Does a Pool Increases Home Insurance?

How Does a Pool Increase Home Insurance?

It’s hard to beat having your own little oasis in your backyard in the form of a pool. The fact is, however, that when it comes to carrying homeowners insurance, you need to address the matter of your pool.

In the eyes of the law, you have a general duty to appropriately maintain your property in terms of your guests’ safety, and this includes your pool.

This is a matter that your homeowners insurance should address directly, and a reputable California homeowners insurance agency can help you with that.  

Liability and Your Homeowners Insurance

While the State of California does not require you to carry homeowners insurance, your mortgage provider almost certainly does.

If you own a pool, the liability involved is far too great not to address the matter in your homeowners policy.

The liability portion of your policy addresses any medical expenses or lawsuits that stem from any pool-related incidents or accidents (you and your household, however, are excluded from this coverage). 

California’s Stance on swimming pools

California no longer adheres to the attractive nuisance view of swimming pools.

Attractive nuisance refers to something that is known to attract children and that homeowners are required to directly address in terms of their liability.

Liability does require homeowners to maintain their homes in a manner that allows for their guests’ reasonable safety, which means that homeowners bear considerable liability, and having a homeowners insurance that is up to the task is paramount. 

Note that virtually every city and town in California has specific fencing requirements related to keeping uninvited guests (including children who may wander in) out.

This liability is very real, and discussing your insurance requirements as they relate to your pool with a trusted homeowners insurance agent is the best path forward. 

Regarding Cost Increases

The following factors can affect home insurance costs as they relate to your pool:

1. Replacement cost value addresses how much it would cost to replace your home in today’s market, and having a pool can directly affect this value.
2. Personal property limit addresses your personal property – rather than your house itself.
3. If your pool is above the ground, it is likely considered an external structure, which adds to the value of your personal property rather than to the value of your home which means that you may need to increase your personal property limit. 
4. Overall liability in relation to your pool should be taken into careful consideration in your homeowners insurance calculation.  

An experienced homeowners insurance agent can help you maximize your coverage in relation to your needs while helping to manage the cost increase your experience. 

Consult with an Experienced California Homeowners Insurance Agent

California homeowners insurance agents at Panorama Insurance Agency understand your pool-related insurance concerns with the insight and experience to help. Contact us for more information today. Call: 818-781-6630