This is the time of the year that most people try to beat the heat by heading to the beach or hanging out by the pool. Swimming pools can make for a great time, but are you properly covered? Adding a swimming pool can increase the value of your home but also expose perils that can impact your Homeowners Insurance. The addition of a pool may require additional coverage on your Homeowners policy.
The two most common types of swimming pools are in-ground and above ground pools. Each have separate requirements that must be fulfilled in order for the insurance companies to offer coverage. For example, an above ground pool must have a locking gate or a retractable ladder. If a deck is present, a fence around the exposed area may also be required. An in-ground pool should be surrounded by a fence that is at least four feet tall.
There are also other insurance exposures to consider. Swimming pools alone can have an impact on an insurance policy, let alone adding things like a diving board or a slide which have their own requirements and can complicate acquiring coverage. Because these items carry a high liability exposure, many insurance companies take issue with them. Slides and diving boards are problematic because they are seen as an “attractive nuisance” which can lead to injury if the correct safety measures are not put in place. To make sure that you are properly covered, discuss your swimming pool specifics with your agent or stop by any of our FBinsure locations to talk with any of our team members.
