UPDATED: JULY 18, 2023 | 3 MIN READ
Pool leaks are a common problem in many homes. Any number of things, including poor construction, equipment malfunction, or weather damage, can cause them. The question is: does homeowners insurance cover pool leaks?
Most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover the cost of repairing pool leaks. This is because most policies only cover flooding and overflow from stormwater, not leaky pipes or other structural damage to the pool itself. However, there are some exceptions, and it’s possible to find a policy that would cover this type of damage if you know what you’re looking for and ask the right questions before making a purchase.
Is my pool covered by my home insurance policy?
The first question that a potential home buyer has is whether they are going to be covered by their home insurance if they have a pool. The answer to this question is that the coverage depends on the type of policy the buyer has. Some policies will cover leaks in pools, and some won’t. It may also depend on the type of pool you have.
All risk coverage
For example, if a person has a policy with “all-risk” insurance coverage, then it should cover any leak in the pool. However, there are other policies that only provide for water damage caused by plumbing or faulty equipment, and these policies may not cover leaks from general wear and tear or weather-related damage.
Exclusions
The second question is whether there are any possible exclusions for water damage caused by leaking pools. There are two broad categories of exclusions: those which apply to all water damage and those which apply specifically to water damage from swimming pools or spas.
For policies where it’s unclear whether there’s an exclusion, it could be worth requesting a copy of the policy and asking the home insurance agent or broker to clarify. The answer will depend on the type of policy you have. Coverage limits may also apply, even if the pool is covered.
Does homeowners insurance cover swimming pool equipment?
Your homeowners insurance may cover your swimming pool equipment if the cause of the leak is a natural disaster such as a storm or hurricane. Otherwise, you may be out of luck.
If your pool was damaged by a catastrophe already covered by your homeowners insurance, you might be in luck.
If the last storm that rolled through town knocked a tree down into your pool, your insurance company could be liable to repair the damage done to the pool.
Pumps
If your pool only seems to leak when you’re running the pump, it’s a good indicator that your problem isn’t a crack in the pool surface. It may seem odd that a pump could cause a pool to leak so much, but faulty pressures could cause water to escape from the system.
If your pump is under warranty, you can speak to them regarding your faulty pump, but your insurance company is unlikely to be able to help you here.
Damage beyond your pool
Homeowners insurance covers damage to your home. This means that if your leak has caused water damage to other parts of your home, your insurance provider might cover the damages, even if fixing your pool isn’t covered. If you think you have a leak, the sooner you can get it fixed, the less likely it is that there will be additional damage to other parts of your home.
If you notice any damage to your home, such as a leak in the pool, it is important to take action right away. Waiting too long can cause more problems and make it difficult for insurance companies to process a claim.
When is my swimming pool not covered?
There are some scenarios where your insurance company will not provide pool coverage.
General wear and tear
If your pool leak has been caused by simple wear and tear, it’s unlikely that your homeowners insurance will foot the bill. Homeowner policies aren’t usually liable for damages caused by usage over time, and the pool is no exception to this rule.
They will also be unlikely to cover leaks caused by your lack of maintenance or negligence.
Does flood insurance cover a pool leak?
If rain overflows your pool, you might have a case, but flood insurance generally aims toward natural disasters rather than a leaky pool.
Even if your pool leak causes flooding elsewhere on your property, a flood insurance company will likely not be your friend. This doesn’t rule out all of your options, though.
FAQs
What to do if you have a leak in your pool?
If you think you have a pool leak, you can check a few things to try and find the sources. Inspect any area for a crack and check the swimming pool area for cracks. Then use food dye; if the dye is quickly sucked up, there is a crack. You can also check to see if your pool pump is causing a problem by turning it off for a while to see if the leak stops. You will probably need a professional to fix the leak for you, and it may require a home insurance claim.
What happens when pool leaks?
If your pool leaks, it can cause serious problems, regardless of whether it’s an in-ground pool or an above-ground pool. The swimming pool it will lose more water when there is a leak than through normal evaporation. There may be visible cracks in the tiles or pool liner; when the water leaks into the rest of the yard, it can cause wet soft spots, uneven grass or water damage. If the pool leak goes undetected for a more extended period, it may even cause a spike in your water bill.
Is a slow water leak covered by homeowners insurance?
Your home insurance is unlikely to cover a slow water leak in your swimming pool. Wear and tear or lack of maintenance often cause a slow leak, which a standard homeowners insurance policy will not cover. The pool owner is responsible for maintaining and keeping the pool in good condition.
Is a leak in your pool covered by insurance?
Your home insurance policy might cover the pool damage caused by a covered peril if it leaked into your pool under the structure coverage section. For example, your home insurance cover should cover any damage to your pool caused by a falling tree during a windstorm.
What are some signs of a pool leak?
Water loss from the pool is the most obvious sign of a leaking pool, but there are some other signs of a pool leak. Cracks around the pool tiles could indicate excess water in the surrounding ground. If water has leaked into the surrounding area, you may also find wet, mushy spots or uneven growth in your grass. In severe cases, a pool leak may cause water damage to other structures on your property.
How do you know if you have a pool leak?
A dropping water level is one of the significant signs that can indicate a pool leak. However, your pool water level can be affected by evaporation; you can do a bucket test to confirm. Using a 5-gallon bucket, fill it 1 inch from the top with pool water. Set the bucket on the first step of your pool. Then, mark the water level on the inside and outside of the bucket. Check the bucket after 24 hours. If the level on the outside of the bucket has dropped more, you likely have a leak.
Does homeowners insurance cover pool leaks?
Swimming pool leaks can occur anytime and be expensive to fix. If you can’t show that the pool leak resulted from a covered peril, your insurance might not cover the damage. Pool leaks are often due to wear and tear, and as the pool owner, you’re responsible for providing adequate maintenance.
What is the cost of a pool leak?
For a concrete swimming pool that’s 12 feet by 24-foot, a minor leak could cost between $300 and $500. If a significant leak in an in-ground pool requires more repair work, the price could go up to $5,000.
How to get insurance quotes for home insurance that covers pools
Getting insurance for your swimming pool is not always easy. There are many different companies and policies to choose from. It can be hard to know what coverage you need and which company has the best deal. It also depends on which kind of pool you have.
Having insurance that covers your pool can give you peace of mind should anything go wrong. Compare different providers using our handy tool to make sure you get the best deal available.
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