UPDATED: JULY 18, 2023 | 3 MIN READ
A swimming pool can be a great addition to any home, but it is important to remember that it requires regular maintenance. Neglecting pool maintenance can lead to costly repairs and even claims denials by your insurance company.
In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of regular pool maintenance and how it can help to prevent damage and maintain insurance coverage. We’ll also discuss the seasonal preparation and winterization of pools and the impact of neglecting pool maintenance on insurance coverage.
Regular pool maintenance to prevent damage and maintain coverage
Regular pool maintenance prevents damage to the pool, equipment, and surrounding area.
Here are some of the most important aspects of pool maintenance:
- Skimming and vacuuming: This removes debris from the surface and bottom of the pool. Debris can clog filters and skimmers, leading to poor water circulation and quality.
- Balancing the water chemistry: This ensures the pH level and other chemical levels are within the proper range. Improper water chemistry can lead to algae growth, corrosion, and other problems.
- Filing and backwashing: This cleans the filter and removes accumulated debris. A dirty filter can reduce the efficiency of the pool’s circulation system.
- Winterizing the pool: This prepares the pool for the winter months by draining the pool, closing the pool lines, and winterizing the pool equipment. Winterizing the pool prevents damage from freezing temperatures.
Regular pool maintenance can help to prevent a variety of problems, including:
- Debris buildup
- Algae growth
- Corrosion
- Damage to the pool structure
Seasonal preparation and winterization of pools
In addition to regular maintenance, it is important to prepare your pool for the winter properly. This includes draining the pool, closing the pool lines, and winterizing the pool equipment.
Importance of winterizing a pool
Winterizing your pool prevents damage from freezing temperatures. If your pool is not properly winterized, the water can freeze and expand, causing the pool to crack or even burst. This can be a costly repair, and it can also be dangerous.
How to winterize a pool
Here are the steps on how to winterize a pool:
- Drain the pool. This is the most important step in winterizing a pool. The amount of water you need to drain will depend on your pool type. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Close the pool lines. This prevents water from flowing back into the pool when the temperatures drop.
- Winterize the pool equipment. This includes draining the filter, pump, and heater. You may also need to add a winterizing chemical to the water.
- Cover the pool. This will help to protect the pool from debris and prevent water from evaporating.
Risks of not winterizing a pool
If you don’t winterize your pool, the pool could:
- Crack or burst
- Become contaminated
- Become unusable and unsafe to use
Additional tips for winterizing your pool
- Start the winterization process early. This will give you time to address any problems that may arise.
- Follow the instructions that come with your pool equipment. This will help to ensure that the equipment is winterized properly.
- Check the pool regularly during the winter. This will help you to identify any problems early on and take corrective action.
Impact of neglecting pool maintenance on insurance coverage
Neglecting pool maintenance can have a significant impact on swimming pool coverage. Many insurance companies require pools to be properly maintained to continue coverage.
If your pool isn’t properly maintained and there’s damage to the pool or surrounding area, your insurance company may deny your claim.
Reasons insurance companies deny swimming pool claims
There are several ways that insurance companies may deny claims if the pool was not properly maintained. For example, if the pool isn’t properly balanced, the chemicals in the water can corrode the pool equipment. Insurance may not cover this damage if it is determined that the pool was improperly maintained.
Also, if the pool isn’t winterized, the water might freeze and expand, causing the pool to crack or burst. Insurance would also likely not cover this damage if it’s determined that the pool was not properly winterized.
Read the terms of your policy for clarification
It is important to read your insurance policy carefully to understand the requirements for pool maintenance. Most insurance policies have a section outlining specific pool maintenance requirements. If you aren’t sure of the requirements, contact your insurance company for clarification.
FAQs
How often should a swimming pool be maintained?
Professionals recommend you clean your pool at least once per week. It’s important to skim the pool’s water to remove debris, vacuum the pool, and brush the pool’s sides and steps.
Do I need a fence around my pool for insurance?
Yes. In most cases, insurance companies require pools to be fenced in. They won’t insure you if you aren’t taking proper safety measures to keep people away from your pool.
Should I leave my pool running all the time?
Most swimming pool owners run their pumps between four and eight hours daily. However, you don’t have to do this continuously. You can split the time into chunks. You only need to run the pump long enough for the pool to cycle through all of the water one time per day.
Protect your investment
A swimming pool is often a big investment, so naturally, you want to make sure it’s protected. To get the best coverage for the lowest price, use our online quoting tool to compare rates.
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- Above-Ground vs. In-Ground Pools: What’s the Best Option?
- Pool Damage and Insurance claims
- Swimming Pool Exclusions and Limitations of Home Insurance
- Insurance Discounts for Pool Owners
