When I was still running routes, I made a rule for myself: I don’t fill pools. Ever. The reason was simple. I saw what could happen if you forget to shut the water off.
One case I’ll never forget: a hose was left running and the pool overflowed right into the client’s downstairs living room. Hardwood floors, furniture, and even valuable art were destroyed. By the time the mold remediation company was done, the claim was well into six figures. All because of a hose.
That’s why I tell pros: let the homeowner fill their own pool. If they push you to do it, explain why the liability is too high. Even if they say, “Don’t worry, I’ll take responsibility,” the second something goes wrong, all fingers point back to you.
If you absolutely must top off a pool, leave your keys on the spigot and set a timer on your phone. And don’t even bother during a 15–20 minute stop—it won’t make a difference in the water level anyway.
Overflow claims are some of the most stressful I’ve seen. They don’t just cost money—they break trust with the client. And here’s the kicker: luxury homes can blow past your $1 million liability limit fast. That’s why I always recommend an umbrella policy for peace of mind.
You can prevent 99% of overfill claims just by sticking to one rule: don’t take the risk.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hi, I’m Danielle Bahr, owner of the Swimming Pool Pro Alliance (SPPA). With over 30 years of experience in the pool and spa industry, I’ve dedicated my career to protecting service and repair professionals with insurance that’s affordable, flexible, and backed by A-rated carriers. SPPA serves pool, spa, pond, and fountain pros across 49 states, offering coverage that includes pool pop-ups, pollution cleanup, inspections, and even key and lock replacement. I come from a family of pool service pros myself, so I understand the risks you face, and my goal is simple: to give you peace of mind so you can focus on running your business.