How Pools Are Covered by Home Insurance

January 10, 2025

Owning a pool can feel like a requirement when you live in Florida. What better way to get out of the heat? However, owning a pool also comes with unique responsibilities.

If you’re a homeowner with a pool—or considering installing one—it’s important to understand how your home insurance policy handles it.

Here’s a breakdown of what you should know about pool insurance coverage.

Does Home Insurance Cover Pools?

Yes, in most cases, a standard homeowners insurance policy will provide coverage for pools. However, how the coverage applies and to what extent depends on several factors, including your specific policy, the type of pool you own, and where it’s located.

Home insurance policies typically provide coverage for pools in two primary ways:

Pool Liability Coverage

Pools are considered an “attractive nuisance.” And when I say attractive nuisance, I’m not talking about any of the Kardashians.

“Attractive nuisance” basically means pools are so attractive to children, they may not be able to control themselves. They pose a higher risk of injuries, especially to children. If someone is injured while using your pool, liability coverage can help cover medical expenses, legal fees, or damages.

Tip: We recommend increasing your liability coverage or purchasing an umbrella policy to provide additional protection, especially if you host frequent gatherings.

Pool Property Coverage

If your pool is damaged by a covered peril, like a storm or vandalism, your property coverage may help repair or replace it.

Above-ground pools: Usually treated as personal property.
In-ground pools: Typically covered under other structures (Coverage B).

Drowning Statistics to Know

Dealing with insurance companies can be annoying when you have a pool, but we don’t like to think about the risks associated with a pool. It’s a lot more fun to just think about the great times to be had in the sun. Here are some alarming drowning statistics to consider per the CDC.

Over 4,500 people drowned each year between 2020-2022.
The LEADING cause of death for children between the ages of 1-4 is drowning!
Drowning deaths for children between ages one and four have increased 28% since 2019.
Drowning is in the top three leading causes of unintentional death among people ages 5-34.
15.4% of adults reported not knowing how to swim.

What Pool Perils Are Covered?

Standard policies typically cover damage caused by:

Falling objects (e.g., a tree limb)
Fire
Vandalism
Wind or hail (check your policy; this varies by location)

However, damage caused by wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or freezing (in colder climates) is usually not covered.

FAQs for Pools and Home Insurance

Does having a pool affect my premiums?

Yes, owning a pool can increase your home insurance premium. This is because pools increase the risk injuries on your property, costly liability claims, and potential structural damage.

Do insurance companies require a fence if I have a pool?

Many insurance companies do require you to have a fence. You can be held liable for trespassers getting injured or dying in your pool since it is considered an attractive nuisance.

Why is my pool considered an “attractive nuisance?”

This is especially applies to children. It basically means that a pool can be so alluring to children, they won’t be able to stop themselves. Think when Zoolander was brainwashed and he would hear the song “Relax” triggering an uncontrollable urge to kill the Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Steps to Ensure Proper Pool Coverage

Inform Your Insurer
Always notify your insurance provider if you install a pool. Failure to do so could lead to denied claims.
Increase Liability Limits
A $100,000 liability limit may not be enough if an accident occurs. Many experts recommend at least $300,000 to $500,000 in liability coverage for pool owners.
Add a Safety Feature Discount
Some insurers offer discounts if your pool has safety measures like:
- A fence with a locking gate
- Pool covers
- Pool alarms
Consider an Umbrella Policy
This supplemental policy provides additional liability protection beyond the limits of your standard homeowners insurance. This is what I call the best value in insurance!

Questions to Ask Your Insurer

How does my policy classify my pool (dwelling, other structure, or personal property)?
What are the liability limits for pool-related incidents?
Are there discounts for added safety features?
Does my policy cover damage caused by freezing or improper maintenance?

Conclusion

Owning a pool can be as fun as it looks on Anchorman, but it is also a serious responsibility. Taking all the precautions required by insurance companies will make it easier for you to get a good policy and statistically you will be less likely to have a catastrophic situation.

If you have a pool and need to make sure you are properly covered, contact Carter Family Insurance for a full review of your Florida home insurance policy.

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How Pools Are Covered by Home Insurance