There's nothing quite like a dip in the pool to cool off on a hot summer day. It's an excellent place to spend quality time with family and friends. Suppose you're contemplating installing a swimming pool in your backyard or purchasing a house with one. In that case, it's crucial to understand the implications of a swimming pool on your home insurance. Let's dive into how you can protect your pool and your family so you can have a safe summer.

What types of swimming pools are covered?
It may surprise you that the type of swimming pool you have can influence the coverage you need.
 

• An above-ground pool is generally classified as personal property rather than a permanent structure. This is because of its unique feature – you can drain, disassemble, and move an above-ground pool. However, if the pool is damaged, it may be covered by a different level of financial protection than a permanent structure.
• An in-ground pool is commonly classified as an ‘other structure’ and requires additional coverage to protect it against damage and liability. This additional coverage comes with extra costs, mainly determined by the cost to replace the pool.

Swimming pool insurance coverage
Not all insurance policies are created equal, so coverage and exclusions can differ. It’s important to understand that pool insurance is something you add to your existing home insurance policy rather than a standalone product. The coverage for your swimming pool may look like this:
 

• Third-party liability insurance protects you against incidents or harm that take place in or around your pool. For example, if a guest slips and falls on the deck around your pool or a child enters your property and drowns, you could be held legally and financially responsible for their injuries or death. Third-party liability can help cover the costs associated with these accidents, such as medical expenses, attorney’s fees, and property damage. Remember that the level of third-party liability coverage you require can vary depending on the dimensions and depth of your pool, how often it’s used, the number of people with access to it, etc.
• Personal property insurance is a type of homeowners’ insurance that protects your belongings in the event of an insured occurrence, which refers to events specifically covered by your policy, such as fire, theft, or a natural disaster. If you have an above-ground pool or another structure on your property, like a pool shed, you’ll likely need your insurance broker to include them in your policy.

Swimming pool insurance requirements
In Ontario, homeowners are required to install a fence around their pool. If you have an in-ground pool, you must have a fence or barrier of at least 61 cm for security. Requirements vary by municipality, including fence height, gate specifications, and material constraints. You should seek advice from your local government or an insurance broker to ensure compliance. Failure to follow regulations may result in monetary penalties, legal liability, and, most importantly, injury to your family and friends.

Do I have to tell my insurer about my swimming pool?
It’s always a good idea to inform your insurance broker of any changes you make to your home. They play a crucial role in advising you on the appropriate coverage to address the increased risk exposure. Your insurer may refuse to cover any accidents or injuries, and you may face challenges getting coverage in the future if you fail to tell them about your pool.

Will my home insurance cover damage to my pool?
In some cases, your home insurance may cover damage to your pool. Your policy may provide coverage if the damage resulted from an insured occurrence, such as a fallen tree or a hailstorm. If the damage resulted from regular use, neglect, or poor maintenance, your policy may not pay for repairing or replacing it. Additionally, your insurer may impose certain conditions before your policy can take effect. For example, a fence with a gate that latches, lighting around the pool to reduce accidents at night, a non-slip diving board surface, etc. Conditions differ between insurers, so reviewing your policy and speaking with your broker is essential.

If you're a current OTIP policyholder, contact us at 1-833-615-9329 to review your existing home insurance policy and discuss enhancing your protection with additional coverage. If you’re not insured with OTIP and are shopping for home insurance, call us at 1-833-494-0085 to get a quote and receive a $20 gift card of your choice!