As the weather warms up and summer approaches, homeowners will be looking for ways to make the most of their outdoor space. But with the fun of backyard swimming pools comes a certain level of responsibility for safety. While homeowners insurance provides some protection in the event of an accident, it’s better to take proactive measures to ensure that your swimming pool is not only safe for your family and guests, but also protected in case something happens while you’re enjoying it. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some simple tips for maintaining swimming pool safety at home so you can have a safe and enjoyable summer season.
The Consequences of Negligent Pool Safety
It’s easy to see backyard pools as a fun zone, but it’s important to remember that swimming pools can also be dangerous places. Unfortunately, negligent pool safety is a leading cause of accidental drownings and injury in the United States, so it’s essential that all pool owners take the necessary steps to ensure water safety at all times.
That’s largely because failure to follow proper pool safety protocols can have serious consequences. In addition to the risk of injury or death, pool owners can also be held liable for accidents that occur due to their negligence—from expensive medical bills to civil lawsuits, and even criminal charges, depending on the severity of the incident.
However, by taking the time to properly educate themselves on pool safety and implementing precautionary measures, pool owners can ensure that their friends and family have a safe and enjoyable summer season.
Basic Tips for Maintaining Swimming Pool Safety
Maintaining swimming pool safety is a must for every home with a pool, especially in the summertime, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some basic tips to help you maintain water safety and summer safety in and around the pool:
- Make sure everyone knows how to swim. Make sure all children are supervised by an adult and have taken proper swimming lessons.
- Establish and enforce safety rules. Make sure everyone knows and follows these rules to avoid any accidents or incidents.
- Keep a first aid kit and/or life ring close by in case of an emergency.
- Install safety fences and/or covers to protect children from entering the pool unsupervised.
- Keep toys away from the pool when not in use to avoid enticement for children.
- Check the pH levels in the water regularly to ensure it’s safe for swimming.
- Always remove pool ladders and other entry points when the pool is not in use.
- Post visible signs such as “no diving” and “children must be supervised by an adult” near the pool area.
- Install a Pool Alarm. Pool alarms are an invaluable safety device that alerts you when someone enters the pool area. They can provide an extra layer of protection, especially for those with young children or pets.
- Invest in Safety Covers. A safety cover is a great way to limit access to the pool when it’s not in use. They’re usually made of strong vinyl material and are designed to withstand heavy weights.
- Post Warning Signs. Make sure to post visible warning signs around the pool, advising people of its depth, any rules for using the pool, and any dangers associated with its use.
- Monitor Activity. Whether you have young children or older adults using the pool, always make sure there is someone present to monitor their activity.
- Educate Yourself. Be aware of water safety regulations, safety equipment, and lifesaving techniques to be prepared in case of an emergency.
Level Up with Policies that Float
In addition to basic safety precautions, it’s also important that homeowners understand what kinds of coverage they have when it comes to their backyard oasis—and where they could have liability gaps. So while yes, homeowners insurance does typically cover pool accidents, there are a few important factors to consider when it comes to determining what is covered and how much coverage you may receive.
First, it’s important to know that liability coverage is typically part of your homeowner’s insurance policy. This coverage covers the costs associated with any injury or damage to property as a result of your negligence. Therefore, if someone is injured in your pool and you are found liable, then your liability coverage will cover the costs associated with the incident.
But understand: liability coverage only covers the costs associated with an injury or damage in property and not necessarily the costs associated with repairing or replacing the pool itself. So, if someone falls into your pool and requires medical treatment, your homeowner’s insurance policy may cover medical bills, but not the cost of repairing or replacing the pool or building a fence.
It’s also important to note that homeowners insurance policies often have exclusions for certain kinds of pools. For example, some policies exclude coverage for swimming pools located on a commercial property, or may limit coverage for certain types of pools.
Ultimately, while homeowners insurance typically covers pool accidents, it’s important to understand the details of your policy and take all necessary safety precautions to reduce the risk of an accident. Your insurance agent can help you determine what coverage you need and what policies will best help provide it. Doing so can help ensure that you and your family stay safe this summer and that any potential accidents are covered by your insurance policy.
With the coverage, you can relax all summer, knowing that you’re protected from whatever comes your way. If you’d like help exploring your options, we at Penny Insurance would love to help. Contact us to schedule a consultation or get a quote for any of your insurance needs.