The pandemic has prompted many homeowners to purchase a pool or hot tub in order to enjoy their residences even more. What’s the scoop on pool or hot tub installation, safety and insurance? 

Install your pool according to code

Does your new in-ground or above-ground pool meet all provincial and municipal requirements? That's the first question to ask. To find out for sure, you should first read Nova Scotia's swimming pool regulations. This sets out a series of rules to control pool access and limit the risk of accidents. These rules include installation requirements for pool enclosures, ladders and safety devices, as well as the minimum clearance from other objects in your yard.

You must also ensure that equipment installations comply with your municipality's regulations, which are sometimes stricter than the provincial ones.

For this, you must ensure that your pool is safe and that access is properly controlled. For a hot tub, the hard cover must be equipped with a safety lock.  

Access to enclosures, water filters or water heaters must be secured to prevent anyone from climbing over in order to enter the water.

Your municipality can easily inform you of the scope of these regulations. To build, install or repair a pool in your yard, you must obtain a municipal permit. This is also true for certain types of hot tubs.

Protect your pool well

Homeowners insurance protects you against certain types of damage caused by a swimming pool or hot tub – for example, if your home is flooded by water discharge from the pool. However, damage caused by your pool or hot tub is not automatically covered. For this, you may need to purchase additional coverage (an endorsement) that will allow you to insure the following items:

• the pool (or hot tub)
• the equipment of the pool (or hot tub), especially that used for maintenance or to ensure water quality
• any patios or decks providing direct access to the pool (or hot tub)
• paved areas around the pool (or hot tub)
• necessary demolition or restoration expenses relating to the repair of any insured property
• labour costs for replacing or repairing the pool (or hot tub)
• maintenance and water-heating equipment for the pool (or hot tub)
• the deck or patio providing access to the pool (or hot tub)
• labour costs for replacing or repairing the pool (or hot tub)

Have you decided on an in-ground pool? Some home insurance policies automatically cover one, while others require an endorsement.

You should therefore let us know right away. the installation date of a new pool or hot tub. We can advise you on the best coverage to suit your needs.

Then, bring on vacation time! 

with any questions or concerns

With thanks to Intact Insurance for their editorial contribution.