Does a Swimming Pool Increase Homeowners Insurance?

A swimming pool at home is a nice luxury, but can lead to financial ruin if tragedy strikes.

Swimming pools are considered part of the "other structures" under the dwelling component in your homeowners insurance policy. They also pose an important risk to consider with regard to your liability coverage.

Basics

Homeowners insurance policies typically include building, home contents and liability coverage. The building component includes physical structures on the property. Liability covers for others injured (body or property) on your property.

Building Considerations

Swimming pools are among the structures included in dwelling protection. Building pools may increase your premiums depending on coverage levels. Without taking on higher benefit levels, your benefits may not be enough to cover damage to your pool if you have damage to the home or other structures from the same event.

Liability Considerations

Liability is a bigger issue with swimming pool insurance. Some insurers recommend you get extra insurance beyond standard home liability protection for your swimming pool, or an "umbrella protection," which is more likely to cover you for legal costs and judgments if someone is injured or dies while using your pool.

References

• Insurance Agents: Homeowners Insurance And Swimming Pools: Will They Hurt You In The End?
• Comcast: Why You Need Additional Swimming Pool Insurance
• Word Wolf: Homeowners Insurance For a Swimming Pool