Pools are the ultimate outdoor feature. Fittingly, they require a lot of upkeep
and expense to maintain. Even if you're one of those pool owners that tenderly picks every wayward leaf out of your pool, you cannot always prevent your pool's systems from becoming damaged. Your pool's filtration system is essential to the functioning of your pool. If damaged or broken, it could put your pool out of commission.
Which begs the question, if your pool filtration system were to break, would it be covered under a standard home insurance policy? Here's everything you need to know about pool filtration systems and homeowners insurance, presented by Jerry
. How pools work with homeowners insurance
If physical damage to your pool is covered by your insurance provider, it will likely be listed under the "other structures" section of your policy. Pools are usually not considered part of your dwelling, but rather as separate structures
on your property, like sheds, fences, and garages. Your pool filtration system is considered part of the pool and will be protected as such. Therefore, it’s important to check with your homeowners insurance company and see if pools are covered under "other structures."
When you install a swimming pool, you will need to purchase additional pool coverage. Not just to protect the integrity of the structure itself, but also for the potential personal liabilities that come with owning a pool. It’s also important to remember that additional coverage will be subjected to different costs and premiums than your standard policy.
It's a mistake to install a ground pool and assume that your standard homeowners insurance policy will provide sufficient coverage. Make sure you get a policy that adequately covers you first.
Will homeowners insurance cover a damaged or broken pool filtration system?
Your damaged pool filter might be covered by your homeowners insurance. It depends on your homeowners policy and how the filtration system became damaged.
Your homeowners insurance policy includes a list of covered perils
. If your pool was damaged by one of those perils (and the perils extend to external structures), it will be covered. However, it's important to note that most perils listed in standard insurance policies are limited to unexpected and unpreventable occurrences. This includes fires, extreme weather, and natural disasters.
So if lightning is a listed peril on your homeowners insurance plan, and it causes damage to your pool filtration system, your system will be covered by your insurance.
However, it's important to note that you are responsible for the general maintenance of your pool and not taking proper care of your pool could lead to a refusal of coverage.
Will homeowners insurance cover pool filtration systems that simply stop working?
Probably not. If your pool filtration system became damaged by something that isn't listed in the covered perils of your insurance policy, it will not be covered.
Notably, standard policies almost always exclude general wear and tear. So, if your pool filtration system merely malfunctions, or dies because an unlucky frog got tangled in it, you will most likely have to pay for the replacement or repair out of pocket.
Consider a home warranty
If you want to protect yourself from the potential financial burden of a broken pool filtration system, purchasing a home warranty might be a good idea.
A home warranty could potentially cover any of your home's systems that break or suddenly stop working. Ground pools require costly components to fix, so a home warranty may give you that extra peace of mind you need to truly enjoy your pool.
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