Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Swimming Pools?
Here’s what’s covered, what isn’t, and what to know before you build or buy.
- How does homeowners insurance cover a swimming pool?
- What pool damage is covered?
- What isn't covered?
- Does homeowners insurance cover pool liability?
- Pool features that can affect your coverage
- How much coverage do you need for a pool?
- Does a pool raise your homeowners insurance premium?
- Pool safety checklist for insurance
- Do you need to tell your insurer about a pool?
- How to file a pool damage claim
- Swimming pool insurance FAQs
Yes, usually. In-ground pools are typically covered as other structures against the same perils as your home, subject to policy exclusions and limits. Portable pools are covered as personal property, but only for named perils. Pool-related injuries and liability claims are typically excluded.
Three things decide how protected you are: your pool type, your other structures limit, and the pool-related exclusions on your policy.
TL;DR
- In-ground pools are generally covered under other structures (Coverage B).
- Portable and inflatable pools fall under personal property (Coverage C), which covers named perils only.
- Freeze and water pressure damage, neglect, and wear and tear aren’t covered.
- Most policies exclude pool-related liability and medical payments claims, so an injury at your pool is typically not covered.
- Other structures coverage is typically 10% of your dwelling coverage (Coverage A), so make sure that would cover rebuilding your pool. You can usually raise it.
How does homeowners insurance cover a swimming pool?
How your pool is covered depends on its type. Permanent pools are generally covered as other structures (Coverage B), while portable pools are covered as personal property (Coverage C), and the coverage type changes which perils and limits apply.
- Coverage B (other structures) covers things that are permanent but not attached to your house, like an in-ground pool.
- Coverage C (personal property) covers your belongings, including a portable pool.
- Coverage E (personal liability) covers you if someone gets hurt and you’re legally responsible, subject to policy exclusions.
| Feature | Why it matters | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Diving board | Some insurers restrict or surcharge them. | Tell us before you install one. |
| Slide | Some insurers restrict or surcharge them. | Tell us before you add one. |
| Hot tub or spa | It’s classified differently depending on how it’s installed. | Tell us what type you have, and use a locking cover. |
| Fence or enclosure | It keeps kids and trespassers out and can help with eligibility. | Use a self-latching gate, and check local code. |
| No fence | Insurers may restrict coverage or decline. | Add a fence before you fill the pool. |
What pool damage is covered?
In-ground and permanent pools are covered against the same types of events as your house. Portable pools are covered only for named perils. A peril is just the cause of the damage.
Common covered causes include:
- Fire or lightning: a grill fire scorches your pool deck and cover.
- Windstorm or hail: storm debris tears your pool liner.
- Falling objects: a tree limb crashes through your pool enclosure.
- Vandalism: someone damages your pool equipment or fence.
- Theft: your pool pump gets stolen.
- Weight of ice, snow, or sleet: a heavy snowfall collapses your pool enclosure.
Repairs are covered up to your policy limit, after your deductible.
Did you know?
A portable pool is covered as personal property, and personal property is covered for named perils only. Fire and falling objects are two of the named perils on your policy. If the cause of damage isn’t on the list, it isn’t covered.
What isn’t covered?
Some of the most common pool problems aren’t covered, and they tend to be the preventable ones.
- Freeze and water pressure damage: damage caused by freezing, thawing, or the weight and pressure of water or ice on the pool shell, pipes, or equipment.
- Neglect and poor maintenance: problems that build up because the pool wasn’t cared for.
- Wear and tear: a liner that’s simply worn out.
- Flood: rising water needs separate flood insurance.
- Earth movement: damage from something like an earthquake isn’t covered.
| What happened | Covered? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A tree falls on your pool enclosure | Yes | Falling objects are a covered peril. |
| Storm debris tears your pool liner | Yes | Windstorm is a covered peril. |
| Someone steals your pool pump | Yes | Theft is a covered peril. |
| Your pool cracks after a hard freeze | No | Freeze damage is excluded. |
| Your liner wears out after years of use | No | Wear and tear isn’t covered. |
| A flood fills and damages your pool | No | Flood needs its own policy. |
| An earthquake splits your pool shell | No | Earth movement is excluded. |
Winterize before it gets cold. Freeze damage is common and isn’t covered. Drain your pool or winterize it at the end of swimming season. Check with your pool installer first, because some in-ground pools shouldn’t be fully drained.
Did you know?
About 3.2% of Lemonade homeowners policies have a swimming pool. (Based on Lemonade internal policy data, 2026)
Does homeowners insurance cover pool liability?
Yes, usually. Personal liability coverage (Coverage E) is the part of your policy that kicks in if someone gets hurt at your pool and you’re responsible. It’s what people usually mean by “pool liability insurance.”
What does pool liability coverage pay for?
If a guest is injured and you’re responsible, liability coverage can help pay for legal defense and settlements.
Medical payments to others is a separate coverage. It can help pay a guest’s medical bills after an accident, even if no one sues.
Why are pools an “attractive nuisance”?
An attractive nuisance is something on your property, like a pool, that draws in kids who can’t understand the danger. You can be held responsible if a child gets hurt, even if they weren’t invited.
That includes the neighbor’s kid who wanders into your yard. Rules vary by state, so a fence and a locked gate matter more than most people think.
Here’s why that matters.
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 in the U.S., and most drownings in children 1 to 4 happen in swimming pools. Proper pool fencing can keep young children from reaching the pool area without a caregiver knowing.
Is your liability limit enough?
Your liability limit is the most your policy will pay for a covered injury claim. A serious injury can cost more than a basic limit.
Think about raising your limit if kids use your pool often, you host parties, or neighbors drop by.
Pro Tip
Check your liability limit when you get a pool, not after an accident. Pool owners tend to have more guests, so it’s worth a second look.
Pool features that can affect your coverage
The pool itself isn’t the only thing that counts. Extras can change how risky a pool looks, which may affect what coverage you can get and what you pay.
| Feature | Why it matters | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Diving board | Diving injuries are serious, so these add liability risk. Some insurers restrict or surcharge them. | Tell us before you install one. |
| Slide | Slides add injury risk, especially for kids. | Tell us before you add one. |
| Hot tub or spa | It’s classified differently depending on how it’s installed, and it adds its own injury risk. | Tell us what type you have, and use a locking cover. |
| Fence or enclosure | It keeps kids and trespassers out, which lowers liability risk. | Use a self-latching gate, and check local code. |
| No fence | It’s the biggest red flag for liability. Insurers may restrict coverage or decline. | Add a fence before you fill the pool. |
How much coverage do you need for a pool?
Your policy includes an other structures allowance. It’s typically 10% of your dwelling coverage (Coverage A), and it’s shared by everything on your property that isn’t your house, like a fence or shed. A pool can use up a lot of it fast.
Here’s a made-up example, not a quote:
- Your Coverage A is $300,000.
- Your other structures limit is 10%, so $30,000.
- Your in-ground pool would cost $55,000 to rebuild.
- That leaves a $25,000 gap, before your deductible and before counting your fence or shed.
A portable pool is different. It falls under your personal property limit, so check that the limit is high enough for everything you own.
If your pool costs more to replace than your other structures limit, you can usually ask to raise it above the standard 10%. Availability can vary by state and policy, so reach out to us to review your options.
Did you know?
The average payout for pool-related homeowners claims is $52,954. (Based on Lemonade internal claims data, 2026)
Does a pool raise your homeowners insurance premium?
It can. The answer isn’t a flat “no extra cost,” and it isn’t a flat “yes” either.
Pool damage sits inside your other structures coverage, so it doesn’t come with its own charge. But a pool, and features like a diving board or slide, can still affect eligibility and your price, and so can changes to your dwelling coverage.
Rates vary by state, so a quote is the fastest way to see your actual number.
Pool safety checklist for insurance
A safer pool is easier to insure and easier to enjoy.
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Fence the pool, with a self-latching gate -
Add a pool alarm
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Use a safety cover when the pool's not in use
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Keep the area around the pool clear
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Supervise kids at all times
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Follow local pool codes
-
Winterize at the end of the season
Do you need to tell your insurer about a pool?
Yes. A pool changes your risk, and your insurer needs to know to cover it properly. Here’s what to do if you have a pool, or are about to get one:
- Tell us before you build or buy. That way you’ll know what to expect.
- Share the details. That’s pool type, size, fencing, and features like a diving board or slide.
- Update us when anything changes. Adding a slide or a hot tub counts.
- Review your limits afterward. Make sure your other structures limit still fits.
If you skip this, you risk being underinsured when you file a claim.
Lemonade customers can reach out at [email protected]
How to file a pool damage claim
- Take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, if it’s safe to do so. For example, shut off water or cover an exposed area, like a torn liner or a broken enclosure panel.
- Take photos and video. Capture the damage before you clean up or repair.
- File your claim. Start it in the Lemonade app.
- Answer our questions. We may ask for receipts or details about your pool.
- Repair and keep your receipts. Hold on to them in case we need them.
Swimming pool insurance FAQs
Does homeowners insurance cover an in-ground pool?
Yes, usually. An in-ground pool is typically covered as an other structure (Coverage B), against the same perils as your home, like fire, windstorm, and vandalism. The limit is often 10% of your dwelling coverage, so check that it’s enough to rebuild your pool.
Does homeowners insurance cover an above-ground pool?
It depends on the pool. A permanent above-ground pool is usually treated like an in-ground pool, as an other structure (Coverage B). A portable or inflatable pool is personal property (Coverage C), covered only for named perils like fire or falling objects. Pool-related liability claims are typically excluded for both.
Does homeowners insurance cover injuries at my pool?
Usually not. Most policies exclude pool-related liability and medical payments to others, whether the pool is in-ground or portable. Check your policy for a swimming pool liability exclusion, and ask us about your options.
Does homeowners insurance cover storm damage to a pool?
Usually, yes. Windstorm, hail, and falling objects are covered perils, so a tree limb that crushes your pool enclosure or storm debris that tears a liner can be a claim. Flood isn’t included, so rising water needs separate flood insurance. Your deductible applies.
Does homeowners insurance cover a pool that freezes or cracks?
No, usually not. Damage from water freezing in an unprepared pool, like cracked pipes or a split liner, is typically excluded, and so is damage from neglect or wear and tear. Draining or winterizing your pool at the end of the season is the best protection. Check your policy for exact exclusions.
Will my premium go up if I get a pool?
Possibly. Pool damage coverage is built into your other structures limit, so it doesn’t come with its own charge. But your pool’s features or a higher dwelling limit can still move your price.Rates vary by state, so a quote is the fastest way to see your number.
A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of the policies issued, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please note that statements about coverages, policy management, claims processes, Giveback, and customer support apply to policies underwritten by Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company, a Lemonade company, sold by Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC. The statements do not apply to policies underwritten by other carriers.