There are few things better than being able to find relief on a hot summer day in your own backyard swimming pool. This fun addition to your home can offer endless hours of entertainment and create lifelong memories. If you’ve decided to install a pool, it’s essential to understand what impact this will have on your home insurance. Below is an overview of how policies work with pools and why you’ll need to update your coverage. 

A Pool Owner’s Guide to Home Insurance

The Risks of Owning a Swimming Pool 

By law and insurance standards, swimming pools are considered an “attractive nuisance” — in other words, they could tempt children to trespass onto your property and attempt to use the pool. Without taking the proper precautions, you could be held responsible for any injuries suffered by trespassing children. In addition, you could also be responsible for the medical costs of guests who are injured while using your pool.

How Home Insurance Rates Are Affected 

If someone is injured while using your pool, you can be held financially responsible. Fortunately, liability coverage is part of a standard home insurance policy and includes pool-related incidents. This will help pay for the injured party’s medical expenses and any legal fees that arise in the event you get sued. However, because a pool installation increases your liability risk, you can likely expect your policy premium to rise, as well. Additionally, it’s wise to consider adding another layer of protection with umbrella insurance. Basic liability limits usually aren’t sufficient enough to cover swimming pool accidents, but an umbrella policy will provide you with coverage that extends beyond the limits of your regular policy. 

What You Can Do to Save on Coverage 

There are many different ways to improve pool safety and minimize your liability risk. In turn, this can help lower your home insurance rates. A few of the steps you can take include posting and enforcing pool rules, securing the pool behind a locked fence, adding a non-slip deck surface, installing lights, making sure the pool stays covered when it’s not in use, and putting in alarms that notify you when someone has entered the pool area. Also, keep in mind that pools with a diving board or slide cost more to insure. Some municipalities will have other requirements for pool owners, so it’s important to know what these are to keep your policy valid.

For help reviewing your home insurance options, turn to Action Auto Insurance Agency. Since 1986, this insurance broker has remained dedicated to providing New London, CT residents with quality coverage. As an independent agency, they can compare policies from multiple carriers to find you the most suitable and cost-effective solution for your unique needs. Call (860) 444-7224 to request a quote, or visit their website to learn more about their services.