Installing a Pool This Summer?

The summer months are among us and so are thoughts of cooling down in the summer heat. Early summer is a prime time for swimming pool installations as homeowners think up ways to beat the heat around their homes. If you are getting ready to install a pool, or already have a pool, it’s a good to idea to understand how this may affect your homeowners insurance.

First of all, it’s extremely important to let your homeowners insurance company know as soon as you install a pool on your property. Swimming pools are a major liability and not disclosing this to your homeowners insurance company could mean problems down the line if you ever had to file a claim.

Next, this is a good time to take a close look at the liability coverage on  your homeowners insurance policy. What are your limits?  Is your coverage enough?  Ask your home insurance agent about their thoughts on this as well. Typically, homeowners who own pools on their property opt for higher than the minimum personal liability coverage. Some homeowners insurance companies require pool owners to carry a specific minimum.

Last but  certainly not least, is your pool safe?  Most homeowners insurance companies will not insure a property with a pool unless there is a fence and lockable gate around the pool that meets local building codes.  Be sure your pool meets all local codes and have it inspected if you are unsure.

Other Pool Safety Tips:

• Have life jackets or life saving devices close by the pool at all times
• Always monitor children and inexperienced adults in the pool at all times- never leave a swimmer unattended
• Be sure that you lock the pool area when it is not in use or when it is not being monitored
• When children are in the pool, keep the area clear of  excess pool toys and rafts so as not to obstruct your view of the swimmers
• Make Pool Rules and make sure all swimmers are aware of them, and abide by them.