A pool on your home’s property is likely something that costs a pretty penny to install. It also requires ongoing maintenance and upkeep costs. In other words, your pool is an investment, and you don’t want to lose everything you have paid for over the years. So, if something  comes along and damages the pool, then you will want to repair it. Can your homeowners insurance help you?

Yes, your home insurance can assist you in cases of pool damage. However, you have to make sure your policy addresses the pool. Some don’t automatically do so. Therefore, if you plan to add a pool to your home, ask your agent if you’ll have assistance.

Pools as Home Property

You’ll consider your pool a part of your property. Therefore, you will expect your homeowners insurance to help you cover damage, should it occur.

Pools differ, therefore, how your homeowners insurance covers your item will differ as well.

• Pools installed in the ground, or ground-level pools, usually count as part of the home’s structure. Therefore, your home insurance’s structure coverage will generally apply to this item. It will pay for damage repair to the item.
• Above-ground pools generally are not part of the home’s structure. Therefore, these items will likely have coverage under your home’s personal possessions, or personal property, insurance.

Most homeowners policies will cover unavoidable, unpreventable damage to the pool. So, if a tree falls onto the pool, or someone vandalizes it, then your policy might be able to help, subject to policy limits or exclusions. Your policy won’t, however, help with routine pool damage or maintenance, like a worn out heater or a broken deck.

In most cases, you won’t have to add special policy endorsements to your policy for the pool. However, you should talk to your insurance agent about whether you have appropriate coverage limits for the value of the item. Adding a pool to the property might increase the value of property coverage you need.

Protecting the Pool

Sometimes, it is hard to shield a pool, because you generally leave it open to the environment around it. However, you can take practical steps to keep damage away.

• If you have a home security system, extend it to the pool. Therefore, the system can alert you to predators. Keep a fence around the pool, which might help deter pests.
• Keep the pool clean, and make regular repairs to rusted, broken or damaged items.
• Cover the pool as necessary. Always do so when you shut down the pool for the year.
• Don’t keep personal items like chairs or pool toys on the deck. Store them away at night, and when bad weather threatens.

With the right process, you can reduce property damage risks to the pool. However, you’ll have property insurance available in case you need emergency assistance.

Also Read: Is a Home Trampoline a Safety Risk