
Protecting your pool business with comprehensive insurance is a crucial step in safeguarding your investment and ensuring a smooth operation. You can expect to pay around $2,000 to $5,000 per year for a comprehensive insurance policy.
A comprehensive insurance policy can help you recover from unexpected events such as equipment breakdowns or accidents on the job. According to industry estimates, a single equipment breakdown can cost a pool business up to $10,000.
Having the right insurance coverage can also help you attract and retain customers who value the security and peace of mind that comes with knowing their pool is being maintained by a responsible and insured business.
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Why Owners Need
As a pool business owner, you're likely no stranger to the risks involved in the industry. Accidents can happen in a split second, and the consequences can be severe. For example, if a client trips over a hose and falls into an empty pool, your general liability insurance should cover their medical expenses and provide legal defense and a settlement if they sue you.
You need insurance to protect yourself from unexpected events like this. Pool cleaning is risky, which is why you need protection. An employee could get splashed by cleaning chemicals, or a client could trip over a pool skimmer and break an ankle.
Here are some common risks that pool business insurance can help cover:
- Third-party bodily injury
- Medical expense limit
- Personal and advertising injury
- Third-party property damage
- Products and completed operations
General liability insurance is the #1 policy recommended for pool service companies, and it's not just a good idea – it's often required by clients before they'll hire you. This type of insurance will protect your business from a variety of claims, including third-party bodily injury and property damage.
Types of Coverage
Liability insurance is crucial for any swimming pool service business. It offers protection against claims arising from personal injuries or property damage caused by your services.
There are two main types of business insurance to consider: General Liability Coverage and a Business Owners Policy (BOP). A BOP includes a general liability insurance policy, which covers defense costs, client property damage, and bodily injury claims.
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A general liability insurance policy protects pool and spa cleaning businesses against basic risks, such as customer property damage, customer bodily injuries, and libel and other advertising injuries.
Here are some key types of coverage to consider:
- General Liability Coverage: Covers common risks like bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury.
- Completed Operations Coverage: Ensures your swimming pool business is protected after the work is completed.
- Advertising Injury Coverage: Protects your business from libel and other advertising injuries.
General Coverage
General coverage is a crucial aspect of any pool service business. A general liability policy is a must-have for pool service businesses, covering risks like bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury.
This type of coverage is often required by clients before signing a contract with your company. A BOP (Business Owners Policy) includes a general liability insurance policy, which covers defense costs, client property damage, and bodily injury claims.
A general liability insurance policy protects pool and spa cleaning businesses against basic risks, such as customer property damage, customer bodily injuries, and libel and other advertising injuries.
Some policies also extend to non-work-related third-party injuries sustained on your premises. For example, if customers fall sick after swimming in an accidentally over-chlorinated pool, a general liability insurance policy can cover the customer's medical bills and the cost of hiring lawyers and settling the claims.
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The average price of a $1,000,000 per occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate general liability insurance policy for pool service companies ranges from $28 to $48 per month or between $500-$1,500 per year.
Here are some key benefits of general coverage:
- Protects against customer property damage
- Covers customer bodily injuries
- Offers libel and other advertising injuries protection
- Helps cover the cost of hiring lawyers and settling claims
- Can provide peace of mind and financial security for growing pool businesses
Equipment Coverage
Equipment coverage is a type of insurance that helps cover the cost of repairing or replacing essential tools and equipment in case of a breakdown or malfunction.
This coverage is particularly important for swimming pool cleaning businesses, as they rely on equipment like pool vacuums, water testing kits, and chemical dispensers to operate.
Equipment breakdown insurance can help minimize disruptions to your business operations and protect your bottom line.
There are two ways equipment coverage can be paid out: replacement cost or actual cash value (ACV).
Replacement cost pays the total amount required to replace the equipment with one of the same or similar quality, while ACV pays the depreciated value of the equipment at the time of the loss.
Equipment policies can exist alone or be bundled with property insurance, providing comprehensive protection for your business.
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Obtain Quotes
Requesting quotes from multiple insurance providers is a crucial step in finding the right pool business insurance for your company. You should ensure that the quotes you receive are customized for your specific swimming pool cleaning business.
To get started, you can call an insurance agent at 1-877-907-5267 to discuss your business insurance needs. Alternatively, you can complete a form to get a quick and competitive quote from multiple companies.
When comparing quotes, consider factors like the size of your company, the number of employees, and the types of services offered. This will help you find a policy that meets your unique needs.
Here are some key things to compare when evaluating quotes:
By carefully evaluating these aspects, you can find a pool business insurance policy that provides the right level of protection for your company.
State Requirements
In the United States, pool business insurance requirements vary from state to state. Some states, like California, require a minimum of $1 million in liability insurance to operate a pool business.
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The state of Florida, for example, requires a $50,000 surety bond to ensure pool businesses meet licensing requirements. This bond protects consumers in case the business fails to meet state regulations.
Many states, such as Arizona, require pool businesses to obtain a contractor's license. This license ensures the business has the necessary expertise to safely operate and maintain pools.
In some states, like Texas, pool businesses must also register with the state's Secretary of State office. This registration provides a public record of the business's existence and contact information.
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Choosing the Best Provider
Look for insurance providers with experience in the swimming pool cleaning industry, they will better understand your unique risks and offer tailored coverage. They will also be able to advocate for your interests in the event of a lawsuit.
To choose the best insurance provider, consider the following key factors: comprehensive coverage, competitive rates, and advocacy for your interests. A reputable insurance company will offer sufficient coverage tailored to your unique needs and competitive rates based on your risk profile and claims history.
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Pick the right insurance coverage: the coverage offered by the insurance company should be comprehensive and tailored to the specific risks associated with pool cleaning. This could include coverage for equipment damage, employee injuries, environmental liabilities, and even legal fees in case of lawsuits.
Here are the key things to look for in an insurance policy:
- Pick the right insurance coverage
- Read the terms and conditions
- Review the cost
The cheapest policy may not always give adequate coverage, so it's essential to balance cost with the level of protection provided. A bundled business insurance package, such as a BOP, can be combined with other types of insurance at a massive discount, providing more comprehensive protection from liability claims.
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Benefits of Insurance
Having a pool business insurance policy can give you peace of mind and protect your livelihood. Losing significant potential revenue due to a business interruption can be devastating, but insurance helps ensure you stay operational.
Competitors may take advantage of the situation to poach customers, making it even harder to recover. But with insurance, you can focus on getting back to business as usual.
If a covered event, such as vandalism or a natural disaster, occurs, the insurer will provide all or part of the money needed to replace or repair damaged equipment, like a stolen or destroyed truck.
Prevents Interruptions
Losing just one day of business can be a significant financial hit for pool companies. Insurance policies help ensure you stay operational.
Pool companies can lose potential revenue if they stop doing business for just one day. Competitors might even take advantage of the situation to poach customers.
Insurance policies can cover costs associated with replacing a stolen or destroyed vehicle, such as a truck. This way, you can get back to work quickly and minimize downtime.
For example, if an insured truck is stolen or destroyed during a tornado, the insurer will provide all or part of the money needed to buy a new one.
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Return
If a pool cleaning business is hit with a natural disaster, insurance can help get them back up and running quickly. This is especially important because losing even one day of business can result in significant lost revenue.
Having insurance can also help prevent business interruptions caused by vandalism or theft. For instance, if an insured truck is stolen, the insurer will provide the money needed to buy a new one.
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In some cases, insurance can even help a business recover from damage to their physical store or warehouse. This is because commercial property insurance covers losses from common risks like theft, vandalism, fire, or natural disasters.
Here are some examples of what commercial property insurance can cover:
- Theft of valuable equipment or supplies
- Damage to a physical store or warehouse due to fire or natural disasters
- Vandalism to a business's property
Having insurance can also help a business recover from accidents involving their vehicles. Commercial auto insurance covers financial losses caused by an auto accident, including property damage and injuries to other people.
Cost and Value
The cost of pool business insurance can vary significantly depending on several factors.
The average price of a $1,000,000 per occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate general liability insurance policy for pool service companies ranges from $28 to $48 per month or between $500-$1,500 per year. This is a significant investment, but it's essential to consider the potential risks and costs of not having insurance.
Other types of pool service insurance can cost even more, with general liability insurance averaging $67 per month, BOP insurance averaging $76 per month, and commercial auto insurance averaging $173 per month. The cost of insurance plans also increases with their coverage limit, and companies with high headcounts and payroll tend to pay more.
Here's a breakdown of the average monthly costs for different types of pool service insurance:
Cost
The cost of pool service insurance can vary depending on several factors. The average price of a $1,000,000 per occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate general liability insurance policy for pool service companies is between $28 to $48 per month.
The type of policy also plays a significant role in determining the cost. General liability insurance, for example, costs an average of $67 per month, while commercial auto insurance costs $173 per month.
Other factors that determine the cost of pool service insurance plans include the plan's coverage limit, number of employees, and payroll. Companies with high headcounts and higher wage bills tend to pay more for insurance premiums.
Here are some average monthly costs for different types of pool service insurance:
A company's location is also a significant factor in determining the cost of insurance premiums. Companies in areas with high incidences of natural disasters and theft tend to pay more.
Software Adds Value
Accurate bookkeeping is crucial for any business, and ServiceTitan's Pool Service software makes it easy to keep track of your company's growth and inventory, limiting human errors.

Automating business operations with pool service software allows you to focus on delivering quality service and protect your business from lawsuits and claims.
ServiceTitan's Field Service App platform sends real-time updates back to the office, increasing productivity and facilitating accurate bookkeeping.
The Customer Experience platform allows technicians to access customers' data and call recordings without frequently calling the office, ensuring they focus squarely on the job.
ServiceTitan's Inventory Management platform streamlines several vital tasks, including real-time inventory tracking, purchase order management, and seamless returns and adjustments.
Real-time inventory tracking ensures technicians always have the necessary materials readily available, minimizing delays and enhancing customer service.
With ServiceTitan's Service Scheduling software, you can plan your schedule weeks and months ahead and monitor technicians' real-time progress, making it easy to communicate service dates and times to customers.
This reduces the risk of missed appointments and helps you stay organized and efficient.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to start a pool business?
Starting a pool business typically costs around $2,000, plus additional expenses for a vehicle, insurance, permits, and licenses. This initial investment can help you establish a successful pool cleaning startup.
How much is pool business insurance?
Pool business insurance costs around $367 per month, covering general liability, workers' compensation, janitorial bonds, and commercial auto insurance. Get a quote to see how our policies can protect your pool cleaning business.
Does a pool make homeowners insurance go up?
Yes, having a pool typically increases homeowners insurance premiums due to elevated risk factors. The exact increase depends on various factors, such as pool type and safety features.
Do you need to report a pool to insurance?
Yes, you must inform your insurance provider about your swimming pool when purchasing a policy or making changes to your coverage. Failing to disclose a pool can impact your insurance coverage and policy validity.
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