Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Swimming Pools?

Posted on: Apr 11, 2023 | | Written by:

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Swimming Pools?

Published on April 06, 2023. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

A swimming pool can surely add an extra ounce of comfort and luxury to your home. The fun and relaxation a home pool can offer are quite appealing. While a swimming pool at home is a style statement, it also comes with the responsibility of regular maintenance to keep the pool in good condition. With the right care and attention, you can enjoy a safe, clean, sparkling pool that is always ready for use. If you plan to buy a house with a pool, you may have wondered, “Are swimming pools covered under homeowners insurance?” Or, “how does a pool affect homeowners insurance”, may have crossed your mind. And rightly so. You may have invested or are planning to invest a big part of your life’s savings to get the house of your dreams, so it is only prudent to think such things through.

Home insurance can be purchased for anyone who has a home.

1. Homeowner:

If you plan to buy a new home or have just shifted into one, you must consider buying homeowner insurance. You can go a step ahead and get the contents of your house insured along with the structure of the building/ house.

2. Tenant:

Not owning the house doesn't make it any less precious. You can easily get home insurance to cover the contents of your house. Such plans are all the more significant for people living in locations more prone to natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, etc.

When you buy an insurance policy for your home, you have coverage for a self-owned or rented house and/ or the contents of the home. The damage against unforeseen circumstances like fires, theft, natural or man-made disasters, etc., is covered under most home insurance policies. A devastating event can lead to rebuilding and reconstruction of the whole or a part of your house, which can be a significant burden on your pocket. The repair costs can increase if you have a swimming pool at home.

So whether you are buying a home with a swimming pool or are getting a swimming pool constructed at home, you need to buy proper coverage to get the best insurance benefits. In case you are getting a new pool made in a house that is already insured, make sure that you inform the insurer about the same in advance.

If you wonder, “Does homeowners insurance cover swimming pools?”, the answer is yes. The coverage of the insurance policy for a home depends on a number of factors. In most cases, however, swimming pools or jacuzzis are covered by home insurance. But you also need to remember that such structures increase the risk to your property and add to the liability coverage that you may need. A swimming pool will therefore add to your insurance premium, but do not let the increase deter you from getting the right cover. The protection you would be getting in return will surely be worth it.

When does homeowners insurance cover swimming pools?

Look at the various situations where your home insurance may offer you coverage for your swimming pool. However, you need to bear in mind that the coverage may vary from policy to policy. Thus, it is essential that you check the coverage by going through the policy documents. Take the help of the insurance company executive or an insurance expert to understand homeowners insurance and swimming pools in detail before finalising.

1. Accidents due to fire:

Fires can be devastating and cause a lot of mental trauma. Rebuilding your home becomes easier when you have the right coverage.

2. Burglaries and thefts:

Burglaries can be the worst nightmare for a homeowner. When you are out for work during the day or night or travelling, there is no one to watch your home. Insurance policy for home helps you keep your residence safe even when you are far away.

3. Natural calamities:

While natural calamities can cause a lot of damage that you might not be able to control, you can always be prepared for any disaster that is about to strike without warning. Home insurance for earthquake, flood, and landslide-prone areas has become all the more essential.

4. Electric breakdowns:

While breaking down electrical appliances can be a lot of trouble, the inconvenience can be all the more when it happens in or around the pool. The damages that are caused due to short circuits are covered as payable risks.

5. Man-made disasters:

Riots and terrorist activities can cause much damage to your home and the swimming pool. To cover the damages, home insurance can be very helpful.

6. Coverage for the content of the house:

As a tenant, you can cover the contents of your rented apartment. If you own the house, you can go for this as optional or extra coverage.

7. Third-party liabilities that make arise due to the pool:

You also need to know that a swimming pool can be dangerous. When you choose to own a pool, you are responsible for keeping it safe. You would have to ensure that it has proper fencing around it so that no children or guests can enter the pool without supervision.

For any kind of injury caused in the pool, the homeowner can be held responsible morally and financially for covering the damage or injury. You may need to pay for the medical expenses resulting from any pool-related injury or death. The expenses that you, as the insured, are legally liable to pay will be covered by your insurer. The coverage will also be applicable in case there are any litigation expenses.

When does homeowners insurance not cover swimming pools?

While home insurance can offer comprehensive coverage to your home, you need to remember that wear and tear is not part of insurance. The damage that is caused due to lack of maintenance is also not covered. Damages caused to the home/pool because of war or invasion are not covered. Also, if there was harm due to illegal activity or an act that breaches the law, you will not be eligible for a claim.

Conclusion

The Global Climate Risk Index where India is the 7th worst-hit country1 because of extreme weather conditions, is a clear indication that houses and buildings can be quite vulnerable. While no country can escape these extremities, sustaining ways of living are urgently needed. Apart from the general public being environment-sensitive, there is an urgent need to invest in home insurance to ensure that you are not in a financial lurch despite these unpredictable conditions.

Invest in a comprehensive homeowners insurance policy to safeguard your loving home with the best possible coverage. Make sure you get coverage that is sufficient as well as budget-friendly. The right policy will give you the peace of mind that your home, including your luxurious swimming pool, is well looked after and remains in great condition for years. So, before you get set to splash in this luxurious extravagance, make sure to have the right home insurance policy to safeguard it.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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