Summer days spent by the pool are fun for the whole family. However, in most parts of the US, a pool is a temporary pleasure. As summer ends and temperatures begin to drop, many homeowners will be closing up their pools for the winter. Properly closing your pool and proper insurance coverage can help you ensure that your pool will be in top shape for peak season.

Having the right insurance coverage in place for your pool is especially important during the months where it’s not getting much use. Winter weather can increase your risk for damage to your pool. Even in the off-season, your pool can remain a liability risk.

Make Sure You Have Coverage for Your Pool

If you didn’t check during the summertime, now’s the time to make sure your insurer knows about your pool and will cover it. Some insurance companies do not cover in-ground or above ground pools due to the risk associated with having a swimming pool. Speaking with your insurance agent about your coverage can answer any questions you may have, including whether your insurer will cover a swimming pool.

Hiding your pool from your insurer is a big mistake. If they were to find out you had an undisclosed pool, that could render your coverage null and void and cause them to reject any and all claims filed on that policy. Eek!

Once you know you have insurance coverage for your pool, you’ll want to work with your agent to put the right limits in place.

Choosing Coverage for Your Pool

Even though your pool will be closed for winter, you need to consider your pool when choosing your homeowners insurance limits. Your agent can help you determine how much coverage you need for the structure and liability.

An inground pool is typically covered by the ‘other structures’ coverage under your homeowners insurance. Be sure to read through your policy so that you understand exactly what damages are covered and review your exclusions to be aware of the types of damages that are not. For example, earthquakes are typically not covered by homeowners insurance policies, but frozen pipes typically would be.

Liability coverage is also important for pool-owners to discover. If someone is injured near your pool, you’ll want that coverage to help protect you from costly lawsuits. Most homeowners insurance policies offer up to $300,000 in liability coverage, which may not be enough for your family. Umbrella insurance is a cost-effective way to expand your liability coverage in case you experience a pool accident.

Minimizing Your Risk in the Colder Months

With falling temps and winter storms on their way, you’ll want to ensure you’ve closed up your pool correctly to avoid damages while it’s not in use.

This video from Swim University is a helpful resource for ensuring you’ve closed your pool up correctly.

Preparation is key to minimizing your risk. By carefully closing down your pool for winter and examining your insurance coverage, you can help prepare against damage to your pool.

REQUEST A FREE HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE QUOTE OR CONTACT AN INSURAMATCH AGENT AT 855-244-7671 TO SEE HOW MUCH WE CAN HELP YOU SAVE.