If you have a pool on your property, it won’t be long before you officially open it up for summer. You’ll probably have quite a few guests drop by for a swim from time to time. Still, whenever someone gets around the pool, they put themselves at-risk of an accident. By default, because it is your pool, your guests become your responsibility. You need to look out for their safety. How can you do so?
Accidents around pools cause a significant increase in a homeowner’s liability risks. Therefore, you need to make sure you keep them as low as possible on your own. Still, don’t forget to increase your liability insurance to your greater satisfaction.
Does Liability Insurance Cover Pool Accidents?
Most homeowners need to carry a home insurance package. These policies will generally contain liability insurance. It will protect you, the property owner, in case of damaging accidents impacting others. Should that person get hurt while swimming, sunbathing or doing any other pool activity, you might have to help them cover their medical costs or personal needs. Liability insurance will help most pool owners in this regard.
Nevertheless, adding a pool to your property will likely increase liability risks in the eyes of most insurers. Therefore, we recommend that you increase your liability insurance limits to address the potential safety hazards at the pool. You can usually increase coverage to over $100,000 in protection. Therefore, even the most-severe accidents might have at least partial coverage.
Preventing Harm to Your Visitors
Pool safety is an important part of home ownership. If you want to have such a recreational item, you have to make sure it doesn’t harm others. The better you do in these circumstances, the better you’ll reduce liability risks. That can help you keep your insurance risks low and your rates stable.
Keep just a few safety procedures in mind, and you can do a lot to keep pool visitors safe.
- Make sure the pool receives regular upkeep and maintenance. Pay close attention to both the deck and the pool itself. Regularly clean it, add appropriate safety chemicals and repair any broken areas.
- If you plan to install diving boards or other utilities, like ladders or sporting nets, install these appropriately. Keep an eye on them for damage.
- Supervise your visitors at all times. This applies especially to children visiting the pool.
- Keep live-saving devices on hand and in good condition. Have life jackets, floaters, and a First Aid kit ready to go.
Make sure you inform your guests of any must-know rules on the pool deck. It is your property, and you have a right to enforce safety regulations as you see fit. You don’t have to be strict to an extreme. However, oversight can make the difference between a fun day and a disaster. To get a quote click here or you can call us at 828-252-6848.