Insurance Claims for Pool Damage: What Repairs Are Typically Covered

When Pool Problems Strike: Understanding Your Insurance Coverage for Pool Damage and Repairs

Pool ownership brings endless summer enjoyment, but when damage occurs, the financial impact can be overwhelming. Understanding what your homeowners insurance covers—and what it doesn’t—can save you thousands of dollars and help you make informed decisions when disaster strikes.

What Pool Damage Is Typically Covered?

In general, if your pool is damaged by a covered peril, it will be covered under your homeowners insurance policy. Homeowners insurance may cover your swimming pool against damage resulting from the covered perils listed in your policy, which often include fire, lightning strikes, hail, vandalism, and even explosions.

The most commonly covered pool damage includes:

  • Storm damage: If a windstorm or heavy rain with hail damages your pool, patio and deck area, your policy may cover a percentage of the cost of repairs less your deductible.
  • Fire damage: Whether from lightning strikes or nearby fires, fire damage to pool structures is typically covered
  • Vandalism: Intentional damage by others is usually included in standard policies
  • Falling objects: If a tree falls on your pool and damages it, your policy would help with repairs, minus your deductible, the amount you chose to pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in.

Coverage Varies by Pool Type

The way your policy is written will determine whether your pool is considered part of your home or viewed as part of your “other structures” coverage. Typically, homeowners insurance coverage will differ based on the type of pool in your yard. While in-ground pools are typically covered as part of your dwelling coverage or other structures coverage, when it comes to damage, an above-ground pool may be categorized as personal property or other structures.

In-ground pools are usually covered under “other structures” coverage, which is generally set at 10% of your home’s coverage limit. That means if your home is insured for $200,000, the coverage limit for your pool would be $20,000.

Above-ground pools may fall under personal property coverage. An above-ground pool will typically be considered personal property by insurance companies if it’s portable. Personal property coverage on a homeowners policy typically covers personal property at 50% of your dwelling coverage. For example, if your home is insured for $300,000, you’ll have up to $150,000 in coverage to protect against damage to your personal property, including your above-ground pool.

What’s Not Covered

Understanding exclusions is crucial for pool owners. Damages to your pool from neglect or general wear and tear are not usually covered. If the pool collapse is due to neglect or lack of maintenance, the cost of repairing or replacing the pool is your responsibility.

Common exclusions include:

  • Maintenance issues: Regular wear and tear, poor maintenance, or manufacturing defects are not covered under most standard homeowners policies.
  • Earthquake damage: Standard homeowners insurance does not cover damages caused by earthquakes, including those that cause cracks or shifting in your pool structure. You would need a separate earthquake insurance policy or an endorsement specifically covering earthquake damage.
  • Flooding: Flood damage is also excluded from a standard homeowners policy.

When Professional Pool Services Make the Difference

For Broward County residents, maintaining your pool properly isn’t just about enjoyment—it’s about protecting your insurance coverage. DCP Pool Services in Broward County, FL understands this connection between proper maintenance and insurance protection. Committed to providing reliable service and clear communication. We offer flexible scheduling to fit your busy lifestyle. Our goal is to give you a pool you can be proud of.

Professional maintenance helps prevent the kind of neglect-related damage that insurance won’t cover. Whether you need routine cleaning, equipment repairs, or comprehensive pool repairs broward county residents trust, working with experienced professionals protects both your investment and your coverage.

Filing a Pool Damage Claim

When pool damage occurs, acting quickly is essential. As soon as you discover the damage, contact your insurance company to report the incident. Provide details about the damage, such as when it occurred and the cause of the damage. They’ll guide you through the claim process and provide instructions.

Key steps include:

  • Take photos or videos of the damage to your pool from multiple angles. This visual evidence will support your claim and clearly record the damage.
  • Contact pool repair professionals to assess the damage and provide estimates for repairs or replacement.
  • Your insurance company may send a claims adjuster to inspect the damage and assess the validity of your claim. Cooperate with the adjuster, provide them with all the necessary information and access to the damaged area, and answer any questions they may have.

Maximizing Your Coverage

Your insurance company might automatically cover your swimming pool for a certain percentage, or you might need to add your swimming pool onto your policy. It’s essential to review your coverage limits regularly, especially if you’ve made improvements.

For an additional premium, you can add an endorsement for additional coverage: Other Structures – Increased Limits. You may wish to do so if your pool is worth more, such as if it has a deck, waterslide, diving board, or waterfall.

Standard home insurance policies are typically equipped with personal liability coverage, which will pay for costs like medical bills and legal fees if a guest is injured in your home. Even if your pool is automatically covered by your existing homeowners policy, it might make sense to increase the amount of liability coverage by purchasing umbrella coverage.

Prevention Is Your Best Protection

The most effective way to ensure coverage when you need it is proper maintenance and safety measures. A secure fence with a locking gate is often a non-negotiable requirement. Without one, insurers may deny coverage or claims.

Regular professional maintenance not only keeps your pool beautiful but also demonstrates the responsible ownership that insurance companies expect. We have been in the business 3 years and we’ve continued to grow by treating our clients’ pools like they are our own at home. Our owner Mauricio will be ensuring you have an amazing 5 star service by trusting us with your pool.

Understanding your insurance coverage for pool damage helps you make informed decisions about maintenance, repairs, and coverage levels. When damage does occur, knowing what’s covered—and what isn’t—ensures you’re prepared to navigate the claims process successfully while protecting your backyard investment for years to come.