Swimming Pools and Homeowners Insurance Coverage in Texas

Yes, Texas homeowners insurance policies will cover your home’s swimming pool through either its dwelling coverage or other structures coverage. Either way, if your pool is damaged by a covered peril, the damage can be submitted through swimming pool damage insurance claims.

Furthermore, your home insurance helps protect you against liability. This means if someone is injured in your swimming pool while visiting your property, your home insurance with a pool on the property will help pay for their medical expenses.

One notable exception to damage that is not covered by pool insurance would be damage caused by frozen water. If you’re in a part of Texas where this can be an issue in the colder months, you’ll need to take the appropriate steps to ensure your pool is not vulnerable to such threats.

Texas Homeowners Insurance With Pool Coverage

Both above-ground and in-ground pools are available for coverage through a home insurance policy in Texas. Swimming pool insurance requirements can vary and may include periods in which your pool will need to either be covered or surrounded by a fence for safety.

Home insurance for swimming pool coverage can also vary depending on the type of pool you have. Above-ground pools are considered personal property while in-ground pools will be viewed more like a shed or fence and considered an “other structure” on your property.

While a standard home insurance policy (HO-3) will provide coverage for both, your policy limits and reimbursement can vary because of these differences. It’s essential to disclose the type of pool you own to ensure that you are properly covered by your insurance provider.

Is Pool Equipment Covered by Homeowners Insurance in Texas?

Yes, pool equipment is typically covered by homeowners insurance with pool coverage. But the same guidelines will also apply. For example, if a peril that would affect your home damages your pool, such as a tree falling down, you’ll be covered. However, general wear and tear are not covered.

Does Having a Pool Increase Home Insurance in Texas?

Yes, the cost of your home insurance with a pool on the property will go up. On average, your rates can increase by around $50 per month, though this can reach several hundreds of dollars depending on the features of your pool.

There are many variables at play to consider that will go into determining how much you’ll pay. Pool safety and home insurance go hand in hand. Here are common swimming pool insurance considerations that go into creating your premium:

• The type of pool you install.
• The safety measures in place around your pool.
• The number of people living on the property as well as their ages.
• The location of your home and the location of your pool.
• The features of your swimming pool such as depth or add-ons like waterslides.

These factors and more will be considered by insurance providers who factor in pool insurance cost by weighing the amount of risk you possess as a client. For more information, the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) has a great outline featuring the basics of homeowners insurance for a pool.

All homeowner insurance companies look at the amount of risk you hold as a client and create premiums based on the level of risk they find. More risk means higher prices and vice versa. Because pools naturally raise the risk of injury and drowning, you have more liability risk and can expect higher premiums.

Each home insurance company not only assesses risk but also does so in a different manner. This means homeowners need to shop around among many different home insurance providers to ensure they are not only getting the coverage they deserve, but aren’t overspending in the process.

How Much Does an Above-Ground Pool Raise Your Insurance in Texas?

While your costs may vary, above-ground pools can raise your home insurance premium by around $50 to $100 per month. This can vary depending on the features of your pool and property.

Texas Homeowners Insurance and Swimming Pools Coverage

How your policy lists your pool will determine the type of coverage you need. Pool liability insurance claims will be settled by your home policy’s liability coverage limits. For most home insurance policies, this is $100,000, but for homes with pools, it’s recommended to increase this to at least $500,000.

When it comes to damage claims, pools considered to be covered from your home’s “other structures coverage”, will typically receive around 10% of your home’s dwelling coverage limits.

This means that if you have a homeowners insurance policy with dwelling coverage that equates to $400,000, you’ll be covered for up to $40,000 without increasing your policy limits.

As above-ground pools are seen as personal property by most policies, they are often subject to your home insurance’s replacement cost coverage found in your personal property coverage. You’ll receive reimbursement with policy limits ranging between 25% and 50% of your home’s coverage limits on average.

In Texas, constructing a swimming pool can run anywhere between $35,000 and $70,000+ on average depending on size, features, and construction. This is exactly why having home insurance with a pool is critical.

Do You Have To Tell Insurance About a Pool in Texas?

Yes, you need to tell your home insurance provider about your pool. Here’s why:

• Failure to disclose this information can void your home insurance policy and any claims placed.
• It’s important to correctly cover your pool so that you are not underinsured.
• Some insurance companies won’t provide liability coverage for certain features such as diving boards. Always disclose this information to avoid any misunderstanding after a loss.

Whether you already have a swimming pool at the time of enrollment or decide to install one after your policy is already in place, you need to disclose this information to your insurance agent.

It’s tempting to try to keep this information from your insurance company, but misrepresenting information can be considered fraud, void your policy, have your claims denied, and leave you to pay for substantial losses on your own.

Since 2005, Freedom Insurance Group has been helping homeowners beat the heat while saving an average of 40% on coverage. Texas is home to 10.4 million+ residential pools and we work to help households stay protected without making a huge splash of cash.

We also help protect homeowners looking to maximize their liability coverage through affordable umbrella insurance policies. A great solution for homes with increased liability risk stemming from having a swimming pool.

Homeowners insurance with pool coverage is available for less because we shop your policy among the providers in our insurance center to consistently deliver the best protection at the lowest price. Get a free home insurance quote or ask an agent today about how much we can help you save no matter what type of pool you have.