What’s Included in Home Warranty Pool Coverage?

When most people think of a private pool, they imagine floating on an inflatable tube with sunglasses and a lemonade on a lazy afternoon, but any pool owner knows too well the amount of responsibility and attention that a pool demands.

Even modest pools require careful maintenance, which can encompass water testing, chlorine monitoring, skimming, vacuuming, weatherproofing, and more. The mechanical systems and pumps need upkeep too, and the corrosive power of the pool water, chemicals, and outdoor elements easily contribute to their wear and tear. It’s not a question of when you’ll need to repair or replace a critical component, but when. 

But keeping your pool in working condition doesn’t need to leave you soaked. Pool warranty insurance or a home warranty with pool coverage can protect you from surprise expenses. Below is some information on what to expect from a pool warranty and how you can go about securing one.

What is Pool Warranty Coverage?

A pool warranty might be a standalone policy or you might encounter pool coverage folded into a broader home warranty. In effect, it’s a service contract to help maintain complex or expensive components that are essential to the pool’s proper functioning. A warranty operates according to similar principles as insurance, and the policy holder pays a monthly or yearly premium to maintain active coverage. If a part of the pool system that is covered by the warranty develops an issue, the policy holder can submit a claim with the warranty provider to have it resolved. Though a service fee is required, the policy holder typically pays a fraction of what the repair would normally cost. This model, broadly speaking, allows pool owners to maintain a host of costly equipment affordably and within a predictable month-to-month budget.

But what does a pool warranty cover, exactly? There’s no concise answer because it depends on the company and individual policy terms, but expect most pool warranties to cover the mechanical components related to the pool’s systems. This would include the pumps, motors, and accessible plumbing and wiring associated with the heating, pumping, and filtration systems.

Pool warranty coverage is unlikely to include repair support for the overall pool structure, so don’t expect to lean on a warranty to fix a cracked foundation, torn liner, damaged deck, or broken tiles. Cleaning equipment, electrical panels, and consumable or disposable items, such as filters and cartridges, are not usually in the purview of a pool warranty either.

Saltwater pool owners should note that saltwater generator coverage is not standard in most pool warranty policies, but it’s worth inquiring with your potential provider whenever you investigate subscribing to a new policy. You never know how you can negotiate contractual coverage as long as it’s up front.

Key Benefits of Pool Warranty Coverage

Pool warranties support homeowners in several ways, offering financial relief and eliminating the hassle of upkeep. Some of the primary benefits include:

• Savings on Repair Costs One of the express purposes of a warranty is to offer homeowners financial protection. Pool repairs to the heating, pumping, and filtration systems can easily set you back more than $1,000. With active warranty coverage, you’re not on the hook for the bill.

• Stress-free Scheduling When a problem arises, it’s not on you to find a qualified pool tech and schedule a home visit. Warranty companies maintain partner networks with licensed technicians and home professionals around the country, so your provider can find someone to handle your problem.

• Predictable Budgeting Problems with your pool can take you by surprise. It’s not easy to budget for unexpected repairs that cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. With a warranty policy, the fixed premium and predetermined service fees allow for a simplified and comparatively consistent monthly budget.

• Reassurance Even the anticipation of common pool problems can be overwhelming. A warranty offers peace of mind because you already have a method for dealing with those unwelcome surprises.

Will a Pool Home Warranty Cover My Spa Too?

Warranty coverage certainly isn’t limited to just pools. Spas, hot tubs, jacuzzis, and the like are possibly up for coverage as well. The coverage specifics are generally analogous to those of pools, so expect protection for your home spa’s heating, pumping, and filtration systems.

Policy guidelines are bound to vary across companies, so be sure to confirm that your potential provider offers the coverage you need before you agree to purchase a policy.

Choosing the Right Pool Warranty Coverage

Many warranty companies offer pool protection, and the pressure to choose the right policy can be daunting. Here are some things to consider as you shop.

• Extent of Coverage Always request a detailed summary of what your provider proposes to cover. If you have a heated pool and the heating system fails, you don’t want to be surprised to discover that your policy covers only filtration and pumping systems. You’ll be forced to pay for repairs out of pocket, defeating the purpose of the warranty and running contrary to why you purchased it in the first place.

• Coverage Exclusions It’s not uncommon for home and pool warranties to feature coverage exclusions. This is usually to protect the integrity of the company, avoid policy abuse, and keep costs low for homeowners. For example, the cost to repair a cracked pool foundation may be exceedingly costly, and if a company were to include repair as a coverage option, the average cost of the warranty policy would balloon, pricing out average homeowners who are more likely to call on a policy to fix a comparatively cheaper (but still pricey) mechanical component. Given this reality, many warranty companies elect to exclude this kind of repair from their coverage options.

• Policy Caps and Limits Many warranty companies set coverage caps so that claim repairs or payouts can’t exceed a certain price. When set at a reasonable level, this enables providers to keep premium prices lower. As you shop, compare coverage caps across companies to ensure you won’t overpay when it’s time to file a claim.

• Sticker Price vs. Real Cost Most warranty providers are transparent in regard to the cost of monthly premiums, but there are some less obvious costs to consider. In the course of your research, ask about deductibles, service fees, penalties, and coverage caps. These can all inflate the real cost of your warranty.

  Also bear in mind that excessive exclusions can lead to greater expenses on your end. Compare what is most likely to go wrong with what is actually covered by your policy. If the pool problems you anticipate encountering aren’t covered by your warranty, then the policy isn’t serving its purpose.

• Renewal and Transferral Terms Also pay attention to how and when your plan is scheduled to renew. You don’t want to be caught unawares and assume you’re covered when your plan actually expired some time ago.

  If you’re planning on selling your home in the somewhat near future, you may also inquire about how your pool warranty coverage can be transferred to the next homeowner. A transferable warranty can increase your home’s value, attract buyers, and expedite a sale.

• Customer Service When it’s time to file a claim, your warranty company should be easy to deal with. Consider how the representatives treat you in written and phone conversations. How easy is it to get in touch with a rep? Are their lines open 24/7? How easy is it to file a claim? These are questions that you’ll be happy to have asked when the need for a repair crops up.

• Reputation and Reviews Always check online and, if possible, with other homeowners to gauge a home warranty company’s reputation. Seek authentic review sites and not those that sponsor affiliate marketing or paid-for reviews.

Top Tips to Make Sure Your Home Warranty Covers a Pool

Do home warranties cover pools? They certainly can. A standalone pool warranty might cause somewhere in the ballpark of $250 per year. This figure varies by company, and the size and nature of your pool could drive the cost higher or lower.

For an additional expenditure, you could include pool coverage with overall home warranty coverage. If you’re looking for coverage for the standard suite of home appliances and systems, $800 to $1,000 per year is around the average home warranty with pool coverage cost.

Finding pool coverage isn’t a great secret. It’s as simple as being clear with your provider when you work to build your plan. Liberty Home Guard, for example, offers pool warranty coverage as an optional add-on for customer warranty plans. Our team can work with you to help you craft a policy that includes the coverage you need for your home and budget. Maybe you want coverage limited to just your pool, or in addition to a handful of other appliances around your home. Maybe you want comprehensive, roof-to-basement coverage of all your home appliances and systems, and maybe you’re interested in an array of home services too. Whatever your needs, we have you covered. Call (866)-700-5422 to get started on the right plan for you.