By Katie Lynn Zurawka
Summer is the season for backyard fun—splashing in the pool, bouncing on the trampoline, and watching kids turn a playhouse into their own little world. These features can create wonderful memories, but they can also create serious liability concerns for homeowners. In the insurance world, items like swimming pools, trampolines, and playhouses are often considered “attractive nuisances”—property features that may draw children in while also increasing the risk of injury.
While your homeowners insurance may provide personal liability protection if someone is injured on your property and you are found legally responsible, coverage is not always automatic or unlimited. Some insurance carriers have specific requirements, restrictions, or exclusions for pools, trampolines, and other backyard structures. That means a quick policy review before summer fun begins can help you avoid costly surprises later.
What Is an Attractive Nuisance?
An attractive nuisance is something on your property that may appeal to children but could also be dangerous if used without supervision. Even if a child enters your property without permission, you could still face liability if reasonable steps were not taken to secure the hazard. Common examples include swimming pools, hot tubs, trampolines, treehouses, playsets, playhouses, ponds, fountains, and construction materials.
Swimming Pools: Fun with Added Responsibility
A pool can be one of the best parts of summer, but it also brings one of the highest liability risks. Slippery surfaces, diving injuries, and drowning hazards can lead to serious claims. Many insurance companies require safety measures such as fencing, self-latching gates, pool covers, locked access points, or posted safety rules. If you recently installed a pool—or even added a temporary or above-ground pool—be sure your insurance agent knows.
Trampolines: Bounce Before You Assume You’re Covered
Trampolines are a favorite summer activity, but they can be viewed as a higher-risk item by insurance companies. Coverage varies widely by carrier and policy. Some policies may cover trampoline-related injuries, some may require safety nets or other precautions, and others may exclude trampoline claims altogether. In certain situations, adding a trampoline could even affect policy eligibility or renewal.
Playhouses, Treehouses, and Backyard Playsets
Playhouses and backyard play structures may seem low-risk compared to pools or trampolines, but falls, loose railings, sharp edges, and unstable construction can still create hazards. If you have a playhouse, treehouse, swing set, or climbing structure, inspect it regularly and make sure it is age-appropriate, well-maintained, and securely installed.
How to Help Protect Your Family and Your Finances
• Notify your insurance agent before adding a pool, trampoline, playhouse, or other backyard feature.
• Review your homeowners policy for liability limits, exclusions, and safety requirements.
• Consider adding a personal umbrella policy to provide additional liability protection.
• Install proper fencing, locks, covers, netting, or barriers where appropriate.
• Supervise children and guests whenever backyard features are in use.
• Keep equipment maintained, secured, and free from visible hazards.
Enjoy Summer with Confidence
Backyard fun should be exciting—not stressful. Before the pool parties, trampoline jumps, and playhouse adventures begin, take a few minutes to confirm that your summer setup is properly covered. Your insurance agent can help you understand your current policy, identify possible gaps, and recommend coverage options that fit your home and lifestyle.
