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10 minute read Published on Jun 17, 2026 by BrokerLink Communications
Have you ever looked at house listings, whether because you’re planning a move or just for something fun to do, and found yourself yearning for their backyard pools? It’s easy to picture yourself lounging by the pool on a warm afternoon, but having one will change how your home is assessed for insurance. From local bylaws to provincial rules, to the wording in your policy, they all shape what’s required to enjoy your pool safely while staying fully insured.
Below, we’ll explain how different pools are categorized, what your expectations are as a homeowner who owns a pool and how it might affect your home insurance. Planning to add a pool or moving into a home that already has one? Speak with a licensed BrokerLink advisor today to make sure you have the right coverage.
Did you know that over the past decade, more than half of all drownings in Canada happened in backyard or public swimming pools? So, while to you, having a pool may feel like having your own little sanctuary in the backyard, to your insurer, it’s another structure, or an “attractive nuisance” on your property with its own risks, upkeep needs and safety requirements.
First, let’s clear the air. There’s no separate swimming pool insurance coverage. It’s built into your home policy rather than offered as its own product. Most home insurance policies treat a pool as part of your property and extend coverage either under the dwelling or contents coverage portion of your policy when something sudden and accidental happens to it. Your personal liability coverage can also extend out to the pool area to protect you if someone is injured.
But here’s the most important part: You must inform your insurer about your pool, and it must be properly maintained and fenced according to local bylaws. Otherwise, you may find yourself facing a denied insurance claim down the road.
To better understand your coverage, it may help to see which pool-related issues insurers tend to cover and which issues they leave to you:
Generally covered
Generally not covered
Fire, vandalism and storm-related damage
General wear and tear, like liner leaks or cracks
Damage from falling branches or trees
Freeze damage from improper winter closing
Medical bills, legal fees and settlements if a visitor is injured
Issues caused by shifting soil or installation flaws
Certain equipment failures (policy-dependent)
Deferred maintenance issues
Overland flooding or earthquakes (policy-dependent)
Some insurance companies may add conditions for deeper in-ground pools, diving boards or slides and may require additional coverage if the pool’s value exceeds your policy’s coverage limits. Some policies may also set sublimits for outdoor structures, which can cap your payout amount.
Please note that coverage can vary and will depend on your insurance policy wording, insurer and the underwriting. Always verify your coverage with your local BrokerLink advisor.
The way an insurer classifies your pool will shape the type of protection it receives. The two main types of pools are treated quite differently:
In-ground pools are usually viewed as “other structures”, grouped with things like detached garages or permanent patios. Other structures fall under Coverage B of your home insurance policy’s dwelling coverage (Coverage A), and it’s typically set at 10% of your dwelling coverage limit. Note that your other structures coverage should be high enough to account for the pool itself, the concrete or stonework that surrounds it, and any equipment that’s part of the installation, should a covered loss occur.
Above-ground pools often fall under your personal property insurance, especially when they can be moved or taken down for winter. But if your pool is anchored, plumbed in or built into a fixed deck, insurers may view it as part of the home and shift it under your dwelling coverage instead.
Because different parts of your policy will come with their own deductibles, limits and claim rules, it’s important for both you and your insurer to be on the same page about how your pool is classified. You can check your policy’s Declarations Page or reach out to your BrokerLink insurance broker to confirm how your pool is classified and whether your current limits work for the setup in your backyard.
Having a backyard pool changes how the law views your responsibility for the space around it. Under several provincial Occupiers’ Liability Acts, like Ontario’s or Alberta’s, all homeowners must take reasonable steps to keep visitors safe around hazards, which include pools. A guest slipping on wet concrete or falling unexpectedly into the deep end can create injuries that may carry big financial and legal consequences.
Most home policies include personal liability with limits that are often around $1 or $2 million. However, some pool-related incidents can surpass those limits quickly, which is why some homeowners choose to raise that limit to $5 million. Others may add an umbrella liability coverage to help cover the difference in cost, so they’re not left exposed if a claim exceeds their base coverage.
If something ever happens near or in the pool, it’s essential that you document it. You’ll want to:
Write down the details of who, what, where, why, when and how it happened
Make a list of everyone present and collect witness statements
Take photos of the area
Keep a copy of any medical reports
These details can help support your version of events if a liability claim is filed against you. When something happens near a pool, people often look first at whether the enclosure was up to code and if you did what most homeowners would do to keep the space safe. Since each province has its own take on Occupiers’ Liability, it may be worth checking with your broker and getting legal advice if you’re unsure.
Before installing a pool, homeowners will need to follow a mix of provincial rules and municipal bylaws that work together to keep the space safe. Here’s an overview to help you understand which regulation is set by which party and what you need to do:
Area of responsibility
Who sets it
What homeowners must do
Possible consequences if ignored
Safety legislation
Your province
Learn the provincial rules that apply to residential pools
Fines or formal orders if your pool doesn’t meet provincial expectations
Pool enclosure bylaws
Your municipality
Build and maintain a fence and gate system that meets local rules
Fix-it orders, delayed approvals or fines
Permits
Apply for a permit, submit drawings and confirm whether your design legally counts as a “pool”
Stop-work orders, fines, redesigns or delays in opening the pool
Site planning
Follow the site-planning rules and get utility locates before digging
Being asked to relocate structures or pay fines
Electrical and bonding
Licensed electricians following provincial/national codes
Hire a licensed electrician who knows the local code
Electrical hazards, failed inspections or rejected permits
Inspections
Book inspections, make sure the enclosure is complete and fix any issues flagged by the inspector
Failed inspections, extra repair costs or delays in opening the pool
Please note that this table was made to give you a more general picture of Canada and the exact responsibilities may shift depending on your province or municipality.
Most municipalities expect a barrier that fully wraps around the water and a gate that reliably takes care of itself, meaning that it can close and latch all on its own, and insurers do, too. They also want to know that it can be locked when the area isn’t in use. This helps you keep curious hands and feet out of the water when no one’s around and lowers the chances of someone getting hurt.
One major study on childhood drowning prevention in pools found that children were 73% less likely to drown in a fully-fenced pool when compared to an unfenced one. The study further noted that the number rose to 83% when the fence was placed directly around the pool instead of the whole yard. Here's what you should know regarding fencing:
Most municipalities expect gates that close and latch on their own, require certain materials to be used when building the fence, and that the enclosure meets their minimum height requirements, which are commonly a minimum of 1.2 metres (roughly five feet). However, the exact requirements depend on where you live. For example:
The City of Ottawa’s Pool Enclosure bylaw sets a minimum fence requirement of 1.5 metres
The City of Calgary sets it at 1.8 metres
The City of Fredericton sets it at 1.5 metres
In Quebec, a more recent safety regulation set a 1.2 metre minimum, though local bylaws may still vary
Above-ground pools can be an exception. Some municipalities may allow the pool’s own walls to act as the enclosure if they’re high enough and not easily climbable, though you may still need a gate or barrier for the ladder or deck area, like in Ottawa. The only way to know for sure is to check your local bylaw. As pool requirements are set by your municipality and province and vary by property, please check with your local government and speak with your BrokerLink advisor to find the right swimming pool insurance requirements for your home.
The best place to start looking is on your municipality’s website, where its bylaws are often found. They may have a dedicated “pool enclosure” bylaw, or it may be listed under their fence bylaw or zoning bylaw. You can also check their local building permits and any planning or zoning pages. If something isn’t clear, you can always call your municipality’s building department or speak with a licensed contractor who’s familiar with local pool installations.
When you have a pool, insurers tend to pay close attention to any features that help them understand how people may use the space, such as:
Slides
Diving boards
Deeper sections
Attached spas or hot tubs
Heaters
Underwater lighting
Large deck areas
Features like these can influence the level of risk on your property. They may also look for any safety features or details that you’ve added around the area, such as any non-slip materials, visible depth markers and even “no diving” signs in shallow areas of the pool, as these can help lower the risk of accidents. Some companies will ask whether you use a safety cover or pool alarm and may want to know how the pool area is usually monitored when being used. Let's take a closer look at how these details can influence the cost of your insurance:
A pool doesn’t automatically mean a huge jump in insurance costs, but it does change how your home will be evaluated. That’s why it’s important to let your home insurance provider know whenever you add new features like a heater or a slide or before you start building or adding a pool.
The type of pool, any extra features, your claim history, the rebuild value of your property and your chosen liability limits and deductibles can all affect your final quote. In addition, increasing your other structures or personal liability limits or adding extra coverage for more liability protection for your pool equipment, like the pumps or filters.
Because every home is different, it’s always best to get a personalized quote. That would be much more accurate than a generalized rate. A BrokerLink insurance broker can shop around with several top carriers and walk you through your options to help you find the right fit.
Contact BrokerLink today to get the right insurance coverage for your residential or commercial swimming pool. Our expert advisors will take the time to understand your specific needs so they can personalize your homeowners’ insurance policy to meet your unique needs. We can also offer you expert advice, like whether you need swimming pool contractor insurance before building, or helpful tips to keep your backyard safe.
You can reach us by phone, email or in person at any of our locations throughout Canada. No matter how you choose to get in touch, a BrokerLink insurance advisor will be happy to assist you. We also encourage you to take advantage of our free online quote tool that can provide you with a competitive quote in minutes.
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Adding a slide or diving board to your pool might raise your insurance premium since they can be seen as extra risks. To make sure you’re fully covered, it’s a good idea to talk with your insurance broker.
Even though you’re generally not responsible for damage caused by the construction company, it’s smart to be proactive. Make sure your pool is covered during the construction by asking for an official copy of the pool service insurance from each contractor working on your project.
Yes, you need a fence around my pool for insurance, and you must check with your local municipality to ensure you’re following the guidelines and the law. When you speak to your insurance advisor, tell them about the fence so they can ensure you are covered properly.
If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.
