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I'm installing a pool-what kind of insurance do I need?
Pools and Insurance
All pools—from a simple above-ground kiddy pool to an
aquatic extravaganza—can be dangerous and need to be properly insured
and comply with local safety standards.
According to the Center for Disease Control, over 3,200 people drown
each year. Among children, ages one to four, most drowned in
residential swimming pools. Most of these young children had been out
of sight for less than five minutes and were in the care of one or both
parents at the time.
If you plan to purchase a pool, the I.I.I. suggests that you:
- Contact your town or municipality
Each town will have its own definition of a “pool,” often based on its
size and water depth. If the pool you are planning to buy meets the
definition, then you must comply with local safety standards and
building codes. This may include installing a fence of a certain size,
locks, decks and pool safety equipment.
- Call your insurance agent or
company representative
Let your insurance company know that you have a pool, since it will
increase your liability risk. Pools are considered an “attractive
nuisance” and it may be advisable to purchase additional liability
insurance. Most homeowners policies include a minimum of $100,000 worth
of liability protection. Pool owners, however, may want to consider
increasing the amount to $300,000 or $500,000.
You may want to talk to your agent or company representative about
purchasing an umbrella liability policy. For an additional premium of
about $200 to $300 a year, you get $1 million of liability protection
over and above what you have on your home. It would also provide added
liability protection when you drive.
If the pool itself is expensive, or if you decide to install an
in-ground structure, you should also have enough insurance protection
to replace it in the event it is destroyed by a storm or other disaster.
Pool Saftey Tips
Here are some pool safety tips you should follow:
- Put fencing around the pool area to
keep people from using the pool without your knowledge. In addition to
the fences or other barriers required by many towns, consider creating
“layers of protection” around the pool, i.e. setting up as many
barriers as possible (door alarms, locks and safety covers) to the pool
area when not in use.
- Never leave small children
unsupervised—even for a few seconds. And never leave toys or floats in
the pool when not in use as they may prove to be a deadly temptation
for toddlers trying to reach them.
- Keep children away from pool
filters and other mechanical devices as the suction force may injure
them or prevent them from surfacing. In case of an emergency, know how
to shut off these devices and clearly post this information for easy
use.
- Be sure all pool users know how to
swim. Learners should be accompanied by a good swimmer. If you have
children, have them take swimming lessons as early as possible.
- Don’t swim alone or allow others to
swim alone.
- Check the pool area regularly for
glass bottles, toys or other potential accident hazards.
- Keep CD players, radios and other
electrical devices away from pools or nearby wet surfaces.
- Don’t allow anyone who has been
drinking alcohol to use the pool.
- Pay attention to the weather.
Excessive heat can cause dizziness, which can dangerous around a pool.
And never swim during rain or lightning storms.
- Never dive into an above-ground
pool and check the water depth before plunging into an in-ground pool.
Keep clear of the area near a diving board.
- Don’t swim if you’re tired or have
just finished eating.
- In the event of an accident,
clearly post emergency numbers on the phone. Keep a first aid kit, ring
buoys and reaching poles near the pool. You may also want to consider
basic first aid and CPR training.
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