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Is my Swimming Pool Covered Under my Homeowners Insurance?
In-Ground Pools
- Classified as an “Other Structure”
In-ground pools are typically considered part of your property’s physical structure (similar to a detached garage or fence). Coverage details often fall under the “Other Structures” section of your homeowners insurance. - Coverage Limits & Exclusions
- Damages caused by covered perils—such as fire, windstorm, hail, lightning, or vandalism—are often included 11.
- Earthquake damage is not covered under a standard homeowners policy. In California, you would need a separate earthquake policy or endorsement.
- Normal wear and tear, poor maintenance, or neglect generally are not covered.
Above-Ground Pools
- Often Classified as Personal Property
Because an above-ground pool can be removed, some insurers categorize it as personal property instead of “other structures.” - Additional Coverage May Be Necessary
If the value of your above-ground pool is significant, you may need a policy endorsement or additional insurance to ensure it’s fully covered.
Tip: Always confirm with your insurance agent whether your pool—above-ground or in-ground—is classified under dwelling, other structures, or personal property coverage to avoid misunderstandings at claim time.
Liability Coverage for Pool Owners
Pools are considered “attractive nuisances,” meaning they can increase your liability risk even if someone uses your pool without permission. Standard homeowners insurance generally includes personal liability coverage, but you’ll want to review and possibly increase your limits.
- Recommended Coverage: Liability limits of $300,000–$500,000 are often advised for pool owners 22.
- Umbrella Policies: An umbrella insurance policy can extend liability coverage significantly beyond the limits of your standard policy, offering additional protection if accidents occur.
Important: Liability coverage typically does not protect you or members of your household if you are injured in your own pool. Your health insurance would generally be responsible for covering medical expenses in those cases.
Remember to take precautions to keep your pool area safe and follow state and local laws for pool ownership and safety
Are pool leaks covered by homeowners insurance?
Homeowners insurance can cover your swimming pool against damage from certain events, like fire, lightning, hail, vandalism, and explosions. For example, if a hailstorm damages your pool, your insurance might pay for repairs, minus your deductible and up to your policy’s limits.
Types of Coverage for Pools:
- Personal Property Coverage:
- If your above-ground pool is portable, it’s usually considered personal property. This coverage is typically 50% of your dwelling coverage. So, if your home is insured for $300,000, you have up to $150,000 for personal property, including your pool.
- Other Structures Coverage:
- A permanently installed above-ground pool might be considered an “other structure.” This coverage is usually 10% of your dwelling coverage. For a $300,000 policy, that’s up to $30,000 for your pool.
- Dwelling Coverage:
- Some insurers cover in-ground pools under dwelling coverage, up to your policy’s limits.
What Insurance Doesn’t Cover:
- Wear and Tear: Old pool liners needing replacement aren’t covered.
- Lack of Maintenance: Damage from not maintaining your pool, like clogged filters, isn’t covered.
- Improper Winterization: Damage from not preparing your pool for winter isn’t covered.
- Flooding: Flood damage is excluded from standard policies.
Pool Collapse:
- Generally, pool collapses aren’t covered, especially if due to neglect. Check with your insurer for specifics.
Liability for Injuries:
- Personal liability coverage can help with medical and legal bills if someone gets injured in or around your pool. Standard policies offer $100,000, $300,000, or $500,000 in liability coverage. For more protection, consider umbrella insurance.
Safety Tips for Pools:
- Fence: Build a fence to prevent unwanted access. Some insurers require specific heights or materials.
- Lighting: Install lights to prevent slips and falls.
- Automatic Pool Cover: Use a retractable cover to reduce the risk of accidents.
- Safety Checklist: Keep safety rules and a first aid kit near the pool.
For more details, talk to your home insurance provider about how your policy covers your swimming pool.
Common Pool-Related Questions
1. Do I Have to Tell My Insurance Company About a New Pool?
Yes, you should always inform your insurer about new or updated features on your property—especially something as significant as a swimming pool. This ensures your coverage reflects your current situation and helps you avoid any coverage gaps.
2. What If the Pool Leaks?
- Covered Perils Only: If the leak is caused by a covered peril—like a fallen tree during a windstorm—your homeowners policy will likely cover repairs 33.
- Maintenance Issues: Regular wear and tear, poor maintenance, or manufacturing defects are not covered under most standard homeowners policies.
3. What About Earthquake Damage?
Standard homeowners insurance does not cover damages caused by earthquakes, including those that cause cracks or shifting in your pool structure. You would need a separate earthquake insurance policy or an endorsement specifically covering earthquake damage.
4. Are There Specific State or Local Requirements?
In California, state law requires two drowning prevention or safety measures for pools built after 2007. This can include:
- Pool alarms
- Door alarms
- Mesh fencing or covers
For exact legal details, consult the California Legislative Information website or your local county ordinances.
5. If a Visitor Is Injured, Will My Homeowners Insurance Cover It?
Yes. Most standard homeowners policies provide personal liability coverage for visitor injuries. However, policy limits vary, and pool-related incidents can lead to significant medical or legal costs. Increasing your liability coverage or adding an umbrella policy is strongly recommended.
Safety Measures that Might Affect My Pool Insurance Coverage Eligibility?
- Fencing and Gates: A secure fence with a locking gate is often a non-negotiable requirement. Without one, insurers may deny coverage or claims.
- Pool Covers: Installing a safety cover can reduce both liability and the risk of damage.
- Slides & Diving Boards: Some insurers will not grant coverage—or will require special exclusions—if your pool includes these features because they significantly increase liability risks.
Would Home Insurance Cover Me if Someone Gets Hurt in My Swimming Pool?
When it comes to pool-related incidents, here are some things to keep in mind:
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You and your household members are not covered by Liability Coverage.
Unfortunately, if you or any family members suffers an injury in or around the swimming pool, you would need to rely on your health insurance or your personal finances to cover the medical expenses.
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You may be held liable for injuries even if “Guests” did not have your permission to swim.
Pools are generally considered as “Attractive Nuisances”. Meaning, if a neighbor wanders into your property and gets hurt, you can be found at fault. Even if the neighbor was not invited, and in some cases, even if the required fences are at place.
Are There Any Specific State or Local Swimming Pool Requirements?
In California, swimming pools that are built after 2007 require two drowning prevention or safety measures. These can be pool alarms and/or door alarms, or a mesh pool fence for summer and a mesh safety cover for winter. Permanent enclosures, like planters, decorative and retaining walls are classified as effective barriers and needs to be compliant checked with inspectors.
For further details, you can visit the California Legislative Information website for specifics.
With a pool on your property, your risk level will rise dramatically. It is recommended that you may consider purchasing an umbrella insurance, which will increase your liability protection but without a dramatic increase in your home insurance premium.
If you are moving forward with your plan of building a pool in your backyard, it is best to talk with your insurance agent and your preferred pool builder on the best approach for your plan. Your insurance agent will be able to explain your current homeowners policy and can suggest the appropriate adjustments. Your pool builder will be able to give you insights on safety measures such as which pool covers to use, fences, gates to use into your swimming pool, etc. And, with having talked to both experts, this will give you the peace of mind that will allow you to enjoy your pool, knowing that if anything should occur… you’re covered!
TLDR:
Homeowners insurance may cover your swimming pool in California, but it depends on the type of pool, the cause of damage, and the amount of coverage you have. Some of the points to consider are:
- Your homeowner’s insurance may cover your swimming pool under dwelling, personal property, or other structures coverage, depending on whether your pool is in-ground or above-ground, and whether it is portable or permanent.
- Your homeowners insurance may cover your swimming pool against damage caused by covered perils, such as fire, lightning, hail, vandalism, or explosion. However, it may not cover damage caused by wear and tear, lack of maintenance, failure to winterize, or flooding.
- Your homeowners insurance may have a limit on how much it will pay for your swimming pool damage. You may need to increase your coverage or add a separate policy if your pool is expensive or has special features.
- Your homeowners insurance may require you to inform your insurer if you install a new pool or make changes to your existing pool. You may also need to follow certain safety measures, such as fencing, lighting, locking, or signage, to reduce your liability risk.
- Your homeowners insurance may cover your liability if someone is injured or killed in your swimming pool, whether they are invited guests or trespassers. However, you may need to increase your liability coverage or add an umbrella policy if you have a pool, as the legal costs and compensation claims can be very high.
These are some of the general aspects of how homeowners’ insurance may cover your swimming pool in California. However, the exact coverage and requirements may vary by insurer and policy. You should check with your insurer what they consider as a swimming pool and what they can offer you in terms of cover and price.
Sources & Citations
- California Department of Insurance – Homeowners Insurance
- Insurance Information Institute – Liability Insurance
- FEMA – Covered Perils
- California Legislative Information – Safety Requirements
Corey Elsasser
