What are swimming pool insurance requirements?

There's nothing better than relaxing by the pool on a hot summer day. But before you take the plunge, it's a good idea to double-check your home insurance policy to make sure everything's up to date. Do you have the right coverage for your swimming pool? Let's walk you through what you need to know so you're fully protected and can enjoy your pool worry-free.

Swimming pools and home insurance

First things first. Does homeowners insurance cover swimming pools? The simple answer is yes. However, before installing a pool or buying a home with one, there are a few important things for pool owners to keep in mind that are often overlooked. Each municipality has specific requirements. So, if you are considering building or installing a pool in your backyard, first check with your city or municipality to understand the regulations surrounding swimming pools in your area. During your research, you should:

• Look for what they define as a pool. The definition of a pool can be different depending on the pool’s size and depth.
• Go through the appropriate application and approval process.
• Consider additional safety requirements, such as building a fence with a latched or locked gate around your pool – whichever is dictated by law.

For instance, in Ontario, home insurance policies require homeowners to follow these regulations as part of their coverage agreement:

• Whether your pool is above-ground or in-ground, it must be fenced in.
• The fence gate must be kept locked at all times except when an adult is present.
• You'll need written approval from your neighbour if the fence is along a shared property line.

Keep in mind that requirements for gates, fence heights, and pool materials can vary depending on where you live. Ignoring these rules could result in fines, legal issues, or accidents.

If someone gets injured while accessing your swimming pool without your permission, you might not be responsible for their medical bills. However, this can depend on whether you've followed local laws and installed the necessary safety features. For example, if your self-latching gate wasn’t working and a neighbourhood kid wandered in and got hurt, you could be held liable for negligence.

In cases where you're legally responsible for someone’s injuries, the costs can add up quickly. That's why having liability insurance for your pool is essential to help cover expenses like medical bills or legal fees.

What types of swimming pools are covered?

The type of pool you have, whether it’s above-ground or in-ground, can make a big difference in the insurance coverage you need. We will discuss the types of swimming pools that insurance companies cover below:

Above ground pool

Above-ground swimming pools are often considered personal property as opposed to a permanent structure. This is because you could drain it out, pack it up, and take it with you if you decide to move. You could even sell it. So, if it’s damaged, you won’t receive the same amount of financial protection as if it were considered a permanent structure.

In-ground pool

In-ground swimming pools are generally considered an “other structure”. This means it falls under your dwelling or "other structures" coverage in your home insurance policy. This also means that it can raise the value and replacement value of your property.

Swimming pool insurance coverage

Not all home insurance policies are the same—coverage and exclusions can differ a lot between policies and insurance companies. Keep in mind that pool insurance is an add-on to your existing home insurance, not a standalone product. Here’s what your swimming pool coverage might include:

Higher personal liability coverage

Personal liability insurance is already part of your homeowners insurance policy. It protects you from legal and financial issues should someone get hurt on your property or their personal property is damaged and decide to sue.

Personal liability coverage is essential when you own a swimming pool. It can help cover the costs related to accidents or injuries that happen in or around your pool. For instance, if a guest slips on the pool deck or, in a tragic scenario, a child enters your property and drowns, you could be held legally and financially responsible. Personal liability coverage can help cover expenses like medical bills, legal fees, and property damage in these cases.

While personal liability insurance is already included in your home insurance, it's essential to increase it to match the added risk of having a pool. The amount of additional liability coverage you'll need can depend on factors like the size and depth of your pool, how often it's used, and how many people have access to it. Working with an insurance brokerage like BrokerLink can help you figure out exactly how much coverage you'll need.

Higher dwelling or other structures coverage

Dwelling coverage is a part of your home insurance that helps pay for rebuilding your home if it’s damaged by covered risks, like fires, lightning, windstorms, hail, explosions, vandalism, and other hazards. "Other structures" coverage helps protect the other structures on your property not attached to your home from damage, like a shed, fence, detached garage, or pool.

Depending on your insurance company, an in-ground or permanent above-ground pool could fall under either dwelling coverage or other structures coverage.

Other structures on your property, like pools, are usually covered by the same risks as your home. So, if your home is protected against things like theft, fire, falling objects, and vandalism, your pool is likely covered as well. Be sure to review your policy to see exactly what it covers.

Higher personal property coverage

Also known as contents coverage, personal property coverage is yet another part of your homeowners insurance policy. It protects your belongings if they're damaged or destroyed by events like fire, theft, or natural disasters.

If you have an above-ground pool, it's possible that your insurer won't label it as an "other structure". As we mentioned above, they may be considered personal property instead because you could drain it out, pack it up, and take it with you if you decide to move. As such, you'll likely need to make sure it's included under your personal property coverage instead.

You'll also need to make sure that your coverage limit for this section of your policy is high enough to cover the cost of replacing your above-ground pool should it be destroyed by a covered peril.

Things to keep in mind

There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to swimming pool insurance coverage:

1. What are the incidents covered by the policy? If your pool is damaged by a risk not listed in your policy, like an earthquake, your insurer may not help you. You will probably need to pay for everything out of pocket. This applies to either above-ground or in-ground pools.
2. Whether your policy states that your dwelling or personal property protection is for actual cash value or for replacement cost.
3. Certain risks, like flooding or earthquakes, are often not included in your standard homeowners insurance policy and may require additional coverage.

Does having a pool affect my insurance premiums?

Yes. Pools add additional risk to your home. With the added risk, you'll need to adjust your coverage limits to match your home’s liability coverage. Plus, they increase your property value, meaning you'll need to adjust your coverage to also match your home's replacement value. Your insurance premiums will reflect this.

The cost of insuring your pool can vary based on its size, type, location and value. Generally, you might see your insurance costs go up by anywhere from 10% to 30%, depending on your insurer and the details of your pool, but it’s best to get a few quotes from multiple insurance companies to understand how it will affect your policy.

Whether you’re installing a new pool or buying a home with one, it will affect your insurance costs. This applies to all pool types, including above-ground and in-ground pools.

Am I required to put a fence around my pool?

Whether you need to install a fence around your pool depends on your province or territory in Canada and your local municipal rules. For example, in Ontario, homeowners must have a fence for both above-ground and in-ground pools. Specifically, for in-ground pools, the fence usually needs to be at least 41 inches (61 centimetres) high to help prevent accidental drownings, especially for small children, pets, and wildlife.

Keep in mind that pool fence regulations can vary widely, including requirements for height, gate features, and materials. It's essential to check with your local government or consult a broker to understand the rules in your area.

Not following these regulations can lead to fines, legal issues, and, most importantly, safety risks for your family and friends. So, make sure you meet all the requirements to keep everyone safe around your pool.

Do I have to inform my insurance company that I installed a pool?

Yes, it’s always smart to keep your insurance provider in the loop when you make changes to your home, especially if you're adding something like a pool. Even though your property insurance might cover certain events, insuring a pool can be a bit more complex. That's why having a knowledgeable broker is really helpful—they can guide you through the process and make sure you have the right coverage.

So, whether you’re planning to build a pool or already have one, it’s a good idea to talk to an insurance broker like BrokerLink about the specific regulations and coverage you need. This way, you can enjoy your backyard oasis knowing you’re protected from any unexpected issues.

Tips to help prevent pool accidents

Practice these helpful tips to keep your pool safe:

• Have a fence around your pool with a lockable gate.
• Don’t allow diving in shallow areas.
• Get CPR training.
• Supervise children in and around the pool at all times.
• Never get into a pool alone.
• Avoid using the pool during a thunderstorm.
• Avoid letting anyone indulge in reckless behaviour.
• Avoid drinking alcohol or taking drugs and swimming.
• Keep the area around the pool clear of toys and furniture to prevent tripping.
• When the pool is not in use, remove all toys and flotation devices to prevent children from trying to reach or play with. toys
• Always have a phone nearby to call for help if necessary.
• Ensure all children who have not yet learned to swim are wearing appropriate safety vests.
• Understand that floating toys do not count as safety devices.
• If you have an above-ground pool with a ladder, remove the ladder when the pool is not in use.
• When there is a cover over the pool during the winter months, don’t let children or pets near it—your pool is just as dangerous in the winter months as it is in the summer months.

Get swimming pool insurance tailored for you with BrokerLink

Contact BrokerLink today to get the right insurance coverage for your pool! Our expert advisors will take the time to understand your specific needs so they can customize your insurance policy.

You can reach us by phone, email, or in person at any one of our locations throughout Canada. No matter how you choose to get in touch, a BrokerLink insurance advisor will be happy to assist you. We also encourage you to take advantage of our free online quote tool that can provide you with a competitive quote in minutes.

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FAQs for swimming pool insurance requirements

Does a pool slide or diving board affect my homeowners insurance?

Adding a slide or diving board to your pool might raise your insurance premium since they can be seen as extra risks. To make sure you’re fully covered, it’s a good idea to talk with your insurance broker.

Do I need swimming pool contractor insurance?

Even though you’re generally not responsible for damage caused by the construction company, it’s smart to be proactive. Make sure your pool is covered during the construction by asking for an official copy of the pool service insurance from each contractor working on your project.

Do I need a fence around my pool for insurance?

Yes, you need a fence around my pool for insurance, and you must check with your local municipality to ensure you’re following the guidelines and the law. When you speak to your insurance advisor, tell them about the fence so they can ensure you are covered properly.

If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.