If you have a swimming pool at your home, you know that it provides a constant source of entertainment, exercise, and socialization all summer long. As much as your pool is a fun gathering place for friends and family, pool safety needs to be your main priority all the time.
The biggest mistake a homeowner with a pool can make is to become complacent about the risks it poses. Accidents happen when owners stop paying attention. To protect your home, family, and friends this summer and ensure only the best memories, stay on top of pool safety.
Maintain Proper Insurance on Your Pool
Your pool is an insurance liability whether it is inground, above ground, a hot tub, or a temporary structure. People can drown or be injured in a pool of any size, so you need to have coverage for whatever kind of pool is at your home.
Most insurance agents will advise up to $500,000 of liability insurance for a house with a pool. This could be more depending on your total assets. This coverage helps to protect you from losing your home if there is a financial claim due to an incident. An umbrella policy is an additional safeguard that offers another layer of protection in the event of a claim.
Insurance coverage also protects the pool itself. Your homeowner policy should provide coverage if your pool, deck/patio, or furniture are damaged by a storm or similar event. Always call your agent when you notice property damage in order to find out what is covered.
Follow the Laws for Your Pool
Every local municipality has its own rules and laws regarding home pools. Verify all the laws associated with owning a pool before you undertake the building project, and periodically review your local legislation for changes.
Some homeowners have the misconception that temporary pools which can be assembled and disassembled each year are not covered under their local pool laws. Rather than learn the hard way that you are in violation of the law, make sure you understand the legal definition of a pool and what standards apply. These laws exist to protect you and your community, so take them seriously.
If you are considering purchasing a home that has a pool installed, do your due diligence to make sure the current homeowners are in compliance with all local laws regarding the pool. You could be required to bring something up to code at your own expense during the Use and Occupancy inspection.
Post and Maintain Your Own Safety and Security Standards
Anyone in or near your pool is your responsibility, so never be timid about creating and enforcing your own pool safety requirements. Post your pool rules near the water, and be very clear about whether or not diving is permitted in your pool. Depth markers should be painted around the perimeter of the pool, and a brightly colored marker at the filter will help adults keep young children away from that potential suction hazard.
Other helpful pool safety guidelines include:
- Making sure all the members of your household are competent swimmers and are trained in rescue techniques and CPR
- Maintaining strict rules about child supervision, number of people allowed in the pool area, swimming ability, number of pool toys in use, and food and beverage materials that can be used near the pool
- Limiting drug and alcohol consumption near the pool, or closing the pool if guests are starting to show signs of impairment
- Placing locks and security alarms at access points to prevent unauthorized pool use
Owning a pool is a huge responsibility, but it is often worthwhile for the benefit of having a great place to relax all summer. Always consider all the risks and benefits to pool ownership before taking the plunge. At Smyrl Insurance, we educate, nurture, and empower homeowners to be responsible pool owners with effective insurance coverage. Contact us to discuss your current policy, or to review your options for insuring the pool you’re planning to install. We serve clients for personal property and liability insurance, including umbrella policies, in Hatfield, Lansdale, Souderton, Harleysville, and throughout Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.