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2025 Swimming Pools and Homeowners Insurance FAQs

8 September 2025
Kids on Swimming Pool - Banner Image for Swimming Pools and Homeowners Insurance FAQs Blog

A residential swimming pool can be insured as part of your homeowners policy. Coverage may include property protection for the pool itself and liability protection for guest injuries. Coverage depends on pool type, cause of damage, policy limits, and exclusions. Pools also trigger safety and code requirements that vary by state.

Table of Contents

  1. Is my Swimming Pool Covered Under my Homeowners Insurance?
  2. Liability Coverage for Pool Owners
  3. Are Pool Leaks Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
  4. Common Pool-Related Questions
  5. Safety Measures That Can Affect Coverage
  6. State-by-State Highlights
  7. TL;DR
  8. Impact on the Insurance Industry
  9. FAQ
  10. Sources and Further Reading

Is my Swimming Pool Covered Under my Homeowners Insurance?

In-ground pools

In-ground pools are usually classified as “Other Structures,” similar to detached garages. This means coverage is typically capped at around 10% of your dwelling coverage, unless you purchase additional limits. Damage from covered perils such as fire, wind, hail, or vandalism may be included. Earthquake, flooding, and poor maintenance are not covered.

Above-ground pools

Portable above-ground pools are often considered personal property. Permanently installed above-ground pools may be treated as “Other Structures.” This affects how much coverage you have and how claims are settled. Always confirm classification with your insurer.

Liability Coverage for Pool Owners

Pools are considered “attractive nuisances,” which means they increase liability risk even if someone uses your pool without permission. Standard homeowners insurance usually includes personal liability coverage, but pool owners should consider higher limits—often $300,000–$500,000—and an umbrella policy for extra protection.

Note: Liability coverage does not cover injuries to household members. Your health insurance would apply in those cases.

Are Pool Leaks Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

Yes, if: The leak is caused by a covered peril (e.g., storm damage, fire, vandalism).

No, if: It results from wear and tear, poor maintenance, improper winterization, or age-related deterioration. Pool collapses are rarely covered unless caused by a specific insured peril.

Common Pool-Related Questions

Do I need to tell my insurance company about a new pool?

Yes. Adding a pool changes your risk profile. Not informing your insurer could result in denied claims or uncovered liability.

Is earthquake damage covered?

No. Standard homeowners policies exclude earthquakes. In California, earthquake insurance (CEA policies) specifically excludes pools. Separate coverage would be required.

Is flood damage covered?

No. Flooding is excluded from standard homeowners policies. You need separate flood insurance from the NFIP or a private carrier.

If a guest is injured, am I covered?

Yes, guest injuries are usually covered under personal liability. However, medical payments coverage is typically limited ($1,000–$5,000). Large claims may require umbrella insurance.

Safety Measures That Can Affect Coverage

  • Fencing: Most insurers require a self-closing, self-latching gate.
  • Alarms: Door, gate, or pool alarms can reduce liability risk.
  • Safety Covers: Automatic covers are often recommended or required.
  • Slides & Diving Boards: These may result in exclusions or surcharges from your insurer.

State-by-State Highlights

State Requirement Insurance Impact
California Two of seven approved safety features (fence, alarm, cover, etc.). Non-compliance can increase premiums or lead to denial of coverage.
Florida Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act requires fencing or alarms. Insurers often require proof of compliance and safety inspections.
New York Barrier at least 4 feet tall; door alarms required. On-site inspections may be required before issuing coverage.
Texas Minimum 4-foot fence, self-latching gate. Local amendments may apply. Umbrella liability strongly recommended due to high litigation rates.
Arizona Barrier at least 5 feet high with self-latching gates. Insurers may deny coverage if barrier laws are not followed.

TL;DR

  • In-ground pools: Usually “Other Structures.” Covered for perils, not wear and tear.
  • Above-ground pools: Often “Personal Property.” Coverage depends on permanence.
  • Liability: Raise to $300k–$500k. Umbrella policies advised.
  • Exclusions: Wear, neglect, earthquakes, floods, and pool collapse are usually excluded.

Impact on the Insurance Industry

Pools add significant liability exposure. In 2025, insurers are tightening underwriting by requiring proof of safety features and sometimes on-site inspections. Rising litigation around pool injuries also drives recommendations for higher liability and umbrella policies. For carriers, pools remain high-risk features that directly influence premiums, coverage limits, and claims costs.

FAQ

Q: Does adding a diving board change my insurance?
A: Yes. Some insurers exclude them, while others surcharge. Always disclose to your carrier.

Q: Can safety upgrades lower my premium?
A: They often help with eligibility and reduce liability risk, but discounts may be modest. The real value is preventing claims and ensuring coverage.

Q: Do I need to raise “Other Structures” coverage?
A: If your pool and landscaping exceed the standard 10% of your dwelling coverage, ask your agent about increasing limits.

Sources and Further Reading

Kelly Pink - Inszone Insurance Personal Lines Team Lead

Kelly Pink

Personal Sales Team Manager

Kelly Pink is a Personal Sales Team Manager at Inszone Insurance Services, joining the company in March 2023 after the merger with Corbett & Associates Insurance Agents & Brokers. Kelly began her insurance career straight out of college, starting at Corbett and Associates Insurance Agency in 1996. She began her journey as a receptionist, but over time, she worked her way up to become the top producer for property and casualty, specializing in personal and commercial insurance. Kelly’s ability to build strong relationships with clients has been her niche, and she is always on the lookout for opportunities to round out accounts for both personal and commercial lines of insurance. Her specialties include commercial lines insurance, habitation, retail and industrial insurance, property management programs, risk management, loss control, and cyber security.

Kelly is passionate about helping clients succeed in their personal and professional lives by assisting with due diligence, loss control, risk management, coverage review, implementation, and recommendations on additional coverage and insurance programs. Kelly is committed to providing the highest level of service by offering comprehensive coverage through partnerships with top-rated insurance carriers. Her primary goal is to educate each client so they are well-informed about their current situation and potential risks they may face in the future, ultimately helping to make them whole.

In her free time, Kelly enjoys being a soccer mom and cheering from the sidelines. She also volunteers in multiple non-profit organizations, believing in the quote “We have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for the day. Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it. Our attitude is everything” by Charles R. Swindoll.

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