Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Above Ground Pools?

Installing an above ground pool can be an exciting way to bring summertime fun into your own backyard. But before you dive in, it’s important to understand how an above ground pool could impact your homeowners insurance coverage.

How Above Ground Pools Affect Your Homeowners Policy

• Most insurance companies will insure homes with above ground pools, but some may decline coverage or impose restrictions. Always check with your insurer before installing a pool.

• Above ground pools are generally covered as personal property under the personal possessions section of a homeowners policy. This provides coverage for damage, theft, vandalism, and collapse.

• Liability protection will extend to pool-related injuries to others, but claims could impact your rates. Consider getting an umbrella policy for extra protection.

• Safety features like fencing, gates, alarms, and lighting may be required by your insurer to reduce risks. Follow all guidelines to avoid coverage issues.

• Failure to disclose your pool or misrepresenting safety measures could be considered material misrepresentation and grounds for denying claims.

What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover for Above Ground Pools?

• Pool damage – Damage to the pool itself from covered perils like fire, lightning, wind, hail, theft, and vandalism is covered under personal property. Weight of ice and snow is sometimes excluded.

• Collapse – If the pool collapses due to age, wear and tear it is not covered, but collapse from the weight of ice, snow, or other covered peril is covered.

• Stolen pool parts – Theft of filters, pumps, covers, or ladders would be covered under personal property.

• Liability for injuries – If someone is injured in your pool, medical payments and liability provide coverage for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering.

• Property damage – Your policy will cover damage that your pool causes to your home or neighboring property, like flooding the yard.

• Personal umbrella policy – For extra protection, this adds $1 million or more in liability coverage. Highly recommended for pool owners.

What Does Homeowners Insurance Not Cover for Above Ground Pools?

• Regular maintenance – The cost of regular upkeep and cleaning is not covered.

• Improper installation – Damage from incorrect or faulty installation is not covered. Proper installation is key.

• Chemical damage – Damage from improper chemical balance or maintenance is excluded.

• Intentional damage – Damage you or your family causes intentionally will not be covered.

• Earth movement – Damage from earthquakes, mudslides, sinkholes are excluded unless you purchase a separate policy.

• Floods – Flood damage is typically excluded but can be added with an endorsement.

• Trespassers – Injuries to trespassers may be excluded depending on state laws.

Safety Tips to Get the Best Rates

Adding safety features around your above ground pool can help minimize risks and may score you a discount on your homeowners premium:

• Install a 4-sided fence with self-closing and self-latching gates around the entire pool perimeter.

• Place “No Diving” signs around the pool if it is 5 feet deep or less.

• Have anti-entrapment drain covers and panic hardware installed on drains.

• Add motion detector lights around the pool’s exterior to illuminate it at night.

• Keep rescue equipment like life rings or shepherd’s hooks nearby in case of emergency.

• Mount timers to auto shut-off pool pumps and lighting at night when pool is not in use.

• Keep chemicals in a locked area away from the pool to avoid poisoning.

• Remove pool steps or ladders when not in use to restrict access.

• Post signs indicating pool rules – no running, no diving, adult supervision needed, etc.

• Complete a CPR course so you are prepared in case of a water emergency.

Average Costs of Homeowners Insurance for Above Ground Pools

The cost to insure your home with an above ground pool will depend on several factors:

• Location – Higher risk areas like Florida and coastal states often pay more.

• Safety features – More safety measures mean lower liability and lower rates.

• Pool type – More elaborate pools may cost more to insure than basic types.

• Claim history – Previous pool-related claims on your policy will increase your rates.

• Policy limits – Higher coverage limits increase premiums but provide more protection.

According to 2021 figures, homeowners paid an average of $1,249 per year to insure homes with pools. Expect to pay $50 to $100+ more per year if you add an above ground pool to your existing policy. Always get quotes from multiple companies to find the best rate.

Covering Above Ground Pools Under Renters or Condo Insurance

If you install an above ground pool as a renter or condo owner, here’s what you need to know:

Renters Insurance:

• Notify your landlord and rental insurance provider before installing the pool.

• The pool will be covered under personal property but with much lower limits than homeowners insurance.

• Your policy may exclude liability coverage for injuries – check before assuming you are covered.

• Consider getting an umbrella policy which is around $150 to $300 per year for extra liability protection.

Condo Insurance:

• Before installing, check condo association rules to get approval for the pool on common property.

• Your unit owners policy covers your possessions but not the physical structure of the pool.

• The condo association master policy would cover the physical pool but not your liability for any injuries.

• A personal umbrella policy can help make up the liability difference in coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much liability coverage should I have for an above ground pool?

Most insurance experts recommend a minimum of $300,000 in liability coverage for homes with pools. Consider adding an umbrella policy on top of that for $1 million or more in extra protection.

Does my policy cover draining, disassembly, and storage?

Damage that occurs when you improperly drain, disassemble, or store the pool would not be covered. Any costs related to preparing the pool for winter are also excluded.

What if a tree falls on my above ground pool?

Assuming you have the proper peril of windstorm or falling objects coverage, the policy would pay to repair or replace your above ground pool damaged by a fallen tree.

Does my policy cover repairs to my pool?

Wear and tear or gradual deterioration of the pool and its components are not covered. But damage from a covered cause of loss like a storm, frozen pipe, or vandal would be covered subject to your policy limits.

Am I covered for flood damage to my above ground pool?

Flood damage is typically excluded on a homeowners policy. You would need to add separate flood insurance either through the NFIP or a private insurer to get protection from flood damage.

The Bottom Line

Adding an above ground pool to your homeowners or renters policy will add some cost in the form of small policy premium increases, but it provides coverage for the pool itself and liability protection for injuries. Take steps to minimize risks, ask about discounts for safety features, and consider adding more liability coverage to be fully protected as a pool owner.