Swimming Pool Contractor Insurance Policy Information

Swimming Pool Contractor Insurance. Swimming pools are becoming a more common part of modern homes, making the job of a swimming pool contractor an important one. As a swimming pool contractor, you will install outdoor swimming pools, in-ground swimming pools, and indoor swimming pools.

Swimming pool contractors install commercial and residential swimming pools, spas, fountains and similar projects that involve water and hydraulics. A swimming pool contractor works with a client to design a pool, orders the materials, and hires and supervises the subcontractors that actually perform its installation. Subcontractors include excavators, electricians, plumbers and cement contractors. Most swimming pool contractors also provide service, maintenance and repair services.

Maintenance of pools will also be an important part of your job. Having the right insurance plan is what keeps you protected as a swimming pool contractor. Get the swimming pool contractor insurance coverage that will keep you and your business protected.

Swimming pool contractor insurance protects you and your truck from lawsuits with rates as low as $67/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.

Below are some answers to commonly asked swimming pool contracting insurance questions:

What Is Swimming Pool Contractor Insurance?
How Much Does Swimming Pool Contractor Insurance Cost?
Why Do Swimming Pool Contractors Need Insurance?
What Type Of Liability Insurance Do Swimming Pool Contractors Need?
What Does Swimming Pool Contractor Insurance Cover & Pay For?

What Is Swimming Pool Contractor Insurance?

Swimming pool contractor insurance is a type of liability insurance that protects pool contractors against financial losses and damages resulting from accidents, injuries, and other incidents that occur during the construction, maintenance, or repair of a swimming pool. This insurance covers medical expenses, property damage, legal fees, and other costs associated with a lawsuit or claim. It is a crucial coverage for pool contractors who want to protect their business and their assets from the financial impact of a lawsuit.

How Much Does Swimming Pool Contractor Insurance Cost?

The average price of a standard $1,000,000/$2,000,000 General Liability Insurance policy for small swimming pool businesses ranges from $67 to $89 per month based on location, size, payroll, sales and experience.

Why Do Swimming Pool Contractors Need Insurance?

Protecting your business is about having the right insurance policies in place. As a swimming pool contractor, there are many things you could be held liable for. For example, let's say you are installing a pool, and you happen to cause damage to a third party or cause injury by having swimming pool contractor insurance you will be covered.

Insurance is important, and the last thing you want happening is to be caught without the right policy protection.

What Type Of Liability Insurance Do Swimming Pool Contractors Need?

Lawsuits against your are the biggest risks to your business while working in this field. Lawsuits can cost your company lots of money. From having to deal with the different fees associated with lawsuits you can quickly lose lots of money in your business. With this type of insurance things such as legal defense and other costs will be covered.

Here are some of the different policies you may discuss with the insurance agent you choose to speak with:

Pollution Insurance: Swimming pools maintenance is a part of your business as a swimming pool contractor. Most times swimming pool maintenance means you'll be working with chemicals. Some of the chemicals used may cause damage. Having this special coverage protects your business when a claim is brought against it while doing this work.

General Liability: This type of coverage is usually a part of any insurance policy you get for your business. Having this coverage protects you if cause damage to a third party while doing pool building or maintenance work.

You must keep in mind that this type of policy may have some things excluded from it in which case you will need extra coverage. When you have this type of swimming pool contractor insurance coverage for your business - you can be sure that you are protected.

Commercial Vehicle Liability Insurance: As with any business, you'll be using vehicles to transport different tools and materials to get the work done. Making sure they are covered by insurance is important.

If your employees are likely to use their vehicles for transportation of work tools and equipment then having hired or non-owned vehicle insurance is a good option to ensure they are protected while doing so.

If your employee were to get in an accident while transporting stuff for the job and they were on work time, they are protected by hired or non-owned vehicle insurance.

Umbrella Insurance: With this type of coverage, you can get extra liability coverage above the limits offered by your general liability and other underlying policies. If you ever feel like you need more coverage for your business, then this is an option you can consider.

Workers Compensation Insurance: Before beginning any work, you're required to have workers comp insurance in most states if you have any non-owner employees. Although not considered liability insurance it still covers your company from liability lawsuits.

If an employee is injured while on the job then having workers' compensation insurance helps with medical bills and lost wages. In the case of a fatality, this insurance coverage pays benefits to the family of the deceased.

It's important that you have this insurance because most people before hiring will need to see proof that you have a workers' compensation plan in place.

Swimming Pool Contractor's Risks & Exposures

Premises liability exposures at the contractor's premises may be limited due to lack of public access. If there is a showroom or retail sales of pool supplies, customers may slip and fall over displays. Equipment stored in an open yard may present an attractive nuisance. The storage of flammable chemicals presents a property damage exposure to neighboring buildings.

At the job site, the swimming pool contractor is responsible for the safety aspects of the entire project even after hours when there is no construction activity. Excavation and construction pose numerous hazards. The area of operation should be restricted by barriers and proper signage to protect against trips and falls over debris, equipment, or uneven ground. Digging can result in cutting utility cables, damaging property of the utility company and disrupting service to neighboring residences or businesses.

Absence of detailed procedures to determine utility locations and to research prior uses of the land prior to digging may indicate a morale hazard. Construction sites create an attractive nuisance hazard, especially if work is close to residential areas. Safety barriers such as perimeter fencing may be needed if the excavation work is complete but other construction has not yet started.

Completed operations exposures can be severe. The swimming pool design, the quality of the construction materials, and the details of the project are all critical. If the swimming pool contractor fails to maintain the appropriate level of quality control and does not completely comply with construction, design and material specifications, a serious loss could occur.

Suction from an improperly installed swimming pool filter can eviscerate a child. Inadequate drain covers can entrap and drown swimmers. Any improperly installed diving board, ladder or in-pool lighting can lead to serious injuries and even death. Walking areas with improperly applied surfaces can lead to slip and fall injuries.

Contractual liability exposures are high for swimming pool contractors. While control of physical hazards is important, the language of the contracts between the client and the subcontractors is critically important. Financial losses and expensive litigation are virtually assured if the contractor fails to secure valid certificates of insurance with adequate limits from each of its subcontractors. In addition, it is essential that the swimming pool contractor and project owner be named and included as additional insureds on every subcontractor's policy to protect them from losses caused by subcontractor activities.

Environmental impairment exposures can be high due to the storage of pool chemicals that can leak and contaminate land or groundwater. Proper written procedures and documentation of the disposal process is important.

Workers compensation exposures depend on the actual work performed. If executive supervisors only visit the job site to provide supervision, the exposure is limited. If employees of the swimming pool contractor do part of the work, exposures can be severe. Back injuries, hernias, sprains and strains can be caused by lifting or moving pools. Work at heights, cuts, abrasions and eye injuries can occur.

Exposure to pool chemicals can result in burns, eye irritation, or inhalation damage to lungs. The swimming pool contractor is responsible for control of the job site and may be liable for injuries to any subcontractors.

Property exposures at the contractor's own location may be limited to those of an office and storage of materials, equipment, and vehicles. Some contractors have a small display area while others display above ground pools and a variety of pool related products available for retail purchase. Any flammable pool chemicals must be properly labeled, separated, and stored in approved containers, cabinets, and rooms as the introduction of even a small amount of water to certain dry chemicals can trigger an explosion. Property stored outside may be a target for vandalism.

Crime exposures are from employee dishonesty and money and securities. Background checks, including criminal history, should be obtained on each employee prior to hiring. Ordering, billing, and disbursement should be handled as separate duties with reconciliations occurring regularly. There should be appropriate procedures in place when employees accept payments off site. Audits, including inventory, should be conducted at least annually.

Inland marine exposures are from accounts receivable as the contractor typically offers installment payments to customers, goods in transit, installation floater, and valuable papers and records for customers' and suppliers' information and custom project plans. Copper tubing is a particularly attractive commodity to thieves. Copies of data should be kept at an offsite location for easier restoration.

Business Auto exposures may be limited to executive supervisor travel between installation sites or hired and non-owned for employees running errands. If the swimming pool contractor performs part of the installation, exposures are higher due to the transport of oversize pools and pool chemicals. Drivers must be experienced and aware of the cautions necessary in transporting these items to prevent overturn and damaging other vehicles.

All drivers must be well trained and have valid licenses for the type of vehicle being driven. MVRs must be run on a regular basis. Random drug and alcohol testing should be conducted. Vehicles must be well maintained with records kept in a central location.

What Does Swimming Pool Contractor Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Swimming Pool Contractor Insurance Claim Form

Swimming pool contractors can face several legal risks that can lead to lawsuits, such as:

Property damage: A swimming pool contractor may be sued if their work results in damage to the property of their clients or neighbors. For instance, if the contractor accidentally damages a neighbor's fence while installing a pool, the neighbor may sue the contractor for the cost of repairs. Insurance protection: General liability insurance can help pay for legal costs and damages associated with property damage claims.

Bodily injury: Swimming pool contractors can also be sued if someone is injured on the job site or in the pool they installed. For example, if a person slips and falls on a wet pool deck, they may sue the contractor for their injuries.
Insurance protection: General liability insurance can also help cover legal costs and damages associated with bodily injury claims.

Breach of contract: Clients can sue swimming pool contractors for failing to fulfill their contractual obligations. For instance, if the contractor doesn't complete the work on time, the client may sue for breach of contract.
Insurance protection: Professional liability insurance (also known as errors and omissions insurance) can help cover legal costs and damages associated with breach of contract claims.

Negligence: Swimming pool contractors may be sued for negligence if they fail to follow industry standards or use faulty materials. For example, if a contractor installs a defective pool pump that causes an injury, they may be sued for negligence.
Insurance protection: General liability insurance and professional liability insurance can help cover legal costs and damages associated with negligence claims.

In summary, insurance is essential for swimming pool contractors as it can help cover legal costs and damages associated with lawsuits. General liability insurance provides protection against property damage and bodily injury claims, while professional liability insurance protects contractors against claims related to breach of contract and negligence.

Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification

SIC CODE: 1799: Special Trade Contractors, Not Elsewhere Classified
NAICS CODE: 238990 All Other Specialty Trade Contractors
Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 9014 Janitorial Services by Contractors - No Window Cleaning Above Ground Level & Drivers

Description for 1799: Special Trade Contractors, Not Elsewhere Classified

Division C: Construction | Major Group 17: Construction Special Trade Contractors | Industry Group 179: Miscellaneous Special Trade Contractors

1799 Special Trade Contractors, Not Elsewhere Classified: Special trade contractors primarily engaged in construction work, not elsewhere classified, such as construction of swimming pools and fences, erection and installation of ornamental metal work, house moving, shoring work, waterproofing, dampproofing, fireproofing, sandblasting, and steam cleaning of building exteriors.

Antenna installation, except household type-contractors
Artificial turf installation-contractors
Awning installation-contractors
Bath tub refinishing-contractors
Boring for building construction-contractors
Bowling alley installation and service-contractors
Cable splicing service, nonelectrical-contractors
Caulking (construction)-contractors
Cleaning building exteriors-contractors
Cleaning new buildings after construction-contractors
Coating of concrete structures with plastics-contractors
Core drilling for building construction-contractors
Counter top installation-contractors
Dampproofing buildings-contractors
Dewatering-contractors
Diamond drilling for building construction-contractors
Epoxy application-contractors
Erection and dismantling of forms for poured concrete-contractors
Fence construction-contractors
Fire escape installation-contractors
Fireproofing buildings-contractors
Forms for poured concrete, erection and dismantling-contractors
Gas leakage detection-contractors
Gasoline pump installation-contractors
Glazing of concrete surfaces-contractors
Grave excavation-contractors
House moving-contractors
Insulation of pipes and boilers-contractors
Lead burning-contractors
Lightning conductor erection-contractors
Mobile home site setup and tie down-contractors
Ornamental metalwork-contractors
Paint and wallpaper stripping-contractors
Plastics wall tile installation-contractors
Posthole digging-contractors
Sandblasting of building exteriors-contractors
Scaffolding construction-contractors
Service and repair of broadcasting stations-contractors
Service station equipment installation, maintenance, and repair-
Shoring and underpinning work-contractors
Spectator seating installation-contractors
Steam cleaning of building exteriors-contractors
Steeplejacks
Swimming pool construction-contractors
Television and radio stations, service and repair of-contractors
Test boring for construction-contractors
Tile installation, wall: plastics-contractors
Tinting glass-contractors
Wallpaper removal-contractors
Waterproofing-contractors
Weather stripping-contractors
Welding contractors, operating at site of construction
Window shade installation-contractors

Swimming Pool Contractor Insurance - The Bottom Line

Staying protected is important as a swimming pool contractor. The risks involved in this business makes having insurance policies in place to keep your business covered. A business that's profitable can lose everything if it doesn't have the necessary insurance portfolio to hand any lawsuits made against the company.

The last thing you want happening is to be sued for something, and you don't have the right coverage in place to keep your business stable. Without the right plan, you can lose everything in your business. Taking the time to find the right plan is crucial for the protection of your business.

It's important for you to take the time to speak with an insurance professional to ensure that you understand the different policies and that you choose the one that will triumph over your comprehensive business protection.

Additional Resources For Contractors & Home Improvement Insurance

Learn about small business contractor's insurance, including what it covers, how much it costs - and how commercial insurance can help protect your contracting business from lawsuits.

Contractors And Home Improvement Insurance

The contracting industry is a field that involves a lot of risks, both for the contractor and for the clients they work for. This is why commercial insurance is so important for contractors. Insurance can protect contractors from a variety of potential losses, such as:

Liability: If a contractor causes damage to a client's property or if a client is injured while on a job site, the contractor could be held legally responsible. Liability insurance can cover legal fees and any settlements or judgments that may be awarded.

Property damage: Contractors often use a lot of expensive equipment and tools, and there is always a risk that this equipment could be damaged or stolen. Commercial property insurance can help cover the cost of replacing damaged or stolen equipment.

Business interruption: If a contractor is unable to work due to an unforeseen event, such as a natural disaster, insurance can help cover their lost income during this time.

Workers compensation: If a contractor or one of their employees is injured on the job, worker's comp can help cover medical expenses and lost wages.

Overall, commercial insurance is an important risk management tool for contractors. It can provide financial protection against a wide range of potential losses, helping contractors to stay in business and continue serving their clients.

Minimum recommended small business insurance coverage: Business Personal Property, Employee Dishonesty, Contractors' Equipment and Tools, General Liability, Employee Benefits Liability, Umbrella Liability, Automobile Liability and Physical Damage, Hired and Non-owned Auto & Workers Compensation.

Other commercial insurance policies to consider: Building, Business Income with Extra Expense, Earthquake, Flood, Leasehold Interest, Real Property Legal Liability, Accounts Receivable, Builders Risk, Computers, Goods in Transit, Installation Floater, Valuable Papers and Records, Cyber Liability, Employment-related Practicesand Stop Gap Liability.

Buy Swimming Pool Contractor Insurance

Swimming Pool Contractor Insurance Policy Information

What Is Swimming Pool Contractor Insurance?

How Much Does Swimming Pool Contractor Insurance Cost?

Why Do Swimming Pool Contractors Need Insurance?

What Type Of Liability Insurance Do Swimming Pool Contractors Need?

Swimming Pool Contractor's Risks & Exposures

What Does Swimming Pool Contractor Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification

Description for 1799: Special Trade Contractors, Not Elsewhere Classified

Swimming Pool Contractor Insurance - The Bottom Line

Additional Resources For Contractors & Home Improvement Insurance

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