Is your luxury pool insured? Many high-net-worth owners underestimate the risks

A swimming pool represents significant value

The construction costs of a luxury swimming pool quickly add up to tens of thousands of euros. When extra features are added, such as a movable floor, automatic cover, heat pump, lighting, pool house, or extensive wellness facilities, the total value can even reach several hundred thousand euros.

In the event of damage, repairs can turn out to be significantly more expensive than many people expect. Consider, for example:

• Cracks in the pool due to subsidence
• Damage to installations such as pumps and filters
• Frost damage to pipes
• Storm damage to covers or pool houses
• Electrical damage to heating and control systems
• Water damage due to leaks

Not every insurance policy offers the same coverage
Although a swimming pool is often considered part of the home or garden, policy conditions vary by insurer. Some insurance policies treat a swimming pool as part of the building, while others apply additional conditions or restrictions.

This can lead to situations where certain components are insufficiently insured or even not insured at all.

This deserves extra attention, especially for exclusive homes and high-net-worth properties. Standard coverage does not always align with the actual value and complexity of high-end pool installations.

Liability risks are also often underestimated
In addition to material damage, liability plays an important role. After all, a swimming pool entails extra risks for family members, guests, and hired third parties.

Consider situations where:

• A guest sustains an injury around the pool
• A child gains unauthorized access to the premises
• Technical installations cause damage to third-party property
• Leaks lead to damage to adjacent plots

For wealthy families, it is important to assess whether the liability coverage sufficiently aligns with their assets and personal situation.

A swimming pool is more than just water

We are increasingly seeing complete wellness environments with:

• Jacuzzis and spas
• Saunas
• Outdoor kitchens
• Luxury pool houses
• Automated home automation systems
• Art objects and high-end landscape architecture

These facilities often represent significant value that is not always fully recognized by the insurer. This can lead to underinsurance, with potentially unpleasant financial consequences after a claim.

Periodic inventory prevents surprises
Many swimming pools are expanded over the years with new technologies and features. As a result, the original insured value can become outdated.

We therefore recommend checking periodically:

• Whether the swimming pool is correctly included in the buildings insurance
• Whether all installations are included in the insured value
• Whether wellness facilities require separate attention
• Whether the liability coverage is still appropriate
• Whether there is any underinsurance

About Den Hartigh Adviesgroep

Den Hartigh Adviesgroep has been a renowned consultancy firm since 1916, supporting businesses and individuals with strategic and financial matters. The organization is known for its customer-oriented approach and broad expertise in the field of (Inland) Marine, High-Net-Worth and Film & Events.