Imagine this: it’s a hot summer day, the sun is beating down, and the only thing on your mind is that first refreshing splash into the pool. Whether you’ve had one in your backyard for years or are just starting to think about adding one to your home, there’s no denying the joy a pool brings during the warmer months.

But along with the fun comes responsibility, and your homeowners insurance may be more affected than you realize.

From in-ground installations to inflatable setups, each type of pool carries its own risks and coverage considerations. As you get ready for the summer season, here’s what you need to know to keep your guests safe, protect your property and ensure your insurance policy is up to date.

How a Pool Affects Your Homeowners Insurance

Pools are typically considered “attractive nuisances,” meaning they can increase both the value of your home and your liability as a homeowner. Here’s how different pool types may affect your insurance:

• In-Ground Pools are often covered under the dwelling portion of your policy, as they’re considered part of the structure of your home.
• Above-Ground Pools may be treated differently depending on whether they’re considered permanent or portable. Some policies include them under personal property, while others may require a special endorsement.
• Inflatable or Temporary Pools are usually treated as personal property, but coverage for physical damage isn’t always automatic. Even though these pools are smaller and seasonal, they still carry liability risks, especially for children, and should always be secured when not in use.

In each case, it’s important to notify your Rockingham Insurance agent once a pool is installed, or before setting one up for the season, so they can confirm how it fits into your policy.

Liability Coverage: What Happens if Someone Gets Hurt?

The biggest insurance concern with pools is personal liability. If someone is injured while using your pool, even if they weren’t invited, you could be held financially responsible.

Most standard homeowners policies include personal liability coverage, but depending on your pool and how often it’s used, it may be wise to increase your limits or consider an umbrella policy for extra protection. This is especially true if:

• You host frequent gatherings,
• Children use the pool regularly,
• Or you don’t have physical barriers like fencing around where your pool is located.

Even if you’ve never had an incident, updating your coverage ensures you’re prepared if the unexpected occurs.

Safety Features That Can Reduce Risk

The more you do to make your pool a safe space, the better positioned you’ll be if you ever need to rely on your coverage. Here are a few safety upgrades to consider:

• Fencing: A four-sided fence with a self-latching gate is one of the most effective ways to prevent unsupervised access.
• Pool Covers: A durable cover can help prevent debris buildup and accidental falls.
• Alarms & Locks: Pool alarms and locked access points add extra layers of security.
• Clear Rules: Posting pool rules or reviewing them with guests helps manage expectations and reinforces safety.

Before You Dive In: Check Your Coverage

Whether your pool is in-ground, above-ground or inflatable, summer is the perfect time to review your homeowners insurance and make sure you have the right protections in place.

Not sure where your pool falls within your policy? Your trusted Rockingham Insurance agent is here to help. We’ll walk you through your options, review your liability limits, and make sure you’re set up for a safe and worry-free pool season. Because when the kids are jumping in before the sunscreen’s even dry, it’s good to know you’re covered.