Last Updated October 2025
- Homeowners insurance may cover swimming pools, but coverage depends on the type of pool and the kind of policy you have.
- Liability coverage is especially important for pool owners because of the higher risk of accidents and injuries.
- Home insurance typically excludes pool damage caused by flooding, earthquakes and normal wear and tear.
- Safety features and additional coverage options for pools can help manage insurance costs.
Homeowners insurance generally covers pools two ways:
- It can help cover damage to your pool, depending on the cause and what kind of pool you have. For example, certain kinds of storm damage might be covered, while wear and tear, flooding and earthquake damage usually are not.
- It also can help cover your liability. Having a pool is considered an increased liability risk because of the potential for accidents and injuries, which is why many insurers also require a fence around a pool to be eligible for coverage. Every homeowners policy is different, and it’s essential to understand exactly how you’re covered if you have a pool or are considering installing one.
What to know about homeowners insurance coverage for pools
Both damage and liability costs can be covered by homeowners insurance. But the details are complex and depend on the company, your policy, your pool and the cause of any damage or liability claim. Here are some common guidelines.
How pools are typically covered
In-ground pools
An in-ground pool is typically covered under your home’s “other structures” coverage, or Coverage B, which also covers detached garages, sheds, fences — things on your property that are separate from your home. Other structures coverage typically has a limit that is a percentage of your dwelling coverage.
How it works. If your policy covers up to 10% of your dwelling limit for other structures, and your home is insured for $300,000, your total other structures coverage, including pool coverage, for physical damage would be limited to $30,000.
In-ground pools that are structurally attached to your home — share a wall or foundation — may be covered under your dwelling coverage, or Coverage A. Damage could be covered up to your full dwelling coverage limit, or $300,000 in the example above.
Above-ground pools
An above-ground pool that is permanently installed may also be covered under other structures coverage. But an above-ground pool that’s not permanently installed — for example, a large inflatable or frame pool you can set up and take down — can fall under your personal property coverage, or Coverage C, which covers your furniture, carpets, kitchenware, electronics — your belongings.
How it works. Personal property coverage is typically limited to 50% to 70% of your dwelling coverage, so a home insured for $300,000 in dwelling coverage would have a personal property limit of $150,000 to $210,000.
Hot tubs and spas
A permanently installed hot tub or spa that’s part of your pool area typically is covered under other structures coverage.
If a hot tub or spa is not built into the ground or your deck, typically is covered under personal property coverage.
Insurers often require or strongly recommend specific safety measures for hot tubs and spas that are different from the ones required or recommended for pools.
Learn more about Farmers® homeowners insurance coverage
What kinds of pool damage are typically covered by home insurance?
- Storm-related damage
- Wind; for example if trees or debris blown into or onto the pool cause structural damage.
- Hail, which can damage pool surfaces, equipment, enclosures or screens.
- Lightning, which can damage pumps, heaters or electrical systems.
- Ice or snow, which can pile up and collapse pool enclosures or covers.
- Falling objects; for example if a tree or storm debris falls and damages the pool or attached equipment.
- Vandalism, if someone intentionally damages your pool.
- Fire, if fire damages the pool or pool area.
What kinds of pool damage typically are not covered by homeowners insurance?
Common exclusions include:
- Normal wear and tear.
- Damage from neglect, such as failing to maintain the pool’s structure or filtration system.
- Flooding or earthquake damage (these require separate coverage).
- Improper installation, including defects or damage caused by faulty construction.
How are pool accidents and injuries covered by homeowners insurance?
The liability coverage in a typical homeowners policy can help you pay if someone is injured in or around your pool and you’re found legally responsible. This can include medical expenses and legal fees. Liability coverage is considered especially important if you have a swimming pool, because of the heightened risk.
Examples of pool-related liability claims:
- A guest slips on a wet deck and suffers an injury requiring medical treatment.
- A child is hurt while using a diving board or slide.
- An uninvited neighbor uses your pool without permission and is injured.
- Someone drowns or nearly drowns while swimming at a party you host.
How does having a pool affect liability coverage limits?
Homeowners insurance policies typically offer a minimum of $100,000 in personal liability coverage, but you can choose a higher limit. The Insurance Information Institute recommends that pool owners consider increasing the liability coverage in their homeowners policy to “at least $300,000 or $500,000 — or more, if their assets warrant it.”
Additional coverage options for pool owners
- Umbrella insurance. Provides extra liability coverage beyond your homeowners policy limits.
- Flood and earthquake insurance.
A Farmers® agent can walk you through your coverage options.
Ways to improve pool safety and help reduce your liability risks
Insurers often require or strongly recommend specific safety measures for pools as a condition of coverage, since pools are considered an increased liability risk. Cities, states and homeowners associations also often impose safety regulations on pool owners. It’s recommended that any pool owner understand and follow pool safety rules specific to where they live. More information can be found on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Pool Safely website.
These are some common safety recommendations or rules.
- Install a fence around the whole pool with a self-closing gate that meets local safety codes.
- Use a pool cover or alarm when the pool is not in use.
- Post clear safety signage (e.g., “No diving,” “No running” and depth markers).
- Install slip-resistant surfaces around the pool
- Always supervise children and inexperienced swimmers when they are near or in the pool.
- Don't leave toys or floats in the pool when not in use, so children aren’t tempted to try to reach them.
- Don’t let anyone swim alone, including yourself.
- If you have a diving board, post the depth and the rules nearby and keep the diving area clear.
Not only can these measures help keep your pool safe, but insurers may require them to be in place. Failing to meet local safety standards or neglecting reasonable precautions could affect your liability coverage, lead to a denied claim, or even lead to cancelation or nonrenewal of your policy.
How does having a pool affect homeowners insurance rates?
Owning a pool can increase your insurance premium because of the added risk, especially to your liability for accidents and injuries. How much yours might increase depends, among other things, on how much liability coverage you choose.
Factors that may affect your insurance costs
- Type of pool. In-ground pools generally cost more to insure than above-ground pools.
- Location. Homes in states with higher risks of hurricanes, earthquakes or freezing may see higher pool-related premiums.
- Safety measures. Installing a fence, locked gates, an alarm system or other safety devices can help reduce your liability risks and may lower your premiums.
Options for potentially reducing your insurance costs
- Bundling your homeowners policy with auto or other coverage.
- Choosing a higher deductible.
- Installing recommended safety features.
What to do in case of pool-related damage or injury
- Make sure everyone is safe and seek medical attention if needed.
- Prevent further damage by covering the pool if possible and keeping people away from it.
- Document the damage or incident. Take photos or videos of what happened, including any visible evidence of the cause. Collect statements from any people who may have seen what happened.
- Locate maintenance records showing how the pool was cared for.
- Notify your insurer and file an insurance claim promptly. Your insurer will review your documentation, assess the damage and determine whether and how the incident is covered under your policy.
The information contained in this page is provided for general informational purposes only. The information is provided by Farmers® and while we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to this article or the information, products, services or related graphics, if any, contained in this article for any purpose. The information is not meant as professional or expert advice, and any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
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