Swimming pools provide fun and leisure on hot, muggy days. If you’ve always wanted one, you should understand how it will change your homeowners insurance coverage. The below guide shows what you should know about this popular outdoor addition and how it affects your policy.

What to Know About Homeowners Insurance & Pools

Coverage Changes

Most insurance providers consider a pool to be an attractive nuisance. This industry term means any structure that makes homeowners liable for injuries, whether the person has permission to use it or not. For this reason, you may need additional liability coverage to pay for medical treatment and legal claims.

Another way your homeowners insurance is affected by a swimming pool involves property damage. Depending on your policy, if hail, lightning, or fire damages your pool, the insurance provider will typically pay for it. However, specific perils, such as earthquakes, are not covered. If the damage to your pool was due to maintenance neglect, the damage might not be covered. 

Pool Types

There are also policy differences based on the type of pool. Some insurance companies consider in-ground pools to be a part of your residence. This means it is likely covered if damage occurs. If they classify it as a separate structure, the policyholder must list the pool as such to file a claim for repair or replacement costs.

Above-ground pools are typically considered personal property. Your homeowners insurance policy may already have a personal property clause that protects if the pool is damaged, stolen, or vandalized. Regardless of the type of pool, your insurance company could require specific safety measures such as a locked fence.

Whether you’re thinking about installing a pool or currently have one, count on Taake Insurance Agency LTD in Columbia, IL, to ensure you have proper coverage. Serving Monroe County and the surrounding areas since 1977, the family-owned agency is always accessible and ready to answer your questions. To learn more about its network of homeowners insurance companies, call (618) 281-7656. Learn more about their insurance services online.