Protection for your Backyard Swimming Pool June 24, 2019 Having a swimming pool provides refreshing relief from the sun and heat. It may even be a savior during long summer days. However, it also presents some risks. It’s important to be aware of how a pool can impact your insurance. If you’re thinking about adding a swimming pool or buying a home with one, we are sharing tips on safety and insurance coverage. An “Attractive Nuisance” Insurance companies consider pools an attractive nuisance. To explain, an “attractive nuisance” is anything that may attract or be dangerous to an unsupervised child. For instance, things like trampolines, playgrounds and man-made ponds are all considered attractive nuisances. As a homeowner, you are held liable and are responsible for preventing potential harm your pool could have. This is why obtaining coverage can be critical. Especially since insurance policies may require you to meet certain safety measures before providing coverage. Safety Precautions Typically, insurance companies require special precautions before including coverage. Here are some required safety precautions: Install a fence around the entire perimeter of the pool, with a self-latching gate lock that children can’t reach. Get a safety cover to serve as a secondary barrier. Lockable pool covers are a great way to help ensure children are not using it without supervision. Provide accessible safety equipment. Flotation devices near the pool for children who are not able to swim yet. Consequently, fulfilling safety measures could prevent denied insurance coverage or claims, cancelled policies and large liability lawsuits. Insurance Options For a Pool Pool insurance by itself doesn’t exist. You’ll need to talk to an OKFB Insurance agent to learn more about coverage options. Also, it may be beneficial to add an umbrella policy, which can provide an additional layer of liability coverage. We offer personal umbrella insurance that’s designed to protect you and your family from lawsuits not fully covered under a standard liability policy.
