When summer temperatures rise in Tennessee, there’s nothing quite like having your own backyard oasis to cool off. At Benton White Insurance, we’ve helped many Nashville area homeowners protect their investments, including their swimming pools. While a pool provides endless enjoyment for family and friends, it also comes with significant responsibilities—both for safety and insurance purposes.

As your local independent insurance experts, we want to ensure you understand how your swimming pool affects your homeowners insurance coverage and what steps you can take to protect yourself financially.

Key Takeaways:

• Swimming pools are considered “attractive nuisances” that increase liability risk and typically raise insurance premiums
• Different types of pools (in-ground vs. above-ground) may be covered under different sections of your policy
• Safety features can both reduce accident risk and potentially lower your insurance costs
• There are important coverage limitations every pool owner should understand

How Swimming Pools Impact Your Homeowners Insurance

When you add a swimming pool to your property, your insurance needs change in several important ways:

Increased Liability Exposure

As a pool owner, you face heightened liability risks. Even if someone uses your pool without permission (including neighborhood children), you could be held financially responsible for accidents that occur. Statistics show that drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death among children, which is why insurance companies view pools as significant risk factors.

Property Value Considerations

A well-maintained pool increases your property’s value, which means your dwelling coverage limits might need adjustment to properly protect your investment. In-ground pools typically fall under “other structures” coverage, while above-ground pools may be classified as personal property, depending on your specific policy.

Premium Adjustments

Due to these enhanced risks, most homeowners with pools pay higher insurance premiums. However, the exact increase varies based on:

• Pool type and construction
• Safety features in place
• Your claims history
• Local regulations compliance

What Your Homeowners Policy Typically Covers

Standard homeowners insurance policies generally provide several types of protection relevant to pool owners:

Liability Protection

This is perhaps the most critical coverage for pool owners. It helps cover medical expenses, lost wages, and legal fees if someone is injured while using your pool and you’re found responsible. Many of our clients choose to increase their liability limits or add umbrella policies for extra protection.

Property Coverage

Your policy may cover damage to the pool structure itself and related equipment from covered perils like storms, falling trees, or certain types of water damage. Pool pumps, filters, cleaners, and similar equipment are typically covered under personal property protection.

Important Coverage Limitations and Exclusions

Before you dive into pool ownership, be aware of these common insurance limitations:

Maintenance-Related Issues

Normal wear and tear, gradual deterioration, and damage resulting from poor maintenance are typically excluded from coverage. For example, if your pool liner cracks due to age or improper chemical balance, repairs would likely come out of your pocket.

High-Risk Features

Diving boards, slides, and water features may require additional coverage or could be excluded entirely by some insurance carriers. These features significantly increase the risk of serious injuries.

Negligence Considerations

If an accident occurs because you failed to maintain proper safety measures (like a broken gate or missing safety equipment), your liability coverage might not apply, leaving you personally responsible for damages.

Coverage Caps

Many policies limit pool-related claim amounts, either as a specific dollar figure or as a percentage of your dwelling coverage. These limits may be insufficient for extensive damage or serious injury claims.

Reducing Your Risks and Insurance Costs

As insurance professionals who’ve worked with hundreds of pool owners across Middle Tennessee, we recommend these risk mitigation strategies:

Implement Multiple Safety Layers

• Secure Fencing: Install a four-sided fence at least 4 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates. This is not just good practice—it’s often required by insurance companies and local building codes.
• Pool Alarms: Consider installing both perimeter alarms (to detect when someone enters the pool area) and immersion alarms (which activate when something enters the water).
• Safety Covers: Use a sturdy, properly fitted safety cover whenever the pool isn’t in use, especially during off-seasons.
• Supervision Protocols: Establish and enforce clear rules about pool usage, including adult supervision requirements.

Maintain Your Pool Properly

Regular maintenance doesn’t just extend your pool’s life—it also reduces accident risks from slippery surfaces, sharp edges, or malfunctioning equipment. Keep detailed records of your maintenance activities, as these may prove valuable if a claim situation arises.

Document Everything

Take regular photos of your pool, safety features, and surrounding area. Create a detailed inventory of all pool-related equipment with approximate values. This documentation can be invaluable during the claims process.

Smart Steps for Nashville Area Pool Owners

As your neighbors and insurance partners, here’s our advice for properly protecting your backyard retreat:

1. Schedule an Insurance Review: If you’re planning to install a pool or have recently done so, contact our office for a comprehensive review of your coverage. We’ll help identify gaps and recommend appropriate adjustments.
   
2. Consider Umbrella Coverage: Many of our clients with pools benefit from personal umbrella policies that provide liability protection beyond their standard homeowners limits—often at very reasonable rates.
   
3. Research Local Requirements: Nashville and surrounding communities have specific regulations regarding pool safety features. Compliance not only keeps you legal but can also strengthen your position if liability claims arise.
   
4. Compare Your Options: As an independent agency, Benton White Insurance can help you compare coverage and rates from multiple carriers to find the best protection for your specific situation.
   

Enjoy Your Pool with Peace of Mind

At Benton White Insurance, we’ve been serving Nashville families since 1978. We understand that your swimming pool represents both a significant investment and a source of enjoyment. Our team is committed to helping you protect that investment with customized insurance solutions that address the unique risks pool ownership presents.

Whether you’re planning a new pool installation or looking to review coverage for your existing pool, we’re here to provide the personalized guidance you need. We believe that with proper protection in place, you can focus on what matters most—creating wonderful memories with family and friends in your backyard paradise.

Contact our team today! Our website is extremely helpful with all things insurance – www.BentonWhite.com.  Text or call us at (615) 377-1212 or EMAIL us at info@BentonWhite.com.  We’re ready to earn your business …

This information is provided to help you understand insurance concepts. Any coverage is subject to the terms, conditions, and exclusions of your specific policy. Please refer to your policy documents for complete details.