground pool, your insurance provider would most likely view it as personal property if there are no structural features linked to it, such as decks. This is due to the fact that you could, if desired, take it with you when you move. Most insurance companies charge an additional premium of $50 to add your swimming pool to the policy’s ambit.
Conversely, personal property coverage may have a policy limit as well as a category limit for your pool. Even if you have $100 k in personal property coverage, you may not receive the full value of your pool if it is damaged or destroyed – it’s part of the rules of an insurance company. If you’re not sure, inquire with your insurance company about any coverage limits your homeowners policy may have for an above-ground pool.
Replacement Costs
Replacement value coverage, which compensates for replacing your house with the same or similar home in today’s market, may be included in your insurance policy. If your home insurance provider adds in-ground pools to the policy’s replacement cost value, the value of your property will rise.
As a result of the increased maximum claim limit, the cost of your home insurance premium will rise, and this is frequently true for in-ground pools.
Personal property limits
Personal property coverage provides means to repair or replace your possessions rather than the house itself. Suppose your home insurance carrier considers your pool to be an exterior structure, which is usually the case with above-ground pools. In that case, you must classify the pool as an external structure when buying your insurance policy.
You’ll need to determine whether your present limit is sufficient to cover pool repairs. If not, you may need to upgrade your personal property limit, which drives up the cost.
Water damage from above ground swimming pools
With one noteworthy exception: flood, most forms of water damage are normally covered by homeowners insurance. However, if you’re not sure (we don’t blame you), give your insurance agent a call to ensure whether your current homeowners insurance covers water damage from your pool or not. Every insurance policy is unique on its own, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Pool-related injuries from an above-ground swimming pool – will my homeowners insurance cover it?
If someone hurts themselves from your pool, the said person may ask for compensation (even if it’s their own fault). Medical bills can be hefty and might cost you an arm or leg (figuratively). This is where insurance comes into play.
Insurance companies can guard you against hefty medical bills as a consequence of pool-related injuries. But does your home insurance cover pool-related injuries?
In most cases, if somebody is wounded while using your pool, the personal liability coverage on your homeowners policy will foot the bill. However, in order to limit the danger of injuries, you must add safety features – that’s a prerequisite for these insurance policies. Many property insurers may inquire whether you have a fence around your pool with a lockable gate or whether you can remove the pool’s ladder to restrict access.
Choosing the correct liability coverage is critical to safeguarding your financial well-being. Even if your liability coverage includes pool-related accidents, consult with an insurance representative to determine the appropriate coverage maximum for you.
Umbrella policies for an above-ground swimming pool
Although not necessary, umbrella policies may help you get that added level of security and coverage that you and your above-ground swimming pool deserve. Umbrella insurance policies go beyond the scope of standalone insurance policies and provide extended insurance coverage at an added premium.
If you’ve exhausted your current insurance policy, umbrella insurance policies might just be what you need. An umbrella policy often provides homeowners with $1 million or more in supplementary liability protection. If someone dies or is gravely hurt while using your pool, umbrella insurance would cover their burial or hospital expenses, as well as any legal bills incurred as a result of the occurrence.
These expenses might potentially outweigh even the greatest liability limit coverage choice available on your conventional homeowners insurance. If you do not have umbrella insurance and your basic homeowners coverage is exhausted, you will be responsible for any further expenditures.
Different insurance coverage for different swimming pools
The pool insurance coverage is determined by the type of pool you possess. In a homeowners insurance policy, permanently installed above-ground pools and most in-ground pools are often covered by other structures. In contrast, portable-style, above-ground pools that you might take with you if you moved are typically covered by personal property coverage.
Depending on the value of your pool and any attachments, like a deck or water slide, your agent can advise you on whether you should consider boosting your insurance coverage.
Purchasing an insurance policy for your swimming pool
As an endorsement of your policy, many basic homeowners insurances have the opportunity to insure your swimming pool. Accidents and wounds to persons at the pool are covered under your homeowners insurance’s liability policy.
Impairment to an above-ground pool is often covered by personal property insurance, but other buildings’ insurance typically covers damage to an in-ground pool. Consult your insurance company to determine whether it provides home coverage for pool owners and learn more about how to insure your pool.
What is the cost to insure a swimming pool?
A homeowners insurance coverage for a property with a backyard pool costs an average of $1,226. Because of the danger they pose, insuring a swimming pool might raise your home’s insurance costs, but most insurers give discounts to help offset the cost of premiums.
It would be best to consider consolidating your car and home policies with the same insurer. You can inquire about protective feature discounts, such as door alarms and deadbolt locks, which may result in a price reduction.
Ways to reduce swimming pool insurance costs
Insurance companies usually give you a discount depending on the safety and protective equipment and accessories you have installed in and around your above-ground swimming pool. Here’s what you can do to reduce the additional premium that comes with swimming pool insurance.
- Install a safety alarm around the entrance of your swimming pool – A safety alarm helps you in alerting whenever any unwanted intruder is near your pool. This way, you can save them from a potential injury and yourself from a hefty medical bill.
- Surround the swimming with a fence and lockable gates – This is your way of ensuring that no one gets near your swimming when you’re not around.
- Keep the pool’s surroundings neat and clean – Whether it’s chairs, pool toys, or other accessories, everything should be pushed back to make sure your visitors don’t stumble across them and hurt themselves in the process.
- Working around the ladders – Simply remove or elevate the ladder while your pool is not in use if it is above ground, and this will help keep folks out of the pool without your consent.
Bottom line
Swimming pools might be costly if you have to go repair and pay the medical bills of people who hurt themselves from them. Lucky for you, swimming pool insurance exists and can very well guard you against brawny bills. Above-ground swimming pools will usually be covered in your homeowners insurance policy. However, you must read the insurance policy or inquire about the insurance agents to be perfectly sure about it.
You can also increase the liability coverage provided for your above-ground swimming pool for an additional premium. Moreover, if you want to go even beyond that, then purchasing an umbrella policy might just do it for you!
Frequently asked questions
Does homeowners insurance cover above-ground pool damage?
The type of pool you have – in ground or above ground – may influence the insurance coverage you require. Above-ground pools are frequently regarded as personal property rather than a permanent building, and this is due to the fact that you might drain it, pack it up, and carry it with you if you decide to relocate.
How is a pool covered under homeowners insurance?
Whether above-ground or in-ground, swimming pools are covered by homes insurance as a “scheduled structure” or as “other structures blanket coverage.” As it is a detached structure, such as a shed, it is not covered by your home’s insurance unless you expressly add coverage to it.
Is an above-ground pool considered a structure?
An above-ground pool, on the other hand, is seen as a temporary building, and it goes up in a matter of days, and while the ground may need to be leveled initially, it will not permanently affect the layout of your yard.
How much does homeowners insurance go up with an above-ground pool?
On the other hand, the rise is affected by a number of factors, including your location, the type of swimming pool, and the position of the pool within your home. In most circumstances, insurers will add $50 to $75 to your rate. However, depending on the liability coverage, this cost might be significantly greater.
Do I need a fence around my above-ground pool?
Although you may have chosen an above-ground pool, the fence standards for the property remain the same. In most circumstances, a fence at least four feet tall is required. You must erect a fence as long as the body of water (either in-ground or above-ground) is at least 18 inches deep.
Do above-ground pools decrease home value?
An above-ground pool can be a lot of fun for the kids or even for you, but it will not add value to your property. These are deemed so unattractive that they might reduce the value of your house simply because most clients factor the expense of removal into their offer.
