A pool in a backyard with a small pool house.

Own a Pool or Hot Tub? Know the Liability Implications

A pool is a wonderful way to spend your summer days, whether relaxing on your inflatable chair or splashing around with family and friends at your annual pool party. While we’re speaking about recreational pools, there’s no question that hot tubs are another luxury for Orillia and Barrie homeowners to enjoy throughout the seasons. Sure, both offer convenience and endless fun and relaxation for your family members; however, it’s also important to note that owning either can present risks.

For your own protection, it’s important that you are aware of the liabilities associated with these water sources and are equipped with the necessary insurance coverage. Whether you own a swimming pool and hot tub currently, or you are considering these as additions to your future home, as an Orillia and Barrie homeowner you should understand all insurance implications and potential risks.

 

Insurance for Your Pool and Hot Tub

If you’re planning to purchase a home that has a pool or hot tub, Will Marshall Insurance in Barrie and Orillia will design a policy that covers the particular risks of having that pool. Essentially, we will calculate any risks that could turn into claims and factor that into your insurance rate. Down the road, should you wish to install a swimming pool and/or hot tub on your current property, your insurance rate will change based on the new value of your home, as well as any potential liabilities that may arise with owning one.

How does this work? A hot tub will sometimes add a small liability charge. However, because your swimming pool will increase the value of your home, the liability charge will be the same, but the cost to replace the pool will be added to the replacement cost of your home. Due to the safety risks connected to swimming pools and hot tubs, owning either automatically places you in a different liability position than Barrie and Orillia homeowners who do not own a swimming pool.

 

What are the Specific Risks Associated with Pools and Hot Tubs?

The most obvious risk connected with owning a swimming pool? There’s always a possibility of a drowning incident. Whether it’s your hot tub or swimming pool, both require you to maintain specific security measures to prevent injury or death. For instance, it’s critical you have the necessary safety precautions in place to prevent neighbourhood children from accessing the pool unmonitored. Furthermore, always make certain that there is adult supervision anytime children are playing in or around the swimming pool/hot tub area. Most insurance companies such as Will Marshall Insurance will have specific safety requirements that must be in place for full coverage purposes.

If a pool-related accident takes place, there is potential to be at fault should it be discovered that you failed to act responsibly. Injuries and/or fatalities that are caused by negligent behavior could unfortunately lead to lawsuits. It is the liability portion of your insurance policy that is there to protect you from the financial implications of this type of lawsuit.

 

Avoiding Pool and Hot Tub Related Claims

The easiest and most effective means of avoiding a claim against you is ensuring that your pool and hot tub area remains safe at all times. Take the appropriate actions to keep everything as safe and secure as possible. This means locking the gate in your backyard locked at all times, so there is no chance of trespassers that you’re unaware of. Make sure that children using your swimming pool or hot tub are supervised accordingly, and that all working parts of the pool are functioning as they should. Most importantly, always verify that there are lifesaving devices close to the swimming pool area in case of an emergency.

When it comes to adults, be wise in regards to the amount of alcohol that is being both served and consumed at your pool/hot tub party. Somebody who is inebriated is much more prone to a pool-related accident. Often balance can be affected when you’ve had too much to drink, leading to unexpected falls. If a person falls in the swimming pool in this state, it’s possible they will be incapable of getting out of the water on their own. Always be more mindful and responsible around the water area if your guests have been drinking. A great time could turn into a scary one in a matter of seconds otherwise.

Remind your family members and guests about your safety rules when using either the hot tub or swimming pool; after all, you are responsible for what happens on your property, and the most effective means for preventing these accidents is by reinforcing specific safety rules.

 

Home Insurance to Protect Yourself and Your Guests

At Will Marshall Insurance in Barrie and Orillia, we want to do everything we can to help you stay clear of such incidents. Contact us today to discuss the best available options for liability protection, as well as protection from severe weather conditions. Call us at 705-726-2551 for information in regards to insurance coverage for pools and hot tubs.

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