What to Consider Before Buying a Pool

With many public pools remaining closed this summer due to COVID-19, more homeowners are considering building or purchasing a pool. If this is you, check with Capitol to ensure you coverage B, other structures coverage, is enough to repair or replace your pool if it is damaged by a covered loss. (e.g. falling tree that could crack the cement) Your liability coverage will also protect you if someone is injured while enjoying your pool. Far too often we hear of pool-related accidents and deaths;according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the second leading cause of death of children while around the house is drowning. So, how do we prevent these tragedies and potential claims from happening?

If you have a pool, or are considering one for your home, here are some required and/or suggested safety tips that you should consider.

Safety Measurements Required by Indiana

In the state of Indiana, in-ground or above ground pools with more than two feet of water are required to have either a five-foot-tall fence or an automatic pool cover. The definition of a pool includes swim-spas and hot tubs.

Fencing

If you choose to go with fencing rather than the automatic pool cover, you may use the house as part of the barrier, or build a fence that surrounds only the pool. If you use your home as part of the barrier, a door alarm for doors accessing the pool is recommended to let you know if anyone inside may be heading towards the pool. With either fencing, ensure it meets the height requirement, has a secure gate or door that cannot be easily unlocked, and make sure no one can get over, under or through the fence.

Pool Cover

If you have a sturdy, automatic pool cover, the risk of falling into an open pool is decreased greatly. When using a pool cover, be sure to put the controls away when the pool is closed. This prevents the pool being opened without supervision. Also, be sure to check that the pool is empty, and nothing is blocking the cover before closing the pool.

Capitol Safety Recommendations

The following tips, while not required, are recommended by Capitol.

Ladders

For above ground pools, ladders are often required to enter the pool. When the pool is not in use, remove or fence-in the ladder so no one can access the pool, even if covered.

Water Safety

Teach children water safety measurements from a young age. Knowing the dangers of a pool, how to swim/float on your back, can greatly decrease the chance of a pool-related accident or death.

Supervision

Even if all the above safety measurements are in place, never leave children or those who cannot swim alone in/near a pool. Ensure that whoever oversees the pool has some knowledge of basic life saving skills in the event of an accident. It is also helpful to keep a phone nearby in case of emergency.

If you have any questions regarding pool requirements, reach out to your local county government for specific guidelines that apply to you. If you have any questions regarding your pool coverage or your insurance, please reach out to me. We are here for your peace of mind!