Homeowners insurance and swimming pools: Tips and reminders

Backyard pools are a summertime staple and a selling point for many homebuyers. They also come with added safety responsibilities and potential financial risk. When it comes to insurance, a pool can increase both property risk and liability exposure, so homeowners should take practical steps to help protect family, guests and their finances.

Why pools can raise liability concerns
As the property owner, you may be held liable if someone is injured in or around your pool and you were negligent in maintaining safety. When liability is evaluated, it’s important the homeowner took reasonable, common-sense precautions such as fencing, locked gates and appropriate supervision.

It’s important for pool owners to take extra steps to prevent unsupervised access, especially when children are involved. Pools are considered an “attractive nuisance,” meaning a homeowner may be responsible for injuries even if a child trespasses onto the property to access the pool.

A summer pool safety checklist
To reduce risk, start with the basics: barriers and access control, regular maintenance, water quality and consistent supervision. AAA recommends the following pool safety steps:

Barriers and access: Make sure your pool fence fully encloses the pool and meets local code requirements. Consider gates that self-close and self-latch, with latches placed out of children’s reach. For above-ground pools, remove or lock the ladder and secure the steps when the pool is not in use.
Doors and alarms: Consider alarms on doors and windows that open to the pool area. Pool surface alarms and underwater motion alarms can also provide an added layer of protection.
Structure and equipment: Inspect pool walls, decking, railings and ladders for cracks, loose areas or corrosion. Check drain covers and filters to confirm they are intact and securely attached.
Water quality: Clear water is safe water. You should be able to see the bottom of the pool at its deepest point. Keep your filtration system and pump running as recommended so you can maintain proper pH and disinfection levels.
Safety equipment and supervision: Keep a reach pole, an approved flotation device and a first-aid kit near the pool. When people of any age are swimming, consider assigning an adult as a dedicated water watcher whose only job is supervision.
Kids and weaker swimmers: Approved life jackets can help for non-swimmers. When children are in the water, an adult staying within arm’s reach is recommended. Remove toys and floats from the pool area when they are not in use to reduce the chance children are drawn toward the water unsupervised.

How a pool can affect your homeowners insurance
Owning a pool can change your homeowners insurance needs. Even if your policy already provides baseline coverage, it’s important to review your specific limits, exclusions and options with your insurance agency owner, particularly if you are installing a pool or buying a home that has one.

Pool ownership often increases the need for additional liability protection. Depending on your situation, you may want to increase liability limits or consider an umbrella policy that can help provide protection over and above what you already have on your home.

Two key areas to review:

Property coverage: In-ground pools and permanently installed above-ground pools are often covered as other structures. Smaller, movable above-ground pools may fall under personal property coverage instead. Coverage may exclude certain types of damage, such as wear and tear or lack of maintenance, so ask your agency owner to walk through your policy details and any exclusions that apply.
Liability coverage: Consider whether your liability limits are high enough for the increased risk that comes with pool ownership. Liability coverage can help pay legal expenses and medical bills up to your policy limits, if a non-household member is injured in or around your pool and you are found responsible.

You should also think about replacement cost. If a pool is destroyed by a storm or other covered event, make sure you have enough insurance protection to rebuild or replace it, including pool-related items such as deck furniture.

Steps to take before swim season begins
Before pool season starts, set expectations and confirm your safety plan.

Set clear pool rules: Post a short list of rules and enforce them consistently. Consider safety basics such as no running on the deck, no diving in shallow areas, no glass containers, and no swimming alone.
Document your safety measures: Take photos of fencing, locked gates, signage and safety equipment. Documenting can be helpful if a claim occurs and you need to show the precautions you had in place.
Refresh emergency skills: Consider CPR and first-aid training for adults who regularly supervise the pool. Swimming lessons for children can also help build skills and confidence.
Review your current coverage: Review your homeowners policy and contact your agency owner to see whether you should update your coverage, adjust your liability limits or consider umbrella coverage.

Taking time to optimize your pool area, review your coverage and set ground rules helps you protect what matters most and enjoy your home with absolute confidence. Find an American Family Insurance agency owner near you to explain your options and review your coverage.

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About American Family Insurance
American Family Insurance, based in Madison, Wis., has been serving customers since 1927. We inspire, protect and restore dreams through our insurance products, exceptional service from our agency owners and employees, community investments and creative partnerships. American Family Insurance is the nation’s 12th-largest property/casualty insurance company, ranking No. 226 on the Fortune 500 list. American Family has a current ‘a+’ credit rating through AM Best, and has distinction as a “Standing the Test of Time” company, which is represented by having an AM Best financial strength rating of ‘A’ or better for at least 75 years. The company offers American Family-brand products through a network of exclusive agency owners as well as nationwide through key strategic partnerships. American Family Insurance also includes Homesite and Main Street America. The company has approximately 10,500 employees nationwide.