Top 5 Best Home Warranty Companies for Pool Coverage (2023)

• Choice Home Warranty (Best Overall)
• Liberty Home Guard (Best Customer Service)
• American Home Shield (Most Customizable)
• Select Home Warranty  (Most Affordable) 
• The Home Service Club (Best For Quick Coverage)

1. Best Overall: Choice Home Warranty

Choice Home Warranty is the best overall for pool warranties. Choice Home Warranty offers pool coverage as an extra; however, when you look at all of the coverage that this plan has and the way they will also protect your home systems and appliances, it easily moves to the top of the list. Choice Home Warranty has been on the market for 13 years and has some really great availability throughout the country. Choice Home Warranty has a very straightforward service contract that allows homeowners to see exactly what is covered as part of their home warranty plan. In addition, if you don’t like your Choice Home Warranty, you can cancel for free within the first 30 days. 

Plans, Pricing, and Coverage 

The two plans from Choice are the Basic Plan and the Total Plan. As we mentioned, the pool coverage will be an extra with Choice Home Warranty. The pool coverage is $180 per year, and it can be added to either the Basic Plan or the Total Plan. There is also spa coverage available for the same price. The coverage caps for pool and spa coverage will be right around $500. Knowing your heater, pump, valves, and all pool components are covered is a tremendous benefit of this policy. 

Here’s a more detailed look at CHW’s plan options:

• Basic Plan ($45 per month): The Basic Plan is the value plan from Choice. Although it offers 13 covered items, some of the major systems and appliances are missing. The Basic Plan covers the plumbing system, ceiling fans, garbage disposal, heating system, cooktop exhaust fans, microwave, dishwasher, ductwork, electrical system, garage door opener, oven, toilet, and water heater. 
• Total Plan ($53.33 per month): The Total Plan is the more comprehensive plan. This option covers a total of 18 items. The coverages included with the Total Plan help add value to your paying price. Additional coverages include the clothes washer, dryer, refrigerator, and air conditioner coverage. 
• Optional add-ons: Choice offers nine optional coverages, including roof leaking, central vacuum, septic tank, well pump, pool and spa, sump pump, and stand-alone freezer. These add-on coverages vary in price; the pool coverage is one of the best add-on options this company offers. 

Read our Choice Home Warranty Review for more information.

2. Best Customer Service: Liberty Home Guard 

Liberty Home Guard offers the best customer service for a pool warranty. The BBB rating is an A, with Liberty Home Guard being on the market for just about three years. With Liberty Home Guard, you will get premium coverage for all home systems and appliances and a long list of add-on coverages to choose from. Liberty Home Guard add-on options are extensive and include pools, spas, and even saltwater pools. Customer service from LHG is great, and they will encourage you to call for any issues you may experience in your home.  

Plans, Pricing, and Coverage 

The three Liberty Home Guard plans, include Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and the Total Home Guard covering both appliances and systems. The pricing from Liberty Home Guard is slightly higher than from other companies, but the overall coverage is good. The pool coverage is $239 per year for a traditional pool and $299 for a saltwater pool. There is also spa coverage for $129 per year. The coverage caps for the pool coverage are $500, which is a little lower than we would like to see for the high annual pricing. 

Here are more details on Liberty Home Guard’s plans:

• Appliance Guard ($44.99 per month): Appliance Guard is the most basic and affordable LHG plan. The plan covers 11 major appliances, including garage door opener, ceiling fans, cooktop exhaust fan, oven, refrigerator, garbage disposal, dishwasher, microwave, clothes washer, clothes dryer, and refrigerator ice-maker. If you are on the fence about whether or not a home warranty is a good choice for your home, this is the place to start.  
• Systems Guard ($49.83 per month): Systems Guard offers coverage on nine systems, including the electrical system, air conditioner, bath exhaust fan, heating system, toilet, ductwork, plumbing, plumbing stoppages, and water heater. This is a premium-priced plan, but the coverage depth and coverage caps are quite good. 
• Total Home Guard ($54.33 per month): Total Home Guard is the only combo plan from Liberty Home Guard, and it includes both appliance and system coverage. The plan has a total of 20 covered appliances and systems. 
• Optional add-ons: Liberty has one of the most extensive lists of items offered as add-ons, including some unique ones such as gutter and floor cleaning, re-key service, lawn sprinklers, pest control, and wine refrigerator. Even though Liberty Home Guard offers this coverage that many home warranty companies do not, the pricing is typically a bit high. 

Read our Liberty Home Guard Review for more information.

3. Most Customizable: American Home Shield 

American Home Shield is the most customizable plan for a pool warranty. American Home Shield allows you to pick and choose coverages for your home, including pool and spa coverage. AHS considers the pool and spa an extra or add-on option. American Home Shield has been on the market for close to 50 years, and they are known for being a leader in the industry. AHS offers premium coverage, and they will ensure that your claims are handled quickly and efficiently. American Home Shield has slightly higher pricing than other providers but a tremendous amount of value associated with the plan. 

Plans, Pricing, and Coverage 

American Home Shield has three plans to choose from. The plans are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. Pool coverage is an extra that will cost about $20 per month. Your pump motor, plumbing, pipes, and electrical will all be covered with the pool coverage. American Home Shield also has an option for spa coverage as an extra, and this is priced exactly the same as the pool warranty coverage. 

Take a closer look at AHS’s protection plan options (note: these prices are based on a $100 service fee): 

• ShieldSilver™ ($35.82 per month):  ShieldSilver is the most basic plan from AHS. The plan offers coverage on 14 home systems, including air conditioning, electrical system, smoke alarms, water heater, doorbells, garage door opener, heating system, plumbing, and ductwork. This is considered the value plan, but it does a great job of addressing the needs of the most important systems in your home. 

• ShieldGold™ ($55.82 per month): ShieldGold is a unique option that is a mix of value and coverage. ShieldGold is a comprehensive plan covering both systems and appliances. This plan covers 23 systems and appliances, including many offered on the ShieldSilver plan, plus clothes washer, dishwasher, clothes dryer, microwave, oven, and refrigerators. This is the most popular plan from American Home Shield. 
• ShieldPlatinum™ ($85.82  per month): ShieldPlatinum is the most comprehensive home warranty plan on the market. The only issue is that pool coverage is still an add-on even with this policy. The plan covers a total of 27 systems and appliances, including the 23 items covered in ShieldGold, plus disposal, water dispenser, locksmith, and free roof leak coverage. ShieldPlatinum is expensive, but it will leave you peace of mind about your home. 
• Optional add-ons: There are six additional coverages offered by AHS, including the septic system, pool, spa, PC, TV, and well pump coverage. The pool coverage seems to be the most popular option considering the pricing and the depth of coverage. However, many homeowners also take advantage of the spa coverage. 

Read our American Home Shield Review for more information.

4. Most Affordable: Select Home Warranty 

Select Home Warranty is the most affordable pool warranty. Select Home Warranty has been on the market for close to ten years, and they are known for their fair pricing and quality workmanship. Although you are shopping for a pool warranty, you will benefit from the fact that this plan comes with free roof leak coverage for homeowners. Select Home Warranty takes workmanship very seriously, and they have a lengthy review process for technicians and repair personnel that want to work with the company. If you need a balance of affordability and coverage you will find it with Select. 

Plans, Pricing, and Coverage 

The three Select Home Warranty policies for homeowners include the Gold Care plan which covers appliances, Bronze Care plan, which covers systems, and the comprehensive combo Platinum Care plan. You will have to choose the add-on for pools priced at $99 per year when it comes to pool coverage. This will cover the pool’s filtration, electrical, and heating, and it will come with a coverage cap of $400. This is a fair value and certainly one of the most affordable ways to protect your pool this year. 

Take a detailed look at Select Home Warranty’s plan options:

• Bronze Care ($44.42 per month): There are two value-type plans from Select Home Warranty. The first is the Bronze Care plan which covers seven major appliances, including refrigerators, built-in microwaves, clothes washers and dryers, ovens, garbage disposals, and cooktops. Adding pool warranty coverage to this plan will still prove to be a great value. 
• Gold Care ($44.42 per month): Gold Care is very similar to Bronze Care, except it offers only systems coverage. This plan covers six major systems, including plumbing, air conditioning, heating, water heaters, electrical systems, and ductwork. These systems are expensive to repair, and that is why there are only six covered under this plan. The pool systems are not covered unless they are added after the fact. 
• Platinum Care ($47.75 per month): The Platinum Care plan is a combination plan that has all the coverages of the Gold Care and the Bronze Care plan combined. This plan is just a few dollars more per month, yet the overall pricing is considered to be fair. Platinum Care is very fairly priced for the number of coverages that you will get. 
• Optional Add-Ons: There are several optional add-ons, including central vacuums, lawn sprinkler systems, pools, spas, stand-alone freezers, sump pumps, and well pumps. Keep in mind that roof leak coverage is free with a Select Home Warranty plan. 

To learn more, read our Select Home Warranty Review.

5. Best for Quick Coverage: The Home Service Club 

The Home Service Club has the best quick coverage for a pool warranty. The pool warranty is an extra with The Home Service Club. The Home Service Club has been on the market for more than 13 years, making it one of the industry leaders with its impressive reputation. The thing that helps The Home Service Club stand out is that coverage will start on the home just ten days after the first premium is paid. Most home warranty companies require a 30 day waiting period, so this is a great start to your pool warranty. The Home Service Club has a strong network of professionals, and coverage is available in all 50 states. 

Plans, Pricing, and Coverage 

There are two The Home Service Club home warranty plans to choose from. The Standard Coverage has 18 covered appliances and systems, while the Comprehensive Plan has 33. Pool coverage will be an add-on that costs $150 per year. This add-on coverage also comes with a $500 coverage cap. Those who have a spa in addition to the pool can add spa coverage for the same price as pool warranty coverage. The pump, filter, timers, and valves are all included in the pool coverage from The Home Service Club. 

Take a more detailed look at The Home Service Club’s home warranty plans:

• Standard Coverage ($46.25 per month): The Standard Plan is the most basic option from The Home Service Club. However, the coverage included here is anything but basic. There are 18 covered items under the Standard Coverage plan, and they include all major systems and appliances. This Standard Plan has coverage for air conditioners, ceiling fans, water leaks, water heater, electrical system, central vacuum, dishwasher, refrigerator, trash compactor, oven, and more.  
• Comprehensive Coverage ($58.75 per month): The Comprehensive Coverage Plan has a total of 33 coverages. This is about fifteen more coverages than the Standard.  Extra coverages include things like gas leaks, ductwork, sump pump, pest control, doorbells, plumbing stoppages, attic fans, whole house exhaust, and more. 
• Optional add-ons: The add-on coverages from The Home Service Club are extensive. There are 12 additional or add-on coverages as part of their home warranty plan. Many companies only offer two or three. The add-ons include things like a well pump, service line, plumbing sprinkler, spa and spa heater, free-standing freezer, water softener, and more. The pool coverage is one of the most extensive add-on options. 

Read our Review of The Home Service Club to learn more.

The Largest Pool Ownership and Warranties Research in the USA. 2023 Updated.

A pool is supposed to be a haven for stress-free relaxation. If your pool develops a major maintenance issue, however, it can quickly become a nightmare. Not only must you arrange for the repairs, but you’ve also got to shell out for an enormous, sudden bill. Such unexpected expenses can shatter your household budget and frustrate your plans.

If you’re protected by a home warranty, the outcome could be different. If you have a good warranty on your side, which covers your swimming pool, the burden of paying for sudden, expensive repairs is lifted off of your shoulders.

What is a home warranty and how does it work? A small fee is usually all that’s asked to have the home warranty provider locate a repairman, arrange and schedule the service, and cover almost all of the cost. All you need to do is make a phone call and submit a claim.  It’s not long before you’re back to enjoying the pool you’ve invested so much in.  If you’re a pool owner, a good home warranty has the potential to make life much easier when things go wrong.

But how do you find the good ones? The last thing you want is an inadequate or shoddy home warranty policy, especially for such a specific issue as pool repairs. How do you tell the difference? For most consumers, it’s nearly impossible to cut through the noise. When making the important decision of who to trust with your most valuable possession, your home, you need the best information possible. If you have a swimming pool, you need to ensure it’s completely covered. That’s why we’ve put together this unbiased guide to pool coverage in home warranties. 

The Cost of Pool Installation Varies

The installation of new inground pools ranges from reasonably affordable to very expensive, depending upon the homeowner’s budget, preferences, and how much space they have to work with.

The average cost of building a new inground pool depends upon on the type and method of installation. Self-installation can result in substantial cost savings, and may only cost between approximately $12,000 and $30,000 total  ^3, 4, with some estimates placing the figure as low as about $6,200 ⁵.

For many people, however, self-installation is not an option. Attempting, by themselves, to install a massive pool shell in a hole in their backyard just isn’t high on their priority list. That’s when they call for a professional installation, in which case the cost can rise substantially.

We consulted a range of sources to determine an average of pool installation costs. Vinyl pools, the cheapest, ranging from $9,000 to $18,400. For fiberglass pools, a full professional installation ranges from an average of $12,900 to $39,200 ⁶. By far, however, concrete pools are the most expensive. Almost without exception, these are professionally installed, and costs range from $25,900 to $54,300 ⁷. The highest-end pools often cost much more than that.

The author Earnest Hemingway famously installed a massive pool at his luxurious home in Key West, Florida ⁸. The only residential pool for 100 miles around when it was built, it was filled with fresh saltwater pumped from below the water table. At 60 feet long and 24 feet wide, it held 80,784 gallons of water. When it was built in 1938, it cost Hemingway $20,000. Adjusted for inflation, the same pool built today would cost over $344,000!

Obviously, most swimming pools are far simpler than Hemingway’s backyard oasis. Even still, every pool, whether self-installed or professionally installed, represents a major investment.

Read Also: What Is The Best Home Warranty Plan For A Luxury Property?

What is the Average Costs of Pool Maintenance

Once the pool is installed, it must be maintained. Maintenance costs money. A self-reported survey of pool owners revealed various monthly costs associated with the maintenance of their inground pools ⁹.

These homeowners reported maintenance costs ranging from a low of $30 per month to as high as $240 per month. On average, they spent between $85 and $95 per month on pool maintenance.

Maintenance costs depend on many factors. For instance, a simple pool vacuum may cost as little as $20 for a basic version, or as much as $600 for a robotic model. If that or anything else breaks, having a professional out to maintain the equipment or do other cleaning services will cost, on average, $75 to $100 per hour.

Other regular expenses include filters, which can range from about $12 to $75, maintaining pH levels, for which testing kits run $8 to $15, and chlorine, which can cost between $7 and $70. A pool cover will set you back about $600.

More Homes Than Ever Have Pools

More U.S. homes have swimming pools than ever before. Currently, 5.1 million homes, or over 4 percent of all U.S. households and over 6 percent of single-family households who can potentially own a pool, have inground pools ¹. In warmer states, the percentage can be far higher.

For instance, in Coral Springs, Florida, an astonishing 66 percent of homes have in-ground pools ². A satellite photograph of Coral Springs, above, shows neighborhoods be-speckled with the light blue of backyard pools. Not far behind is Scottsdale, Arizona, where 62 percent of homes have pools, and the figure is 46 percent in nearby Tempe, Arizona. Actually, of the top 10 cities for pools, Arizona hosts 6. Especially if you own or are planning to own a home in a warmer state, a pool is an increasingly common feature.

What is The Best Home Warranty For Pools?

Choice Home Warranty is our top pick for pool coverage in the home insurance market. Choice has more than 10 years of experience helping homeowners insure their pools, and provides coverage in both their Silver and Platinum plans for up to $500.

Maintenance is not glamorous, but it’s essential for keeping a pool in top condition. As with changing the oil on an automobile, it’s part of the cost of ownership. Without proper maintenance, a swimming pool may become a health hazard. There is a long list of illnesses that you can catch in a filthy swimming pool. These include parasites, E.Coli, norovirus, and many more. This is why maintaining a swimming pool is essential for your well-being.

Are You A First-Time Buyer? Check Out This Article!

Our Recommended Swimming Pool Warranty Providers Based on Our Research

Choose your State:

- Any -AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingDistrict of Columbia

Raiting:98.50

• Silver Combo Plan
  $517
• Platinum Combo Plan
  $609

Cost
$180	$180	-

Limit
$500	$500	-

---

Choice Home Warranty REVIEW (929) 400-6169 Visit website

Raiting:98.00

• Gold Appliance Plan
  $600
• Platinum Combo Plan
  $720

Cost
$199.99	$99.99	$239.99

Limit
$500	$500	$500

---

Liberty Home Guard REVIEW (866) 472-3812 Visit website

Raiting:97.60

• Silver Systems Plan
  $360
• Platinum Combo Plan
  $960

Cost
$252	$252	-

Limit
$3000	$3000	-

---

American Home Shield REVIEW (866) 464-7521 Visit website

Pool

Covered by
Choice Home Warranty

• Heater
• Pump
• Motor
• Filter
• Filter timer
• Gaskets
• Blower
• Timer
• Valves, limited to back flush, actuator, check, and 2 and 3-way valves
• Relays and switches
• Pool sweep motor and pump
• Above ground plumbing pipes and wiring

Not Covered by
Choice Home Warranty

• Portable or above ground pools/spas
• Control panels and electronic boards
• Lights
• Liners
• Maintenance
• Structural defects
• Solar equipment
• Jets
• Ornamental fountains, waterfalls and their pumping systems
• Pool cover and related equipment
• Fill line and fill valve
• Built-in or detachable cleaning equipment such as, but not limited to, pool sweeps, pop up heads
• Turbo valves, skimmers, chlorinators, and ionizers
• Fuel storage tanks
• Disposable filtration mediums
• Cracked or corroded casings
• Grids
• Cartridges
• Heat pump
• Salt water systems.

Spa

Covered by
Choice Home Warranty

• Heater
• Pump
• Motor
• Filter
• Filter timer
• Gaskets
• Blower
• Timer
• Valves, limited to back flush, actuator, check, and 2 and 3-way valves
• Relays and switches
• Pool sweep motor and pump
• Above ground plumbing pipes and wiring

Not Covered by
Choice Home Warranty

• Portable or above ground pools/spas
• Control panels and electronic boards
• Lights
• Liners
• Maintenance
• Structural defects
• Solar equipment
• Jets
• Ornamental fountains, waterfalls and their pumping systems
• Pool cover and related equipment
• Fill line and fill valve
• Built-in or detachable cleaning equipment such as, but not limited to, pool sweeps, pop up heads
• Turbo valves, skimmers, chlorinators, and ionizers
• Fuel storage tanks
• Disposable filtration mediums
• Cracked or corroded casings
• Grids
• Cartridges
• Heat pump
• Salt water systems.

Saltwater pool

Not covered by
Choice Home Warranty

Pool

Covered by
Liberty Home Guard

• Both pool and built-in spa equipment (exterior hot tub and whirlpool) are covered if they utilize common equipment
• Heater
• Pump
• Motor
• Filter
• Filter timer
• Gaskets
• Blower
• Timer
• Valves, limited to back flush, actuator, check, and 2 and 3-way valves
• Relays and switches
• Pool sweep motor and pump
• Above ground plumbing pipes and wiring

Not Covered by
Liberty Home Guard

• Portable or above ground pools/spas
• Control panels and electronic boards
• Lights
• Liners
• Maintenance
• Structural defects
• Solar equipment
• Jets
• Ornamental fountains, waterfalls and their pumping systems
• Pool cover and related equipment
• Fill line and fill valve
• Built-in or detachable cleaning equipment such as, but not limited to, pool sweeps, pop up heads
• Turbo valves, skimmers, chlorinators, and ionizers
• Fuel storage tanks
• Disposable filtration mediums
• Cracked or corroded casings
• Grids
• Cartridges
• Heat pump
• Salt water generators and components

Spa

Covered by
Liberty Home Guard

• Additional Spa

Not Covered by
Liberty Home Guard

No Info

Saltwater pool

Covered by
Liberty Home Guard

• Salt water pool cell;
• Pump;
• Filtration system;
• Circuit board;
• Chlorinator

Not Covered by
Liberty Home Guard

No Info

Pool

Covered by
American Home Shield

• Pool sweep motor and pump
• Pump Motor
• Blower motor and timer
• Plumbing pipes and wiring
• Plumbing and electrical

Not Covered by
American Home Shield

• Portable or above ground spas
• Access to pool and spa equipment
• Lights
• Liners
• Jets
• Ornamental Fountains, waterfalls and their pumping systems
• Auxiliary pumps
• Pool cover and related equipment
• Fill line and fill valves
• Built-in or detachable cleaning equipment including, without limitation, pool sweeps, pop-up heads, turbo valves, skimmers, chlorinators, and ionizers
• Fuel storage tanks
• Disposal filtration mediums
• Heat Pump
• Multi-media centers
• Dehumidifiers
• Salt water generators and components

Spa

Covered by
American Home Shield

• Pool sweep motor and pump
• Pump Motor
• Blower motor and timer
• Plumbing pipes and wiring
• Plumbing and electrical

Not Covered by
American Home Shield

• Portable or above ground spas
• Access to pool and spa equipment
• Lights
• Liners
• Jets
• Ornamental Fountains, waterfalls and their pumping systems
• Auxiliary pumps
• Pool cover and related equipment
• Fill line and fill valves
• Built-in or detachable cleaning equipment including, without limitation, pool sweeps, pop-up heads, turbo valves, skimmers, chlorinators, and ionizers
• Fuel storage tanks
• Disposal filtration mediums
• Heat Pump
• Multi-media centers
• Dehumidifiers
• Salt water generators and components

Saltwater pool

Not covered by
American Home Shield

When Something Major Goes Wrong

Unfortunately, even proper maintenance cannot prevent major problems from occurring. The well-maintained car can still have expensive issues that arise, such as radiator or transmission failure. With pools, similarly, many things can go wrong.

One of the most expensive problems that can arise is a leak in the pool itself. Many warm-weather states, where pools are more popular, have soil conditions conducive to shifting. This is why homes in these states often have foundation problems, and a pool is not immune to such issues.

If a pool leaks, the minimum cost is $200 for a professional repair. Concrete pools must usually be completely drained and sanded down to be prepared, which adds an additional amount ranging from $800 to $1,550 ¹⁰.

Filter and pump systems can break down over time and must be repaired. Depending upon the type, a filter replacement may cost from $150 to over $500, and a pump can cost between $185 for a smaller .75hp motor to $350 for a larger 2.5hp one.

Many new pools are also equipped with heaters. Pools in cold-weather climates often have heaters installed so that homeowners can enjoy the pool year-round. These, too, are prone to breakage over time. The average cost for heater repair is about $400 but can easily climb to over $1,200 in some cases.

While maintenance costs can add up, it is these major repair expenses that can most frustrate the experience of owning a pool.

What is the Total Cost of Pool Ownership

The total cost of pool ownership, then, is a combination of the regular maintenance of the pool and the breakage of major components that must be repaired. Inevitably, every pool owner who has their pool long enough will have to deal with, and pay for, both.

In the long run, pool owners can expect to pay varying amounts for pool ownership depending on the type of pool they have, what accessories they’ve added, and the environmental factors their pool is exposed to.

Generally speaking, fiberglass pools are the least expensive pools to maintain. However, there are still regular costs involved in ownership beyond potential repairs. This includes electricity usage and chemical usage ¹¹.

Vinyl pools, the least expensive kind, tend to cost more to own in the long run. The replacement of the liner becomes a factor, in addition to electricity and chemical costs. Vinyl liners only last 5 to 9 years, on average, and can cost $4,000 or more to replace.

Concrete pools carry the greatest cost. Sanding and resurfacing the pool every 10 to 15 years can cost $10,000 or more. Every 3 to 6 years, a concrete pool requires an acid washing that can cost in excess of $500. Further, concrete pools still incur regular costs for chemical and electricity usage. These all drive the cost up substantially.

Pool ownership can certainly be expensive, but when important components break, the cost can truly skyrocket. For this reason, and for general peace of mind, many pool owners may be interested to learn that home warranties often cover pools.

As stated previously, however, choosing the right home warranty to cover a pool is a major task. Let’s turn, then, to consider what these policies actually cover, and what they don’t.

Read Also: Are You A Senior Interested In Pool Coverage?

How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost for Pools?

After reviewing the data on pool ownership costs, many homeowners might be surprised to find out that a home warranty that covers pools is available. In fact, our survey shows that the vast majority of the best home warranty companies — From Choice Home Warranty to First American Home Warranty–offer it as an option.

Of the 20 companies we randomly selected for this home warranty review, 19 offer some sort of pool coverage. While it is an add-on in all cases, the pricing is generally reasonable. Based on that sample, the average home warranty pool coverage costs between $100 and $205 per year for this additional coverage.

The other cost associated with home warranty pool coverage is the service fee, sometimes called the deductible. This service call fee is charged when you contact the home warranty provider and they send a qualified pool and spa repair person to assess the situation and make the repair.

Exactly what they cover, however, is where the plans begin to show their differences. Coverage options vary significantly. Some plans cover a great deal, while others cover very little. In fact, 4 of the 19 companies do not disclose any information about pool coverage on their website, except that they offer it. This is concerning and could leave a homeowner in a very challenging situation when it comes time to make a claim. That leaves 15 of the 19 who provide details about coverage.

The most important number to know is the coverage limit, which denotes how much can be covered for a given repair. This matters because, as previously mentioned, major repairs are the primary unexpected expenses that arise in pool ownership.

Of those who provide coverage, the average coverage limit is $771. That is an average of 14 companies, because one company, as we will note, is an outlier and provides much higher coverage that would otherwise distort the average.

Cost and limits for pool coverage by the company

On the low end, 2 of the home warranty companies we surveyed have a coverage limit of $400, and another 6 have coverage limits of $500. If we group these together as the “below average” coverage limits for pools, a total of 8 companies fall into that category.

The remaining 7 companies offer higher coverage limits. 3 of these policies have coverage limits of $1,000, which we will categorize as “average” coverage, and 3 have coverage limits of $1,500, which we will call “above average.”

Recall that one company offered much higher coverage. That company is Super, with a coverage limit of $10,000. As this is clearly above average, that means that there are a total of 4 companies offering above-average coverage limits.

Overall, our random survey of home warranty pool coverage costs yields some interesting results. Fifteen of 19 companies provided some detail about coverage limits, an important metric for any homeowner considering this as part of their home warranty. Eight of the 15 fell below average, 3 were average, and 4 were above average.

Considering that major pool repairs often come in at close to $1,000, having an average to an above-average amount of coverage would seem preferable for most pool owners. This does not, however, guarantee that all issues will be covered.

Home Warranty Coverage Beyond the Pool

Along with coverage of your pool and spa, a comprehensive plan from a top home warranty company will also give you coverage of all the major systems, like your HVAC system (heating system and air conditioning including ductwork), hot water heater, furnace, plumbing (including stoppages,) and electrical system, along with home appliances from your refrigerator, to the garbage disposal, trash compactor, ceiling fans, whirlpool baths, and even ice makers and garage door openers. Optional coverage similar to the pool coverage might include central vacuum cleaners, well pumps, and septic systems, specifically septic tank pumps. 

A home warranty is a service contract that will cover normal wear and tear on all of these items in situations where a homeowner’s insurance policy or a manufacturer’s warranty will not. So if your air conditioner breaks down and your home insurance does not cover it, a home warranty service provider is the next line of defense. 

Home protection with a home warranty comes in three basic plan options. There are two basic plans that cover either major appliances plan or a systems plan. The more comprehensive coverage is with a Combo Plan (sometimes called a Platinum Plan) that covers all the major appliances and systems.

Our Recommended Swimming Pool Warranty Providers Based on Our Research

Choose your State:

- Any -AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingDistrict of Columbia

Raiting:98.50

• Silver Combo Plan
  $517
• Platinum Combo Plan
  $609

Cost
$180	$180	-

Limit
$500	$500	-

---

Choice Home Warranty REVIEW (929) 400-6169 Visit website

Raiting:98.00

• Gold Appliance Plan
  $600
• Platinum Combo Plan
  $720

Cost
$199.99	$99.99	$239.99

Limit
$500	$500	$500

---

Liberty Home Guard REVIEW (866) 472-3812 Visit website

Raiting:97.60

• Silver Systems Plan
  $360
• Platinum Combo Plan
  $960

Cost
$252	$252	-

Limit
$3000	$3000	-

---

American Home Shield REVIEW (866) 464-7521 Visit website

Pool

Covered by
Choice Home Warranty

• Heater
• Pump
• Motor
• Filter
• Filter timer
• Gaskets
• Blower
• Timer
• Valves, limited to back flush, actuator, check, and 2 and 3-way valves
• Relays and switches
• Pool sweep motor and pump
• Above ground plumbing pipes and wiring

Not Covered by
Choice Home Warranty

• Portable or above ground pools/spas
• Control panels and electronic boards
• Lights
• Liners
• Maintenance
• Structural defects
• Solar equipment
• Jets
• Ornamental fountains, waterfalls and their pumping systems
• Pool cover and related equipment
• Fill line and fill valve
• Built-in or detachable cleaning equipment such as, but not limited to, pool sweeps, pop up heads
• Turbo valves, skimmers, chlorinators, and ionizers
• Fuel storage tanks
• Disposable filtration mediums
• Cracked or corroded casings
• Grids
• Cartridges
• Heat pump
• Salt water systems.

Spa

Covered by
Choice Home Warranty

• Heater
• Pump
• Motor
• Filter
• Filter timer
• Gaskets
• Blower
• Timer
• Valves, limited to back flush, actuator, check, and 2 and 3-way valves
• Relays and switches
• Pool sweep motor and pump
• Above ground plumbing pipes and wiring

Not Covered by
Choice Home Warranty

• Portable or above ground pools/spas
• Control panels and electronic boards
• Lights
• Liners
• Maintenance
• Structural defects
• Solar equipment
• Jets
• Ornamental fountains, waterfalls and their pumping systems
• Pool cover and related equipment
• Fill line and fill valve
• Built-in or detachable cleaning equipment such as, but not limited to, pool sweeps, pop up heads
• Turbo valves, skimmers, chlorinators, and ionizers
• Fuel storage tanks
• Disposable filtration mediums
• Cracked or corroded casings
• Grids
• Cartridges
• Heat pump
• Salt water systems.

Saltwater pool

Not covered by
Choice Home Warranty

Pool

Covered by
Liberty Home Guard

• Both pool and built-in spa equipment (exterior hot tub and whirlpool) are covered if they utilize common equipment
• Heater
• Pump
• Motor
• Filter
• Filter timer
• Gaskets
• Blower
• Timer
• Valves, limited to back flush, actuator, check, and 2 and 3-way valves
• Relays and switches
• Pool sweep motor and pump
• Above ground plumbing pipes and wiring

Not Covered by
Liberty Home Guard

• Portable or above ground pools/spas
• Control panels and electronic boards
• Lights
• Liners
• Maintenance
• Structural defects
• Solar equipment
• Jets
• Ornamental fountains, waterfalls and their pumping systems
• Pool cover and related equipment
• Fill line and fill valve
• Built-in or detachable cleaning equipment such as, but not limited to, pool sweeps, pop up heads
• Turbo valves, skimmers, chlorinators, and ionizers
• Fuel storage tanks
• Disposable filtration mediums
• Cracked or corroded casings
• Grids
• Cartridges
• Heat pump
• Salt water generators and components

Spa

Covered by
Liberty Home Guard

• Additional Spa

Not Covered by
Liberty Home Guard

No Info

Saltwater pool

Covered by
Liberty Home Guard

• Salt water pool cell;
• Pump;
• Filtration system;
• Circuit board;
• Chlorinator

Not Covered by
Liberty Home Guard

No Info

Pool

Covered by
American Home Shield

• Pool sweep motor and pump
• Pump Motor
• Blower motor and timer
• Plumbing pipes and wiring
• Plumbing and electrical

Not Covered by
American Home Shield

• Portable or above ground spas
• Access to pool and spa equipment
• Lights
• Liners
• Jets
• Ornamental Fountains, waterfalls and their pumping systems
• Auxiliary pumps
• Pool cover and related equipment
• Fill line and fill valves
• Built-in or detachable cleaning equipment including, without limitation, pool sweeps, pop-up heads, turbo valves, skimmers, chlorinators, and ionizers
• Fuel storage tanks
• Disposal filtration mediums
• Heat Pump
• Multi-media centers
• Dehumidifiers
• Salt water generators and components

Spa

Covered by
American Home Shield

• Pool sweep motor and pump
• Pump Motor
• Blower motor and timer
• Plumbing pipes and wiring
• Plumbing and electrical

Not Covered by
American Home Shield

• Portable or above ground spas
• Access to pool and spa equipment
• Lights
• Liners
• Jets
• Ornamental Fountains, waterfalls and their pumping systems
• Auxiliary pumps
• Pool cover and related equipment
• Fill line and fill valves
• Built-in or detachable cleaning equipment including, without limitation, pool sweeps, pop-up heads, turbo valves, skimmers, chlorinators, and ionizers
• Fuel storage tanks
• Disposal filtration mediums
• Heat Pump
• Multi-media centers
• Dehumidifiers
• Salt water generators and components

Saltwater pool

Not covered by
American Home Shield

Issues Covered and Not Covered for Pools in Home Warranties

The most difficult part for pool owners investing in pool coverage for their home warranty is figuring out what’s actually covered. After all, if it doesn’t cover the most significant issues, such a policy won’t be of much help when an issue actually arises.

On the whole, pool coverage generally tended to be more specific about what wasn’t covered than what was covered. We undertook an in-depth textual analysis of the warranty language for the companies we sampled to reveal what it told us about their coverage or lack thereof.

On average, the policies spent an average of 37 words describing what was covered. They used almost twice as much space, 68 words on average, to detail what wasn’t covered. 3 of 19 companies didn’t disclose what they covered at all.

The sections on what was covered from the 16 companies who provided them included several common elements and were analyzed for the frequency of coverage for common items. Most often mentioned was the heater (covered by 13, or 81%), the filtration system (covered by 12, or 75%), the pump (covered by 11, or 69%), and above-ground components (covered by 10, or 63%).

Unfortunately, the data revealed that it is often far easier to make a list of items that home warranties don’t cover for pools. The most commonly mentioned items that were not covered included lights (mentioned by all 16 companies, 100%), jets (mentioned by 15, or 94%), liners (mentioned by 15, or 94%), and cleaning equipment (mentioned by 14, or 88%).

Other items that generally were not covered included components such as solar water heaters, ornamental waterfalls, fountains, and fuel storage tanks. Most home warranty providers do not cover pre-existing conditions, so if there are current problems with your pool, a home warranty is not the way to manage them.

It’s important to note that not being included here does not mean an item is covered, but only that it wasn’t specifically mentioned. The rest simply don’t include it in coverage or use catch-all phrasing to describe a variety of items not covered. A general rule of thumb, which we recommend, is to only consider an item as covered if it is specifically mentioned as covered.

Some special rules worth noting also showed up in the coverage. These could be make-or-break if they apply to you and you find yourself in need of repair. One such rule was that portable pools were not covered, generally. This was mentioned by 6 of the 16 companies, with 10 not mentioning it. Another was that coverage applied only to above-ground items, mentioned by 10 of the 16 companies.

If you have both a pool and hot tub (or spa), 10 of 16 companies say in their policies that they must share the same equipment or separate coverage must be purchased. 5, meanwhile, do not mention it at all, and 1 actually says the opposite, that they don’t have to share equipment.

One final rule to keep an eye out for is the matter of special coverage limits. In addition to the overall coverage limits heretofore mentioned, some companies also impose special coverage limits on specific items. Our analysis revealed that 3 of 16 companies employed this tactic. Pool owners should be especially wary of such a tactic.

Based on the grouping by coverage limits previously discussed, most pool owners would likely wish to opt for a warranty that is at least rated as average, if not above average.

Therefore, we first considered the most common expensive repairs and how the 7 average or above-average companies compared. These four issues comprise many of the most expensive repair concerns facing the average pool owner. They are filters, pumps, heaters, and pool vacuums (also known as pool sweeps).

The only companies that cover all four of these major concerns were HWA Platinum Home Warranty, Super, 2-10 Home Warranty, and First American Home Buyers Protection.

It is worth noting that none of the companies cover pool leaks, based upon the data we gathered for this analysis. As the most expensive issue that can arise with pools, this is a very important matter for pool owners to consider. Further, none of the companies we sampled cover liner repairs and replacements, which arise regularly for owners of vinyl pools.

Own A Home In Los Angeles And Want Protection For Your Pool? We Can Help!

Common Complaints and Concerns with Pool Warranties

No study of pool coverage would be complete without an impartial look at some of the downsides mentioned by pool owners when they try to use their home warranties’ pool coverage.

We surveyed reviews of home warranties from numerous sites. On the whole, pool-related reviews comprised only between 2 and 6 percent of all home warranty-related reviews. The vast majority, 92 percent on average, were negative.

This in and of itself is not surprising, as the home warranty industry receives mostly negative feedback online. Happy customers rarely go to the trouble to post reviews on such sites. That said, the content of those reviews can help to highlight the most common concerns.

Of a total of 25 reviews sampled for this analysis, the most common repair issue cited was pump repair, with over half citing that as the reason for their claim. Every company in both our average and above average categories covers pump repair, meaning that they are less likely to have negative feedback registered.

Heater, filter, and valve repair were also mentioned as common concerns.

Of the 25 reviews, claim denial was the top concern cited, with 15 reviews offering negative feedback for that reason. Other issues mentioned included a delay in repairs with 5 mentions, tricky terms in the warranty with 5 mentions, and complaints about contractor professionalism with 4 mentions.

Interestingly, however, the companies we labeled as average to above average in their pool coverage were largely absent from the complaints. In fact, only 2 of 25 negative reviews mentioned those companies. Therefore, while pool coverage receives poor marks from consumers who give feedback, they mainly seem to be reviewing companies that provide lower coverage limits. We can thus conclude that higher coverage limits are correlated with fewer complaints and greater overall customer satisfaction.

Our Recommended Swimming Pool Warranty Providers Based on Our Research

Choose your State:

- Any -AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingDistrict of Columbia

Raiting:98.50

• Silver Combo Plan
  $517
• Platinum Combo Plan
  $609

Cost
$180	$180	-

Limit
$500	$500	-

---

Choice Home Warranty REVIEW (929) 400-6169 Visit website

Raiting:98.00

• Gold Appliance Plan
  $600
• Platinum Combo Plan
  $720

Cost
$199.99	$99.99	$239.99

Limit
$500	$500	$500

---

Liberty Home Guard REVIEW (866) 472-3812 Visit website

Raiting:97.60

• Silver Systems Plan
  $360
• Platinum Combo Plan
  $960

Cost
$252	$252	-

Limit
$3000	$3000	-

---

American Home Shield REVIEW (866) 464-7521 Visit website

Pool

Covered by
Choice Home Warranty

• Heater
• Pump
• Motor
• Filter
• Filter timer
• Gaskets
• Blower
• Timer
• Valves, limited to back flush, actuator, check, and 2 and 3-way valves
• Relays and switches
• Pool sweep motor and pump
• Above ground plumbing pipes and wiring

Not Covered by
Choice Home Warranty

• Portable or above ground pools/spas
• Control panels and electronic boards
• Lights
• Liners
• Maintenance
• Structural defects
• Solar equipment
• Jets
• Ornamental fountains, waterfalls and their pumping systems
• Pool cover and related equipment
• Fill line and fill valve
• Built-in or detachable cleaning equipment such as, but not limited to, pool sweeps, pop up heads
• Turbo valves, skimmers, chlorinators, and ionizers
• Fuel storage tanks
• Disposable filtration mediums
• Cracked or corroded casings
• Grids
• Cartridges
• Heat pump
• Salt water systems.

Spa

Covered by
Choice Home Warranty

• Heater
• Pump
• Motor
• Filter
• Filter timer
• Gaskets
• Blower
• Timer
• Valves, limited to back flush, actuator, check, and 2 and 3-way valves
• Relays and switches
• Pool sweep motor and pump
• Above ground plumbing pipes and wiring

Not Covered by
Choice Home Warranty

• Portable or above ground pools/spas
• Control panels and electronic boards
• Lights
• Liners
• Maintenance
• Structural defects
• Solar equipment
• Jets
• Ornamental fountains, waterfalls and their pumping systems
• Pool cover and related equipment
• Fill line and fill valve
• Built-in or detachable cleaning equipment such as, but not limited to, pool sweeps, pop up heads
• Turbo valves, skimmers, chlorinators, and ionizers
• Fuel storage tanks
• Disposable filtration mediums
• Cracked or corroded casings
• Grids
• Cartridges
• Heat pump
• Salt water systems.

Saltwater pool

Not covered by
Choice Home Warranty

Pool

Covered by
Liberty Home Guard

• Both pool and built-in spa equipment (exterior hot tub and whirlpool) are covered if they utilize common equipment
• Heater
• Pump
• Motor
• Filter
• Filter timer
• Gaskets
• Blower
• Timer
• Valves, limited to back flush, actuator, check, and 2 and 3-way valves
• Relays and switches
• Pool sweep motor and pump
• Above ground plumbing pipes and wiring

Not Covered by
Liberty Home Guard

• Portable or above ground pools/spas
• Control panels and electronic boards
• Lights
• Liners
• Maintenance
• Structural defects
• Solar equipment
• Jets
• Ornamental fountains, waterfalls and their pumping systems
• Pool cover and related equipment
• Fill line and fill valve
• Built-in or detachable cleaning equipment such as, but not limited to, pool sweeps, pop up heads
• Turbo valves, skimmers, chlorinators, and ionizers
• Fuel storage tanks
• Disposable filtration mediums
• Cracked or corroded casings
• Grids
• Cartridges
• Heat pump
• Salt water generators and components

Spa

Covered by
Liberty Home Guard

• Additional Spa

Not Covered by
Liberty Home Guard

No Info

Saltwater pool

Covered by
Liberty Home Guard

• Salt water pool cell;
• Pump;
• Filtration system;
• Circuit board;
• Chlorinator

Not Covered by
Liberty Home Guard

No Info

Pool

Covered by
American Home Shield

• Pool sweep motor and pump
• Pump Motor
• Blower motor and timer
• Plumbing pipes and wiring
• Plumbing and electrical

Not Covered by
American Home Shield

• Portable or above ground spas
• Access to pool and spa equipment
• Lights
• Liners
• Jets
• Ornamental Fountains, waterfalls and their pumping systems
• Auxiliary pumps
• Pool cover and related equipment
• Fill line and fill valves
• Built-in or detachable cleaning equipment including, without limitation, pool sweeps, pop-up heads, turbo valves, skimmers, chlorinators, and ionizers
• Fuel storage tanks
• Disposal filtration mediums
• Heat Pump
• Multi-media centers
• Dehumidifiers
• Salt water generators and components

Spa

Covered by
American Home Shield

• Pool sweep motor and pump
• Pump Motor
• Blower motor and timer
• Plumbing pipes and wiring
• Plumbing and electrical

Not Covered by
American Home Shield

• Portable or above ground spas
• Access to pool and spa equipment
• Lights
• Liners
• Jets
• Ornamental Fountains, waterfalls and their pumping systems
• Auxiliary pumps
• Pool cover and related equipment
• Fill line and fill valves
• Built-in or detachable cleaning equipment including, without limitation, pool sweeps, pop-up heads, turbo valves, skimmers, chlorinators, and ionizers
• Fuel storage tanks
• Disposal filtration mediums
• Heat Pump
• Multi-media centers
• Dehumidifiers
• Salt water generators and components

Saltwater pool

Not covered by
American Home Shield

Conclusion

A pool is a huge investment in a home and an expensive one. The costs of pool ownership don’t stop at the installation, continuing for as many years as the homeowners wish to use and maintain their pool. Unexpected repairs, however, can frustrate the experience and cost a great deal.

Home warranties frequently offer pool coverage as an option, and pool owners may want to know whether or not it is a good purchase. The answer depends, as with any insurance product, on risk tolerance and what is being protected.

Vinyl pools, which have liners that wear out frequently, may not be good candidates for home warranty coverage. We did not find a single company that covered the very expensive process of repairing or replacing the liner in these pools.

Fiberglass pools, on the other hand, would seem to be very good candidates for coverage because of their lower total cost of ownership. In these pools, the most common concerns will be items such as filters, pumps, and pool vacuums that can be covered by a home warranty.

Concrete pools, owing to their much higher total cost of ownership and initial investment, may fall somewhere in between. No home warranty covers the expensive process of draining a concrete pool, for example.

All pools, even vinyl pools, can benefit from home warranties if the homeowner is realistic about what will and won’t be covered. Filters and pumps were covered by all of the best policies. Pools with heaters and expensive pool vacuums would especially benefit from coverage, as these items are also generally covered by the best policies.

Ultimately, the most substantial question pool owners must ask themselves is whether they’re willing and able to cover a major repair when it occurs.

Even if the answer is yes, if they desire to ensure that the most common major repairs with their pool are taken care of with minimal cost and fuss, pool coverage just might make sense. In that case, they should find a company that’s worth using, and this analysis gives them the tools to do just that.

If you live in New Mexico, California, Texas, or Arizona, a home warranty that includes pool coverage is essential. Check out our state pages for more recommendations based on your location.