In Northwest Indiana, we see our share of hot summer days — and they are just around the corner. As the weather gets warmer, the cool splash of a swimming pool sounds inviting!
Below, you can find a few guidelines regarding pools in regards to your homeowners insurance and safety tips.
Homeowners Insurance
Most homeowners insurance companies will accept the exposure of a homeowner/policyholder having a swimming pool with underwriting guidelines for eligibility.
Here are a few:
- The pool or the yard must be fully fenced (with a minimum 4 foot fence).
- In ground pools should have a non-slip surface surrounding the exterior of the pool.
- Safety/rescue devices should be kept near the pool and easily accessible..
- Diving boards can be acceptable, depending on company, and must have the appropriate depth at the diving end of the pool. You can check with pool professionals to ensure that you have the proper depth for a diving board.
- Slides can be a deterrent to insurance companies, but companies that will accept a slide with proper installation and pool depth.
- Pools should be in good condition and well maintained. Please be sure to check the condition of the pool often to check for any hazards, such as sharp metal and wearing of non-slip surface.
- There can be an additional personal liability charge on your policy for owning a pool, due to increased injury exposure.
Safety Tips
- No one should ever swim alone.
- An adult should always supervise kids and pets!
- There should be fencing or other safety measures taken to keep access from kids and pets when the pool is not in use.
- Have children take swimming lessons to learn valuable pool safety and swimming tips.
- No roughhousing in the pool. Safe swimming practices should always be used.
- No running or rough housing outside of the pool to avoid slips and falls or accidental fall in to the pool.
- Keep all electrical devices and plugs away from any water!
Briggs Agency, Inc represents several A-rated insurance carriers that allow swimming pools on your property. However, they do have requirements to help minimize your exposure to risk and a possible claim. Please contact us today at (219) 769-4840 to discuss further.
**Disclaimer: These are only a few general safety tips and will not ensure that there will not be any injury associated with swimming pool usage. Please follow all manufacturer and pool professionals' safety precautions.
Blog Written By: Cassondra Summers