Having a pool is a dream for many homeowners. After all, a swimming pool can be the main attraction for families during their summer vacation. However, swimming pools and hot tubs are considered an attractive nuisance due to the higher chances of injury or death related to pool accidents. You have a pool, as opposed to a home that doesn’t.

Homeowners insurance policies generally include basic liability protection that covers the costs of medical care for other people injured in your home. Pools, especially inground pools, carry considerable risks, especially when it comes to children … whether they have been invited to swim in your pool or not! Accidents on your property put you at risk for liability, medical claims, or potential civil lawsuits.

Thousands of people are injured each year in pool-related accidents, and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) indicates that more than 3,400 people drown each year. Drowning is the second leading cause of death for children under the age of 14.

You don’t need to buy additional insurance with a pool, but it may be wise to purchase additional liability insurance or a general insurance policy (which gives you extensive personal liability coverage) and it is very affordable. For an additional premium, you can get $ 1 million of liability protection on top of what you have in your home.

Many insurance companies / carriers will require you to have your pool or patio fenced off. Some businesses require a fence to be a certain height, with a self-closing gate, as well as other restrictions. A diving board or slide can surely make your pool a lot more fun, however some companies / carriers may deny coverage due to the fact that it can increase the risk of injury.

It is important to note that homeowners insurance does not protect against physical damage to a pool or hot tub, unless your policy has been specifically written to include this coverage. You are only covered in the event of bodily injury to a guest (a non-resident of the home).

In addition to liability protection, you should also have enough insurance protection to replace your pool in the event it is destroyed by a storm or other disaster.

Make sure to inform your insurance agent / company that you have a pool, or hot tub before you take the plunge and build a pool to make sure it is sufficiently covered.

This article is for informational purposes only.