On a scorching summer day, there’s nothing like kicking back and relaxing by the comfort of your own swimming pool. It’s days like these that we look forward to after those long Canadian winters. Now more than ever, as public places remain closed during this global pandemic, many people will be enjoying the summer season from the comfort of their own backyard.
In a rush to relax and enjoy the sun, many pool owners often forget the responsibilities of creating a safe backyard pool environment. Have you ever stopped to think about the hazards and risks that could ruin these days? With that being said, there’s a reason why home insurance premiums are higher for homeowners with a swimming pool. This is because the risk of liability is higher too. It is important that homes with swimming pools have insurance protection that takes into account the hazards and risks related to swimming pools.
Ensuring you have insurance coverage for your swimming pool will protect you in two main ways:
- Provides coverage to help repair costs and damages to your swimming pool
- Provides liability protection should a guest suffer pool-related injuries or death that results in medical costs or a lawsuit
By installing a swimming pool in the back of your home, the cost of your insurance protection will be reflected in your home insurance policy, which means that your premium could increase the following:
- The cost of replacement for the home
- The risk of liability
With liability protection comes safety requirements set in place by your insurance company. If you don’t abide by it, you may be refused coverage. Negligence accusations and injuries can be avoided by following standard safety guidelines and requirements. These include:
- Maintaining the keep-up of the pool area and removing accident-prone obstacles
- Consistently checking water pH levels to keep water clean
- Installing a 4-sided fence around the backyard with the swimming pool and a gated locked door, as per City of Toronto municipal by-laws. Laws put the responsibility on pool owners for injuries obtained by anyone who gains access to your swimming pool – whether you know them or not.
- Making sure that all parts of the pool are working properly. For example: Diving boards, slides, step ladders
- Constant swimming pool supervision especially of children under your care
- Adequate lifesaver flotation apparatus’ in close proximity to pool for use in emergency situations
- The usage of alcohol consumption be prohibited in and around the pool
- Posting safety rules regarding running/diving near the pool and enforcing these rules!
With decades of experience providing homeowners insurance, Oracle RMS is equipped with the necessary knowledge to ensure you are protected from risks. Request a quote for Swimming Pool Insurance that is uniquely tailored to your coverage needs or contact us to speak directly with one of our representatives who will gladly provide more information.
