This article is for information purposes only and is not intended to replace professional advice.
Everything you need to know about insuring your swimming pool
Just installed your dream pool? That’s awesome! A pool is a great way to cool off and a lot of fun for the kids. When you’re in the water, the extreme heat of the summer is much more tolerable. But, to take full advantage of your pool and have peace of mind, you should insure it!
A swimming pool comes with certain risks
The cool water can be a life-saver in the summer heat, but a pool can also cause significant damage. For example, leaks can occur or your canvas can tear. Imagine if your above-ground pool poured out onto your land...or flooded your neighbour’s property. There’s some good news. Typically, your home insurance covers damage to your pool caused by snow, freezing or thawing. However, water damage to your pool is not. You’ll need to add an endorsement that can better protect your aquatic paradise.
What is an endorsement? It’s simply a modification to the initial contract. It’s basically like purchasing an additional warranty to insure your new swimming pool. Contact your insurer as soon as you’re planning to buy one. You’ll be offered an endorsement that meets your specific needs.
The right home insurance
Basic home insurance does not usually cover hot tubs or swimming pools. The same goes for the deck around the pool, unless it’s attached to your home. You must therefore add an endorsement to your policy to cover accidental breaks to the pool and its equipment.
This extra coverage covers your pool against damaged caused by freezing and thawing as well as the weight of snow or ice. However, it does not cover water damage.
The endorsement you purchase will protect your swimming pool from damage caused to its structureand equipment, like the liner, filtration system and heater. Since the value of swimming pools depreciates rapidly, first check if purchasing such an endorsement would make financial sense. Your insurer can help you make the right choice based on the age of your pool.
The coverage applies to all pools, above-ground, inground and semi-inground. The only difference is when submitting a claim. The reimbursed amount will be prorated to the age of the pool for above-ground pools (starting at age 5), but not for inground pools.
Avoid disasters
To avoid any trouble, there’s nothing like proper maintenance. It will prevent your pool from deteriorating prematurely and allow you to enjoy your pool longer. Also check and maintain equipment such as the heat pump and pool heater (gas or solar) as well as the canvas.
Safety first
You must also comply with your municipality’s safety regulations. Any pool that is more than 60 cm deep must be surrounded by a fence or wall to restrict access. It’s mandatory! Drowning is a real risk for children. In 2024, 18% of the 59 drownings in Quebec involved a pool. That’s 18% too high. Always keep a watchful eye on children. If you’re having a party in your backyard, make sure the kids are wearing life jackets or another flotation device. And yes, even if swimming is not on the agenda! Accidents can happen in a snap of a finger.
In short, even if insuring your pool is not mandatory, it’s still a recommended option. It will allow you to enjoy the water with full peace of mind. And if you do run into any trouble, at least your entire summer won’t be ruined!