Does Renters Insurance Cover Above-Ground Pools?


Updated: October 10, 2024

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Does renters insurance cover above-ground pools? Standard renters insurance policies cover an above-ground pool if the landlord purchased and installed the pool and you damage it; your personal liability coverage pays to repair the damage.

Personal liability coverage steps in to cover many circumstances that may occur at a rental property, including damage to your landlord’s above-ground pool, because it covers property damage. Another instance where you may need personal liability coverage includes if someone slips and falls in your home and requires medical attention. The coverage pays for their care and, should they file a lawsuit, covers legal costs to the policy’s limits.

Fortunately, renters insurance policies include coverage for above-ground pools owned by the landlord, so you do not need to purchase additional coverage. MoneyGeek has resources on what renters insurance covers and what it does not to help you further understand a policy.

In this article:

When Does Renters Insurance Cover Above-Ground Pools?

Above-ground pools are typically covered by the personal liability coverage in your renters insurance policy if the landlord purchased and installed the pool. MoneyGeek outlines some of the common instances in which renters insurance covers above-ground pools.

Renters insurance protects a landlord’s above-ground pool from damage you cause, such as poking a hole in the pool or damaging its supporting structure.

If you cause the pool to break and water destroys surrounding property, personal liability coverage helps to protect your financial assets by paying for property damage.

If someone is injured while using the pool due to your negligence, liability coverage pays for their medical care and any legal costs that could arise.

Renters insurance covers above-ground pools your landlord owns against damage caused by you in unexpected situations. A pool is a danger, even if you do not own it, but it’s part of your rental. But having renters insurance with a high personal liability coverage limit can protect you should an accident occur.

When shopping for renters insurance, MoneyGeek recommends confirming with companies that liability coverage will cover above-ground pools and getting multiple quotes for a policy as needing the higher liability limit may cost more.

When Doesn’t Renters Insurance Cover Above-Ground Pools?

Renters insurance does not cover an above-ground pool unless your landlord purchased and installed it. If it is your above-ground pool, you may not have coverage with a standard renters insurance policy, even if it’s your property.

MoneyGeek advises you to fully understand your policy — ask questions and read the fine print — to determine whether it covers your above-ground pool.

How to Protect Your Above-Ground Pool

While renters insurance provides financial security, avoiding the dangers of an above-ground pool is much better. Even if your landlord installed the above-ground pool, you may still be liable for an injury that occurs when someone uses your pool.

Installing sufficient fencing and safety perimeters, having an emergency rescue plan and keeping safety equipment immediately accessible are some strategies to safeguard yourself and others from pool accidents that may occur with above-ground pools.

    checkSign icon

    Set Safety Rules

    You can mitigate the risks of an above-ground pool by setting safety rules. These guidelines may include no children unattended at the pool, no diving and prohibiting running, skipping or playing chase near the pool.

    Also, above-ground pools frequently have removable ladders and seats, which might pose a safety hazard. Make sure to properly display rules, especially with their use.

    Understanding Guests’ Swimming Abilities

    It is important to know how well your guests can swim before using the above-ground pool. Also, never leave youngsters alone in or near the pool.

    plusSign icon

    Have Safety Equipment

    Slips and falls are the most typical pool dangers, but in the case of above-ground pools, they are generally safer because the risk of slipping and falling on a nearby wet deck is minimized. But still, it is important to have safety equipment at the pool because, for example, should someone fall and hit their head, they may be in the water unconscious, and you need to get them out quickly.

Where to Buy Renters Insurance

Renters insurance is available from most large insurance firms, such as State Farm and Progressive, as well as smaller companies like Lemonade and Toggle. If you're not sure what coverage is suitable for you, MoneyGeek has a guide for comparing renters insurance.

On average, renters insurance costs $13 per month, but this might vary depending on the coverage you need. Such as, with an above-ground pool, you may need a higher than normal personal liability limit, which could increase your policy premium.

Plus, the value of your personal belongings influences how much you pay for renters insurance. You can assess how much the coverage you need costs using MoneyGeek's personal property calculator.

Personal Property Coverage Calculator

When figuring out how much renters insurance you need, experts recommend the standard $100,000 in liability insurance and enough personal property protection to cover your possessions. Use MoneyGeek's calculator to estimate the value of your possessions so you know how much personal property coverage to buy.

shirt icon

clothing & accessories

Clothes, shoes, bags, belts, hats, gloves, etc.

$
$
$
$
$
$

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.