If you are asked what your dream home looks like, what will you say? Many will certainly say a big house with a pool in the garden. After all, who doesn’t dream of that? Spending the summer vacations by the pool, with friends, swimming as many times as you want, etc. However, do not forget that swimming is often a source of accidents.
In fact, every year, there are more than 5,000 cases of drowning, of which about 40 do not make it. Most of the victims are children under the age of 14. It only takes one minute of inattention for an accident to occur and for the worst to happen. That’s why it’s essential to protect and insure your pool. The question is: Doesn’t your home insurance cover the pool?
Is the pool included in the home insurance?
Comprehensive home insurance generally covers buildings used for residential purposes (apartments or houses). It is compulsory and must be taken out by the owner in the case of a rented property. Home insurance generally covers the following:
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- Damage caused to real estate and personal property
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- Those caused in case of disasters such as fire, water damage, or natural disaster.
Nevertheless, the coverage can be more extensive depending on the formula subscribed. Thus, if you declare your swimming pool in the contract when you take out your home insurance, it can also cover it in case of damage. Nevertheless, you can ask your insurance company for more information. It is indeed possible that the elements of your pool are damaged due to a climatic event, an act of vandalism, a fire, or a short circuit. This also applies to equipment outside the structure, such as the storage room.
What about a swimming accident?
Home insurance can cover your pool. However, in the event of an accident or drowning in your pool, your liability insurance will cover the compensation. Indeed, during vacations or weekends, you may invite your friends or your children’s friends to enjoy your pool. However, children can be unruly and injure themselves by slipping at the edge of the pool or by making a bad dive. In the event of such a problem, the liability insurance you have purchased will be used to compensate the victims. In addition, it is always wise to secure your pool to avoid accidents. It is mandatory for both in-ground and above-ground pools.
Which safety device should I choose for my pool?
The construction of private swimming pools is regulated by law. Indeed, since January 1st, 2004, above-ground and in-ground pools must be secured to avoid the risk of accidents and drowning. Different solutions are possible for that:
Protective barrier
The installation of a protective barrier around the pool allows you to make it inaccessible when you do not want to swim. This device will not only prevent children from accessing it but also your pets (dog, cat, etc.). In addition, you will not have to worry about the issue of aesthetics since the protective barriers are available in different materials (wood, PVC, aluminum, iron, and steel).
Pool enclosure
Contrary to a protective barrier, the pool cover is more expensive, but is, however, more secure. Indeed, this device is more secure and is more aesthetic. You can choose between different models (telescopic pool enclosure, retractable pool enclosure, etc.) depending on the budget you have. In addition, the pool cover is much more effective in protecting your pool from frost and pollution, especially during the winter.
Pool cover
The most common pool cover is the pool cover. The device is very safe if it is properly attached. However, the cover cannot prevent dust from entering the pool.
Pool alarm
Unlike other security systems, the pool alarm does not protect the pool. The purpose of the devices is to sound an alarm if someone gets too close to the edge of the pool. You can choose to install them on the four corners of the pool or on the surface of the water. However, be aware that whichever device you choose must comply with current standards.
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