Does homeowners insurance cover swimming pools?

The basics

Many homeowners policies provide minimal or no liability coverage for swimming pools. Talk to your insurer or agent about the right amount of coverage for your pool.

Property coverage for damage to pools varies with different policies:

• If your policy makes the pool part of the home, make sure the value of the pool is included in the replacement value of the home.
• If your policy lists the pool as a separate structure, there may be limits on how much your homeowners policy will cover.
• If you have an above ground pool, it is likely covered as personal property. Limits on this type of coverage are tied to the replacement value of the home.

Enclosures

Many insurers – and city ordinances – require pools to be enclosed by a fence and locking gate.

Diving boards and slides

A diving board or slide may be tempting, but be aware that your insurer may not provide liability coverage for a pool with those features.

Maintenance and landscaping

Some insurers will not renew coverage for a pool that hasn’t been properly maintained. Also, coverage for trees, shrubs, plants and lawns can be limited. If you put in decks or landscaping around the pool, consider including its value in your policy, too.

Talk to your insurance company or agent if you have questions or need to discuss increasing your coverage.

Renting your pool