Just Built a Pool? Don’t Forget This Important Home Insurance Step

Adding a pool to your home is exciting — it means more fun, relaxation, and time outdoors. But once construction is complete, there’s one important step many homeowners overlook:

👉 Updating your home insurance policy.

A pool changes both the value of your home and your liability exposure, so it’s essential to make sure your coverage keeps up.

Here’s what every homeowner should know after building a pool:

🏡 1. Update Your Home’s Replacement Cost

A pool is a major home improvement. If it’s not reflected in your policy:

  • Your home could be underinsured

  • You may not receive full reimbursement after a loss

Once your pool is completed, your dwelling limit should be reviewed to reflect the updated replacement cost of your property.

⚠️ 2. Review Your Liability Coverage

Pools increase the risk of injury — especially when guests, children, or neighborhood friends are involved.

Important considerations include:

  • Slip-and-fall accidents

  • Drowning or near-drowning incidents

  • Injuries during pool parties or gatherings

Most standard homeowners policies include personal liability coverage, but minimum limits may not be enough once a pool is added.

☂️ 3. Consider an Umbrella Policy

Because pools significantly increase liability exposure, many homeowners choose to add a personal umbrella policy. This provides:

  • Additional liability protection above your home and auto policies

  • Coverage for larger claims or lawsuits

  • Peace of mind at a relatively low cost

Umbrella policies are often one of the most cost-effective ways to protect your assets after adding a pool.

🚧 4. Confirm Safety Features & Carrier Requirements

Some insurance carriers require specific safety measures for pool homes, such as:

  • Fully fenced pool areas

  • Self-latching or locked gates

  • Pool covers or alarms

If these aren’t in place — or weren’t disclosed — coverage issues could arise later. It’s always better to confirm upfront.

🧾 5. Document the Pool

Be sure to keep:

  • Construction contracts

  • Final invoices

  • Photos of the completed pool

This documentation helps ensure accurate coverage and smooth claims handling if you ever need it.

We’re Here to Help You Dive In — Safely

Building a pool is meant to be enjoyable, not stressful. A quick insurance review after construction ensures your home, finances, and family are properly protected.

If you’ve recently added a pool — or are planning one — reach out to our office. We’re happy to review your coverage and make sure everything is set up correctly before swim season begins.