What Is the Standard Homeowners Insurance in Colorado, and What Does It Cover?

Most homeowners insurance companies in Colorado provide a basic level of protection that covers your property for physical damage and liability for injuries or damage caused by you or another person on your property. 



Although this basic coverage is typically enough to provide peace of mind and financial security, it doesn’t extend to specific risks associated with pool ownership, such as accidental drowning.

How Does Installing a Pool Affect Your Homeowners Insurance in Colorado?

Installing a pool in your home can have significant impacts on your homeowners' insurance policy. Here are some of the impacts:

a) Higher Premiums

Having a pool generally leads to higher homeowners insurance premiums. This is because pools are considered to be an extra risk, and so insurers need to factor that into their rates when offering coverage. The increased liability associated with having a pool, as well as the potential for property damage, makes it a risky endeavor for insurers, and so they will often increase premiums to compensate.

Higher premiums can be a significant burden on homeowners in Colorado, as it can make insurance unaffordable or discourage them from investing in a pool in the first place. 

b) Swimming Pools Are an Attractive Nuisance

Swimming pools are considered an attractive nuisance because they are a source of potential injury or property damage. This is especially true for homeowners in Colorado who may not have fencing around their pools to keep out unwanted visitors. 

Without a fence, children and pets can easily wander into the pool area and potentially drown or suffer other injuries. This is why many homeowners insurance companies in Colorado require you to install a fence around your pool if you want to receive coverage.

c) Excess Liability Coverage

Because of the extra risks associated with having a pool, many insurers in Colorado require you to purchase excess liability coverage in addition to your standard homeowner's insurance policy. This additional coverage will protect you from any costs associated with injury or property damage caused by a pool accident. 

If you choose not to purchase this extra coverage, your regular homeowner's insurance may not provide enough protection, and you could be left footing the bill for medical expenses, legal fees, or property damage caused by someone using your pool.

Having a pool is an investment that can bring years of enjoyment and relaxation to your family. However, it's important to remember that there are additional risks associated with owning a pool, and these need to be taken into consideration when purchasing homeowners insurance in Colorado.

How Can You Reduce Your Homeowners Insurance Rates After Installing a Pool?

Despite the fact that pools can significantly raise your homeowners' insurance rates in Colorado, there are still steps you can take to minimize this financial burden. Here are some tips:

• Install a Pool Fence: One of the best ways to reduce your homeowners' insurance costs in Colorado is to install a fence around your pool. A fence will help keep unwanted visitors out and provide an extra layer of protection against accidental drowning.
• Increase Your Deductible: Increasing your deductible can also help reduce your homeowners' insurance premiums, as this will lower the risk you're taking. However, it's important to make sure that you can afford the increased deductible in case of an accident or other incident involving your pool.
• Review Your Homeowner's Association Rules: If you live in an area with a homeowner's association, it is important to ensure that your pool meets its regulations. Some homeowners' associations have strict rules and regulations regarding pools, so it is important to review these before installing a pool in order to avoid any potential conflict or fines. Additionally, some insurance companies may offer discounts for homeowners who are in compliance with their association's rules, so it is worth looking into this as well.
• Consider Adding Additional Pool Safety Features: There are a number of additional safety features that can be installed to help keep your pool safe and reduce the risk of accidents or injuries. These can include pool alarms, automatic shut-off valves, and other devices that will help to ensure that your pool is safe to use. Additionally, adding these features may help you qualify for discounts on your insurance premiums as well.
• Keep A First Aid Kid Nearby: It is also a good idea to keep a first aid kit near your pool in case of any accidents or injuries. This can help you provide immediate medical attention to anyone who may be hurt and will also demonstrate to insurance companies that you are taking proper safety precautions.
• Create A Non-Slip Surface Around the Pool Area: Creating a non-slip surface around the pool area is also an important safety measure that can help reduce the risk of slips and falls. This can be done by installing floor mats or slip-resistant tiles, creating a safer environment for anyone using the pool.
• Post A List of Pool Rules and Emergency Contact Numbers: Lastly, it is important to post a list of pool rules and emergency contact numbers near the pool area. This will help ensure that everyone using the pool understands how to use it safely and can also provide vital contact information in case of an accident or injury.

Installing a pool can be an exciting addition to any home in Colorado, but it's important to consider the additional risks and costs associated with owning a pool. 

By taking some of these steps, you can ensure that you are properly protected while still keeping your insurance premiums affordable.

How Are Pools Classified on Your Insurance Policy?

Homeowners insurance typically includes pools as a type of hazard known as an "attractive nuisance." This term refers to objects or features that may attract children but also pose a danger. Pools may be listed separately in a policy, but they are often grouped in with other hazards of this type, such as trampolines.

How Much Does Pool Insurance Cost in Colorado?

The cost of pool insurance in Colorado depends on how the pool is classified in relation to the home. It can either be included in the overall value of the home or considered as a separate structure.

Replacement Value for Pools

When a pool is considered part of the replacement value of a home, it is treated like an additional room. The cost of insurance will increase to reflect the value of the pool. For example, if a home is worth $400,000 and a $25,000 pool is added, the home's replacement value becomes $425,000, and the insurance premiums will rise accordingly.

Pools as External Structures

If your pool is considered an external structure, it may be covered by your homeowners' insurance at a percentage of the replacement value of your home, usually around 10%. If the value of your pool and other external structures stays within the coverage limit, your premiums should remain stable or only increase slightly. However, if the value of your pool exceeds the external structure coverage, you may need to purchase additional insurance.

What About Swimming Pool Liability Coverage?

Swimming pools can be a liability risk for homeowners. You could be held liable if someone is injured or killed in your pool, even if they were not authorized to use it. In order to protect yourself financially in case of a lawsuit or legal fees, it is recommended to have at least $500,000 in liability coverage. This amount may be higher than what is typically included in standard homeowners insurance, so you may need to pay extra for this coverage. 



It's essential to ensure that your insurance plan has adequate liability coverage for your swimming pool to protect yourself from unexpected costs.

What About Above-Ground Pools?

Above-ground pools are often considered personal property, rather than external structures, when it comes to homeowners insurance coverage. This is because they are technically regarded as mobile, even though moving them is not practical.



As a result, they are typically insured according to your personal property coverage. This means that having an above-ground pool should not greatly increase your homeowners' insurance premiums.

Having a Question? Contact Badger Insurance Advisors Today!

If you have any questions about homeowners insurance in Colorado, contact Badger Insurance Advisors today. Our experienced team can help you find the best coverage for your needs and budget. We will work with you to review your current policies and explain all the options available to you so you can make an informed decision. 



With our knowledge and expertise, you can be assured that you are getting the most cost-effective and comprehensive coverage for your pool. Don't hesitate to contact us and let our advisors help you secure the right insurance plan for your unique needs.