Last Updated on January 5, 2023

As a homeowner, one of the first things you should do is to get insurance for your property. This can ensure that you have your home covered in case of accidents or any untoward incidents that qualify for claims.

One thing you should remember is that insurance companies have insurance requirements and eligibility to homeowners with pool to ensure that their home is qualified for such a policy. Some aspects can have a negative impact on your coverage. The key is knowing which ones can work to your advantage and disadvantage.

If you are a homeowner whose property comes with a pool, the first thing you should know before getting insurance is whether your swimming area can have an impact on your homeowner insurance policy.

What Does a Swimming Pool Mean for Insurers?

A pool can offer a respite from the summer heat for you and your family. Plus, swimming is great exercise, helping you keep your body physically fit and active.

However, insurers may look at your swimming area differently. To insurance companies, a swimming pool can be a hazard that can come with numerous liabilities based on the numbers.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is one of the leading causes of death in children ages one to four. It is also the second highest cause of death due to unintentional injury in children ages one to fourteen.

Furthermore, the CDC reported that unintentional drownings are the cause of 3960 deaths every year, amounting to around 11 fatal accidents per day. This is around half the number of non-fatal drownings on a yearly and daily basis.

So, in the eyes of an insurance company, a pool is a dangerous part of the property, which can increase the risks of having a claim.

Do You Need Pool Fences for Your Homeowner’s Insurance?

Given this information, you might want to be wondering if you need to install pool fences if you are interested in getting homeowner’s insurance. The answer is yes, you need a fencing system around your swimming pool before getting a policy.

This reduces the possibility of the occurrence of swimming-related fatal incidents, which is why insurers require this insurance requirement for homeowners with pools.

If you are wondering whether you can pay a higher premium for your coverage just so you can avoid installing a pool fence, then you should remember that insurance companies can make such demands. After all, they will be covering some of your expenses in case of incidents, and fences can lower risks.

Moreover, this will not be a problem if you are living in states or municipalities that require residential pools to have fences. States like California have regulations in place that you need to comply with to build your in-ground or above-ground pool. Cities like Las Vegas also have similar guidelines.

What Fences are Accepted by Insurers?

One thing you should remember is that having just any fencing system is not enough if you are planning to get homeowner’s insurance.

For residents of California, Nevada, and other states and municipalities with pool fencing policies, the first thing you should know is that they have minimum regulatory specifications.

Pool fences need to have a minimum height of four feet. A taller fence would also be preferable as it reduces the possibility of children climbing over it. To further increase protection, the barrier should not have any protrusions or features that can serve as a handhold or foothold, which children can use as leverage.

The bottom should also be only two inches above the ground to prevent children and animals from crawling under the fence.

Another thing you should remember is that any gaps or openings should have a maximum of four inches in diameter. The main principle is that children and animals should not be able to go over, under, and through the enclosure.

Plus, the barrier should be equipped with a gate mechanism that locks and closes by itself. This way, you can rest assured that no child, animal, or individual with a disability can enter the swimming area without your supervision.

When it comes to materials, there are several options to choose from. However, you should go for something that is not only functional but also convenient.

You should look for an option that is easy to install with minimal hassle but still provides the right safety and protection without being too expensive.

If you are looking for such a barrier, you should go for a mesh fencing system. These are made from more versatile material, which means that you can get different options, from standard meshes with wider grids or pet meshes with much tighter ones.

These are durable, easy to maintain, and functional. Plus, there are types that you can remove and install in another location, perfect for families who see themselves moving from one home to another.

Not sure how to proceed with installing your first-ever pool fence? You should contact us for advice as they aim to provide high-quality and compliant fences.

Other Pool Features to Look Out For

Aside from pool fences, you should remember that other aspects of your swimming area can be seen by your insurer as risks. For example, some companies prefer not to cover homes that have pools with slides and diving boards. Some insurers also go for owners with pools that are filled with water.

The important thing is to find out the criteria of your preferred insurance company. Make sure to get in touch with them first to prepare for the inspection. Nevertheless, an inspector will come to your house to assess your property and provide evaluations that come in handy when making a policy proposal.

Final Thoughts

Homeowners wanting to get insurance for their property should know that pool fences can play a role in whether they would be qualified for an insurance policy or not. In need of a contractor? Give Guardian Pool Fence Systems a call to know more about our mesh fences that come in different styles and types.

Do you need a fence around your pool?