How does installing a pool affect your home insurance in Canada?

With files from Cody Kukay

The article was originally published on April 17, 2019, and was updated on June 26, 2026. 

Installing a swimming pool in your backyard creates a fun space to relax in the summer! It can transform your home into a retreat and make your backyard the destination of the season. But it also comes with not just added responsibility, but liability that could impact the cost of your home insurance.

In Canada, installing a pool (or purchasing a home with one) may increase your insurance rates as there’s more risk of injury and damage to your home. Here’s everything you need to know about installing a pool and how to keep your premiums affordable. 

Does installing a pool increase home insurance premiums?

Yes, installing a pool will typically increase your home insurance premium. Depending on the pool's size and your location, the extra cost ranges from $30 to $75 per month. This is mainly because of the higher risk of third-party liability you take on by having a pool in your backyard. 

For example, if a neighbour or family member were to get injured or drown on your property, you would be responsible. Swimming pools also increase your home’s value, which means if damage were to occur, it would cost more to either repair or replace the property. Make sure you have enough replacement cost protection on your policy to avoid paying any out-of-pocket fees.

If you’re considering installing a pool, be sure to compare home insurance quotes to help you find the best price for the added coverage you’d now require. For instance, increasing your personal liability coverage limit is a must – if you were at $1 million, you may want to consider $2 million. This will help you get a better idea of the often overlooked costs associated with owning and maintaining a pool. 

Why is installing a pool a liability for homeowners?

The risk of accidents and drownings is significantly higher when you have a pool in your backyard. The reality in Canada is that homeowners can be held liable for deaths and injuries that take place on their property, including in their pools, even if the victim was trespassing. This adds a tremendous amount of personal liability risk to the homeowner, which is why it is critical to have adequate insurance coverage and follow the municipal requirements for owning a pool. 

While your homeowner’s insurance policy can help support you with any pool-related lawsuits, you must follow required safety precautions. Failing to do so could invalidate your policy and leave you on the hook to pay for damages on your own. 

How does a home insurance policy protect a swimming pool? 

A swimming pool is generally covered under the ‘other structures’ coverage by most home insurance companies. However, some insurers will require an endorsement for a pool. In most cases, a home insurance policy covers your pool against damage caused by insured perils, such as vandalism and theft, but not against general wear and tear from negligence or poor upkeep. 

In addition to standard coverage, you may also want to consider getting insurance for any equipment, fence, and/or pool shed, as well as increasing your liability coverage.

Note: To ensure your pool and related structures are covered against weather-related events such as floods and earthquakes, you will need to add the relevant endorsements to your policy. The added benefit of having an overland water endorsement on your policy is that your home will also be protected against a pool leak or rainfall overflow. 

What is not covered in most cases is any issues related to lack of maintenance or normal wear and tear. As the property and pool owner, you are expected to maintain your property. If damage arises from negligence or aging, you are responsible for the associated repair costs.

How does liability insurance protect you as a pool owner?

Your home insurance policy includes liability coverage, which can pay for medical bills or legal fees if someone gets injured or drowns in your pool. However, in most cases, the coverage in a standard policy is not enough. 

Many pool owners choose to increase their personal liability coverage, often through umbrella insurance, which is a secondary policy that provides an extra layer of protection. For example, if you were sued because someone got injured in your pool and the costs exceeded your policy limits, your umbrella insurance would cover the remaining expenses not paid by your home insurance.

Also read: Protecting yourself and your backyard upgrades this summer

How can you reduce your risk and the chance of pool-related claims?

Once you have adequate home insurance coverage, the best way to avoid submitting a claim is to minimize your day-to-day risks:

1. Follow safety requirements

Reduce your risk by following the safety requirements outlined by your municipality. The specific requirements will vary depending on your location, but in most cases, they include installing a fence around your pool. For example, the Toronto bylaw states homeowners are required to have a fence on their property if they have a private swimming pool, and it must be a minimum of 1.2 meters high. 

Note: If you fail to follow the safety requirements, your insurance company could deny your claim. The same goes if you fail to inform your provider that you installed a pool.

2. Secure your backyard

Consider posting a warning sign and installing solid or mesh safety covers when the pool isn’t in use. A cover can help keep both people and water out of the pool.

3. Enforce pool rules

Make sure to supervise children when in the pool. If anyone chooses not to use the pool safely, get them out of the water. For instance, if your neighbours have a few too many drinks at the block party, get a little rowdy, and start a game of tag on the slippery deck, move the party inside as soon as possible. Create and post the pool rules to avoid arguments. You don’t need that liability headache.

4. Keep up maintenance 

Insurance does not replace run-of-the-mill maintenance tasks. During the summer, remove debris from the water, check chlorine levels, and make sure toys aren’t stuck in the plumbing. In the off-season, hire a professional to open and close the pool, as well as to check for cracks.

How can you lower your home insurance costs when you have a pool?

If you’re eager to install a swimming pool this summer, make sure you review your options to keep your home insurance costs affordable. Here are some tips: 

• Bundle your home & auto insurance policies to get extra savings.
• Install safety features around your pool to reduce the risk of claims, such as self-closing gates or alarm systems.
• Increase your deductible, for example from $500 to $1,000, to see your premium drop.
• Shop the market and compare home insurance quotes to find your best price with the right level of coverage. 

Also read: How to save money on home insurance in Canada

The bottom line 

Installing a pool is a great way to make the most of the summer season and create memories with your loved ones. But it comes with added risks that increase your liability and likelihood of a claim. To protect yourself, inform your insurance company if you plan to install a pool or purchase a property with one. Then review your coverage and upgrade your insurance policy to ensure it provides the right amount of coverage so you can enjoy your pool worry-free. 

Happy swimming!

Also read:

• How to reduce home insurance costs with renovations
• How home renovations affect your insurance 
• Do you need home insurance for a renovation