Discover How Your Swimming Pools Are Covered Under Home Insurance

Homeowners insurance will only cover your swimming pool against damages from the covered perils, including lightning strikes, fire, vandalism, hail, and explosions. The coverage you get for your pool depends on your insurer and the type of swimming pool you have.

Here is how home insurance covers your pool:

• Personal Property Coverage:  An above-ground pool is usually considered personal property by insurers if it is portable. This coverage reimburses your personal property at 50% of your dwelling coverage. For example, if your home is insured for $600,000, you will get $300,000 to repair the damage caused to your above-ground pool.
• Other Structures Coverage: A permanently-installed above-ground pool is considered an "other structure." This coverage reimburses 10% of your dwelling coverage, so if you have $600,000 in dwelling coverage, your pool may be covered up to $60,000.
• Dwelling Coverage:  Some insurers may cover your in-ground pool up to the limits of your policy's dwelling coverage.

Home insurance does not cover the following damages caused to your swimming pool:

• Wear and Tear: Your insurance does not cover natural wear and tear damages.
• Lack of Maintenance: Failing to vacuum or clean leaves and debris regularly may clog the filter, damaging your pump. This damage won’t be covered.
• Not Winterizing Your Pool: If your residence is susceptible to freezing temperatures and fails to winterize your pool, cracks and leaks may occur, which won't be covered.
• Flooding: A standard home insurance policy does not cover flood damage.

Home insurance usually does not cover pool collapses but check with your insurer. You will be responsible for the resulting loss or damage if your pool collapses due to negligence or lack of maintenance.

Personal liability coverage on your home insurance policy pays for medical bills for third parties injured in or around your pool. It also covers your legal costs if you are sued by the injured.