Swimming pools are a great way to stay cool in the summer time. Whether you bought your home with a pre-installed pool or you decided that you wanted a backyard pool for swimming and entertaining and recently installed it yourself, there are some things you should know about your pool that can affect your homeowner’s insurance.
First, your clean, relaxing pool is a liability. As much as you enjoy it, it can decrease your property value and increase your home insurance premiums. Though you will have liability coverage if a neighbor is injured in or around your swimming pool, standard policies may not have enough coverage for a serious accident. It is important to inform your agent that you have a pool so you can discuss your coverage limits and increase them if necessary.
You may also be surprised to learn that any flooding or other water damage caused by your pool is likely excluded from your Home Insurance in Camp Hill, PA. In general, water damage is not covered if the water originates outside your home, including in your swimming pool. Damage caused by a swimming pool leak can be extensive so if you have a pool, be sure to keep it well-maintained.
Your insurance agency may give you tips or instructions on how to keep your pool safe. A locking fence can keep wandering neighborhood children out of your pool and may be required by your insurance company or local building code. Installing a slip-resistant etching product or tile designed for use on swimming pool decks can keep you young swimmers safe as the walk around your pool.
Finally, your home insurance in Camp Hill, PA will not provide coverage if you or someone who lives in your home is injured in your pool. You will have to depend on your health insurance for any injuries sustained by your family members in or around your pool. However, if you have a pool party and a guest is hurt or some teenagers climb over your fence to take a dip in your pool overnight and one of them is injured, your home liability coverage will pay for their medical expenses.
