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Whether you plan to install a luxury, in-ground Olympic model or you’re just inflating one for the kids, backyard pools and hot tubs have safety and insurance implications. Here’s what you need to know. If you have any questions, contact our office at 413.475.7283 or Complete our online quote form today!
Each town has its own definition of what constitutes a “home pool,” often based on its size and the depth of the water. Contact your municipality to learn the local standards and relevant safety and building codes to which you must adhere. These may include installing a certain size fence, locks, decks and pool safety equipment.
A pool is considered an “attractive nuisance” by the insurance industry. As enjoyable as it is, it will increase your liability risk so it’s advisable to contact your insurance professional and review your insurance if you’ve got a pool or are planning to install one. Homeowners are responsible for taking reasonable measures to protect naïve children from the potential danger posed by an attractive nuisance. For homeowners with pools, reasonable measures may include installing a(n):
- fence around the perimeter of the pool
- automatic safety cover
- solid or mesh safety cover
- posting a sign
- providing accessible safety equipment
In addition to coverage for property damage, your homeowners insurance policy provides liability protection for incidents that occur on your property. Having a sufficient amount of liability coverage is extremely important for pool owners, since there’s additional risk involved. In addition to the standard liability and damage coverage on your homeowners insurance policy, you may also want to consider an umbrella policy, which can help protect your assets if you are deemed responsible for damages that exceed the limits on your primary policy. With a pool in your backyard, umbrella coverage is worth considering since typically you’re responsible for any incident that happens on your property, even if you’re unaware that it’s happening.
Typically, homeowners insurance coverage will differ based on the type of pool in your yard. While in-ground pools are typically covered as part of your dwelling coverage or other structures coverage, when it comes to damage, an above-ground pool may be categorized as personal property or other structures. In this case, you’ll want to talk to your insurance agent to determine if your property limits are enough to cover repairs or replacement of your above-ground pool in case of damage.
To learn more about Encharter’s homeowners insurance, you can call and speak to an agent at 888-754-8299 or visit us online at https://www.encharter.com/personal-insurance/umbrella-insurance/. They will be happy to discuss any questions or concerns you may have!
Chat with an Encharter agent about your insurance today:
413.475.7283
Complete our online quote form
