How much does a pool increase home insurance? Having a swimming pool in your backyard sounds like a dream — summer barbecues, fun family time, and a perfect place to cool off.
But when it comes to your home insurance, that dream addition might also mean a higher premium.
If you’re thinking about installing a pool or just bought a home with one, it’s smart to understand how much a pool increases home insurance and why it happens.
Let’s break it down in simple terms.
Why Having a Pool Affects Home Insurance Rates
When insurance companies set your premium, they look at risk — the chance of something going wrong that could lead to a claim.
A pool increases risk because it brings new possibilities for accidents, injuries, or even property damage. Insurance companies call pools an “attractive nuisance.” That means even though they look fun, they can cause costly situations if someone gets hurt or property gets damaged.
For example:
- Someone could slip and fall near your pool.
- A child could wander into your yard and get injured.
- Your pool equipment could malfunction and cause water damage.
So, while your pool boosts your home’s value and lifestyle, it also makes your insurance company see you as a higher-risk homeowner — and that often means higher premiums.
How Much Does a Pool Increase Home Insurance?
On average, having a swimming pool can increase your home insurance premium by $50 to $200 per year, depending on your state, insurance company, and the pool type.
For instance:
- Above-ground pools might only cause a small increase since they’re cheaper and easier to remove.
- In-ground pools tend to raise insurance more because they’re permanent, expensive, and carry higher liability risk.
But that’s not all. If your pool is big, has a diving board, slide, or even a hot tub nearby, expect your rate to go higher. Those extras may make the pool more fun — but also riskier in the eyes of your insurer.
What’s Covered Under Home Insurance for Pools?
Most standard homeowners insurance policies already provide some coverage for pools under two main sections:
- Dwelling coverage – This protects structures that are attached to your home, like an in-ground pool that’s built into your property.
- Other structures coverage – This covers things like detached garages, fences, or an above-ground pool that isn’t connected to the house.
Your insurance will usually help pay for repairs if your pool gets damaged by a covered event like fire, vandalism, or falling trees. But damage from poor maintenance, freezing water, or regular wear and tear won’t be covered.
That’s why it’s important to read your policy carefully and know what your insurer considers a covered peril.
Why Liability Coverage Matters When You Have a Pool
The biggest reason your insurance may increase isn’t the pool itself — it’s the liability risk that comes with it.
If someone slips, gets hurt, or drowns in your pool, you could be held financially responsible. Home insurance includes liability protection, which helps cover:
- Medical bills for injuries
- Legal fees if you’re sued
- Settlements or judgments
Most insurance experts recommend increasing your liability coverage from the standard $100,000 to at least $300,000–$500,000 if you have a pool.
For even better protection, some homeowners also add a personal umbrella policy, which provides extra liability coverage starting around $1 million.
It might cost you $150–$300 a year but could save you from losing your home or savings in a serious accident case.
Safety Features That Can Help Lower Pool Insurance Costs
Insurance companies love when homeowners take safety seriously. The safer your pool area, the less risk they see — and the more likely you’ll qualify for a discount or lower rate.
Here are some safety upgrades that might help reduce your pool-related insurance costs:
- Install a four-sided fence around the pool with a self-latching gate
- Use a pool alarm that alerts you if someone enters the water
- Add anti-slip surfaces around the pool deck
- Keep a pool cover on when it’s not in use
- Make sure there’s adequate lighting around the area
These small investments not only keep your family and guests safe but also show your insurance provider that you’re reducing risk.
How to Tell Your Insurance Company About Your Pool
If you install a new pool, don’t hide it from your insurance provider. It might sound tempting to avoid the rate hike, but failing to report it can backfire.
Here’s why:
- If an accident happens, your insurance might deny your claim because they weren’t aware of the pool.
- You could even lose your coverage entirely for not disclosing major property changes.
Always call your insurance agent, explain the type of pool you have, and ask how it affects your premium. They can walk you through available coverage options and discounts.
How to Find Affordable Home Insurance with a Pool
Even though a pool can raise your insurance costs, there are still ways to keep your premium affordable.
Here’s what you can do:
- Shop around. Compare quotes from multiple insurance companies. Each one calculates risk differently.
- Bundle policies. If you get both your home and auto insurance from the same company, you could save up to 20%.
- Raise your deductible. A higher deductible lowers your premium — just make sure you can afford the out-of-pocket cost if you file a claim.
- Ask for discounts. Many insurers offer discounts for security systems, safety features, or being claim-free.
- Review your policy every year. Insurance rates change, and so should your coverage needs.
Bottom Line: Is a Pool Worth the Higher Insurance?
In most cases, yes — if you’re prepared for the added responsibility.
The fun, relaxation, and property value that come with owning a pool are often worth the slightly higher insurance cost. Just make sure you’re covered properly, practice safety, and stay honest with your insurance company.
At the end of the day, a pool can increase your home insurance premium by a small amount, but it can also bring years of enjoyment and increase your home’s appeal — if managed wisely.