Swimming Pools Often Come with Insurance Liabilities

Hot summer weather has already taken hold in many parts of the country, which means that in some cases, homeowners are trying out new swimming pools. However, those who do choose to add a swimming pool to their yard should remember that there are various home insurance considerations to remember - especially when considering the risk of a neighbor or other visitor getting injured.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, people who plan to install a swimming pool should start by speaking with their town or city offices to determine what local safety standards and building codes will apply. For example, some places may require fences, locks or other such equipment to be included with a pool.

The III also advises homeowners to contact their insurance company about a possible swimming pool, since it will likely result in a higher liability risk. While the typical homeowner insurance policy is said to offer $100,000 in liability protection, people with a swimming pool may want to increase that figure to $300,000 or even $500,000. Even aside from liability concerns, a pool is an expensive investment that needs to be protected from severe weather and other potentially damaging events.

Finally, homeowners are also advised to learn about pool safety, especially if they have children. This will help lower the chance that they will ever need to file an insurance claim. It is important to have emergency response numbers handy while also keeping safety equipment such as ring buoys and a first aid kit on hand. People are also discouraged from keeping pool toys floating around since these can attract unsupervised young children.

Jeanne Salvatore of the III also pointed out to homeowners that even if they choose an above-ground pool, there will still be insurance and safety implications to consider. "All pools - from a simple kiddy pool to an aquatic extravaganza - can be dangerous and need to be properly insured and comply with local safety standards," she said.

According to a report from KTUL-TV in Tulsa, Oklahoma, city officials have been taking a closer look at swimming pools to make sure that owners are in compliance with other requirements, such as building permits. The television station notes that in that city, pools and hot tubs that hold more than 24 inches of water require permits as well as fences that can be locked because of insurance liability concerns.