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Many South Fork homeowners usher in summer by opening their pools, but more important than getting the water sparkling and ready for a dip is ensuring that the pool is safe and secure.
Drowning kills more than 4,000 people a year in the United States and is the leading cause of preventable death for children ages 1 to 4, according to the Long Island Pool & Spa Association. Children under the age of 15 make up more than 78 percent of pool and spa submersion injury victims in the United States annually, and 67 percent of them are under the age of 3.
According to stopdrowingingnow.com, 88 percent of drownings occur with at least one adult present. Whether you are planning to install a luxury, in-ground, gunite pool or simply inflating a basic splash pool for the children, backyard pools and hot tubs have safety and insurance ramifications.
“Sadly, none of these tragedies had to happen,” George Kazdin of Kazdin Pools and Spas in Southampton said. “Although New York State’s and Southampton’s codes are very thorough, they are no substitute for supervision.”
Learning to swim from a qualified instructor reduces the risk of drowning by 88 percent for children, yet a 2022 Pool and Hot Tub Association survey found that while 81 percent of adults said their children had swimming pool access, only about half intended to enroll their child in swim lessons.
Traditionally, pool alarms have been considered a nuisance, but new technology is making them more adaptable while focusing on “drowning prevention” rather than “drowning detection.”
There are an estimated 7.4 million swimming pools and 5 million hot tubs in residential or public use in the United States.
“Aside from liability, most homeowners are surprised to learn that a standard homeowners insurance policy includes a separate limit for ‘other structures,’” said David Clausen of Coastal Insurance Solutions in Rocky Point. “This does not cover physical damage to their pool on a replacement-cost valuation basis. If wind causes a tree to fall and damage their pool, they will only receive the actual cash value to repair or replace it.”
“Customers want a safe pool and pool area,” Joe Ceglio of Prestige Swimming Pools in Quogue said. “Plus, they cannot get a certificate of occupancy without meeting code requirements.”
As Suffolk County noted a rise in the number of deaths from swimming pool drownings last year, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine urged parents to follow prevailing safety standards around swimming pools. “Please take some time this season to learn about pool safety,” said Romaine in a statement. “It could mean the difference between life and death.”
New York State and the towns of Southampton and East Hampton have extensive swimming pool, spa and hot tub codes. For starters, swimming pool barriers must be at least 48 inches above grade and completely enclosed by a permanent barrier. There are additional requirements for fencing/barriers, latches, locks, etc., including temporary barriers that must be erected during installation. While there are minimal standards, each municipality has its own specific requirements. It is up to the individual homeowner to meet each requirement, which may include installing a certain size fence, locks, decks, lights and pool-safety equipment.
Pools must be completely surrounded by an intact fence or barrier. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching. One or more pool alarms, door alarms and/or gate alarms may be required. Pools and/or spas must have anti-entrapment drains. Similarly, pool alarms must be capable of detecting water entry at any point on the surface and must sound poolside and within the dwelling.
Many of the new pool alarms use artificial intelligence (AI) to scan the pool area multiple times per second. Such systems identify human movement and can reject nonhuman movement, such as if a raccoon enters the pool area. They can then send immediate alerts for human motion only, minimizing false alarms, and are designed to operate on a 24/7 surveillance schedule, ensuring continuous protection even in instances of power outages.
The SwimCam is a smart camera-pool alarm system enabling homeowners to remotely monitor their pool area via live-camera feed. It can send alerts as soon as a someone enters the pool area and decrease response times. Most of the next generation of pool alarms are weatherproof and provide in-app surveillance with two-way communication, enabling the pool owner or house sitter to communicate directly after sending an alert whenever anyone enters the pool area in real time no matter where they may be.
If you have a pool or are planning to install one, it’s a good idea to let your insurer know as you will likely want to review coverage to be sure you have the right protection in place.
Homeowners insurance helps cover a swimming pool in two ways. If the pool is damaged by a covered peril, the policy may help pay for repairs. Homeowners insurance also includes liability coverage to help pay for expenses if a guest is injured at the pool. Coverage typically includes above- or in-ground pools, but check to be sure.
Insurers view swimming pools as an “attractive nuisance.” When it comes to liability, a typical homeowners policy provides $100,000 in basic coverage. The Insurance Information Institute (III), an industry association, recommends increasing those limits if you have a backyard pool. It is also a good idea to take safety precautions to help keep one’s pool secure and prevent injuries. Consider removing ladders from above-ground pools when not in use. Mount pool lights to keep the area well-lit and remove debris from surrounding deck area to prevent slips and falls. Avoid installing diving boards, slides and other accessories that may cause injuries.
Pool-related structures, such as pool houses, decks and patios, add value and functionality while introducing additional risks. These structures may not be fully covered under a standard homeowners policy, requiring additional endorsements or separate policies. Ensuring these structures are adequately covered can protect you from unexpected repair or replacement costs in the event of damage.
If your pool springs a leak and it was not the result of a covered peril such as a fire or windstorm, your policy likely will not cover the repair. Home insurance does not pay for damage that results from wear and tear or lack of proper maintenance. In those cases, you would likely have to pay for the repair and leak cleanup out-of-pocket. It generally is a similar scenario if your pool liner is damaged.
An insurance provider can help identify potential coverage gaps. To add an extra layer of protection, pool owners should consider a personal-umbrella policy. When a homeowners policy’s underlying liability amount is exhausted, an umbrella policy will provide additional coverage.
Pool and Hot Tub Safety Checklist
Note: Suffolk County provides CPR lessons. Contact: 631-852-5080.
