Adding a swimming pool will typically increase your homeowners insurance premium. Arizona homeowners often see an increase of about $50 to $75 per year. However, the exact amount depends on your current policy, liability limits, and the type of pool you install. We reviewed data from several of the nation’s leading insurance providers and reputable insurance industry resources.
Insurance companies classify swimming pools as an “attractive nuisance.” That legal term simply means pools naturally draw people in. Thousands of pool injuries per year force insurers to adjust coverage requirements once a pool is added.
Your insurance provider will recommend increasing your liability coverage from the standard $100,000 to $300,000 or even $500,000. Especially, you can be held liable for injuries that occur in or around your pool. On average, homeowners with pools pay around $1,823 per year for coverage.
In this article, we share how a swimming pool affects your homeowner's insurance. Specifically, we explain the types of coverage insurers require and how pools are classified. Next, we outline practical ways to manage and, in some cases, reduce your insurance costs. This way can make better budget decisions for your new swimming pool.
Table of Contents
How pools affect your home insurance?
If someone is injured in or around your pool, you as the homeowner can be held financially responsible. This includes guests, neighborhood children, and even trespassers. Therefore, insurers adjust both your premium and your required coverage levels.
- $50–$75 per year — The typical premium increase Arizona homeowners see after adding a pool.
- $1,823 per year (average) — The national average annual homeowner's insurance cost for homes with pools.
Most insurance carriers require specific safety measures before extending or modifying coverage.
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Fencing with self-closing and self-latching gates
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Adequate lighting around the pool and access points
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Non-slip decking and walkways
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Pool alarms or approved safety covers (requirements vary by state and carrier)
Certain pool features also impact your premium. Diving boards and slides typically increase insurance costs. They raise the likelihood of serious injury and some carriers may even exclude coverage. Also, in-ground pools are generally viewed as higher long-term liability exposures compared to above-ground pools
Many Homeowners Don't Think About Insurance Costs
“Surprisingly, insurance just doesn’t come up very often,” says Evan Boyd, designer at Shasta Pools. “I had to really think about an example. The only time I’ve heard it mentioned a few times is with diving boards. There’s this perception that it drives up insurance costs — and in some cases, it does.”
“Most people are focused on the fun stuff. They’re looking at the pretty picture. They’re thinking about the paint color and the fit and finish. They’re not really thinking about what’s under the hood — or how insurance companies look at liability.”
What are the types of coverage and how pools are classified?
Insurance companies classify pools based on whether they are attached, permanent, or portable. In-ground pools are covered under Dwelling Coverage (Coverage A) if attached to the home, or Other Structures (Coverage B) if standalone. Other Structures coverage usually caps at 10% of your homeowner's coverage.
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Permanent in-ground pools typically list under Other Structures.
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Portable above-ground pools often listed as Personal Property.
Ask Your Insurance Carrier
“Most customers don’t know what their pump looks like, let alone how their pool is classified on an insurance policy,” says Evan Boyd, designer at Shasta Pools. “They’re looking at the design and the features — which they should be. But insurance companies are looking at it completely differently. They’re thinking liability, permanence, risk exposure.”
“That’s why it’s smart to just ask your carrier straight up. How are you classifying this? Because that answer changes what you’re actually covered for.”
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Insurance is only one part of protecting your investment. The builder you choose plays an even bigger role in long-term safety, structure, and peace of mind. |
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What are ways to manage and reduce insurance costs?
You can reduce pool-related insurance costs by improving safety, increasing liability protection strategically, and maintaining your pool properly.
The most effective ways to manage costs include:
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Installing required fencing with self-closing, self-latching gates
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Adding pool alarms or automatic safety covers
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Ensuring proper lighting and non-slip decking
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Considering a low-cost umbrella liability policy
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Maintaining your pool to prevent preventable damage claim
Good Designed Pool Adds Safety
“But the good news is, when the pool’s designed properly and the safety pieces are in place, the increase usually isn’t dramatic. It’s more about being smart up front so there aren’t issues later.” - Evan Boyd, Shasta Pools Designer
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Want to see the full financial picture? |
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Insurance Is Part of the Plan
Adding a swimming pool will increase your homeowners insurance about $50 to $75 per year in Arizona. Plus, recommended liability coverage increases too. Although, the premium adjustment is usually modest. Especially, when you compare the protection it provides.
When you own a pool, you carry additional responsibility. If someone is injured in or around your backyard, the financial exposure can be significant. That’s why most insurance carriers recommend increasing liability coverage to $300,000 or even $500,000.
The good news is that you have control over many of the factors that influence your costs. Proper fencing, self-closing gates, alarms, lighting, and thoughtful design all reduce risk. An umbrella policy — often $150 to $300 per year for $1 million in additional liability protection — is frequently one of the smartest financial safeguards a pool owner can add.
At Shasta Pools, we believe building a pool should feel exciting. However, insurance is simply one part of the overall investment.
A well-designed, properly protected pool isn’t just a backyard feature. It’s a long-term lifestyle investment — and one that deserves to be planned thoughtfully from every angle.
FAQs
Q1. How much does a pool typically increase home insurance premiums? On average, adding a pool to your property can increase your home insurance premiums by $50 to $75.
Q2. Why do insurance companies consider pools to be high-risk? Insurance companies classify pools as "attractive nuisances" due to the increased risk of accidents and injuries.
Q3. What additional coverage do I need for a pool? Most insurers recommend increasing your liability coverage from the standard $100,000 to between $300,000 and $500,000.
Q4. Are there ways to reduce insurance costs for a home with a pool? Yes, you can potentially lower your insurance costs by installing safety features such as fencing with self-closing gates, pool alarms, and proper lighting.
Q5. How are different types of pools classified for insurance purposes? In-ground pools are typically covered under "other structures" coverage, which is usually 10% of your dwelling coverage. Above-ground pools may be classified as personal property if they're portable.
References
Insurance.com Does homeowners insurance cover swimming pools?
Progressive.com Does homeowners insurance cover swimming pools?
Bankrate.com Does homeowners insurance cover your swimming pool?
