Owning a pool has a lot of perks, but it’s an expensive investment. If something goes wrong, repair costs can quickly add up. A home warranty with swimming pool coverage can help take the sting out of these unexpected costs by offering financial help for repairs.
We reviewed 13 leading home warranty companies to find which ones offer the best pool coverage. We chose American Home Shield (AHS) as our top pick because it covers up to $3,000 in pool repairs per year. It also covers pools with existing issues and damage—something most companies don’t do. Our second choice is Choice Home Warranty. Most home warranty providers only offer pool coverage as an add-on to your base plan, and Choice has the cheapest additional cost.
Below, we’ll discuss all five of our companies and answer key questions about how pool warranty coverage works.
Top Home Warranty Companies for Pools
After evaluating 13 home warranty companies, we chose the following five companies as the best options for pool coverage:
- American Home Shield: Best Comprehensive Coverage
- Choice Home Warranty: Best Basic Plan Coverage
- First American Home Warranty: Best for High-End Items
- Elite Home Warranty: Best for Flexible Coverage
- Cinch Home Services: Best Additional Perks
Comparing Top Home Warranty Companies for Pool Coverage
When comparing home warranty companies that offer pool coverage, we paid special attention to monthly plan costs and service call fees (the cost you pay for each repair visit). Since pool coverage usually isn’t included in base plans, we also looked at the monthly price for pool add-ons and their respective coverage caps. A coverage cap is the max your home warranty provider will pay for that item per year.
The table below shows how our top picks measure up based on these important criteria.To determine pricing, we gathered quotes from each provider for a 2,215-square-foot single-family home in Orlando, Florida.
| Company | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Monthly Cost | Service Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
B | $36–$100 | $100–$125 | ||
B | $60–$68 | $100 | ||
B | $77–$130 | $100–$125 | ||
B | $45–$60 | $70 ($150 for after hours and weekends) | ||
B+ | $51–$68 | $100–$150 |
| Provider | Pool Coverage Cap | Pool Add-On Cost | Monthly Cost | Service Fee | BBB Rating | Get a Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,000 | $18 | $29–$89 | $100–$125 | B | VISIT SITE | |
| $3,000 | $15 | $46–$55 | $100 | B | VISIT SITE | |
| $2,500 | $20 | $42–$82 | $100–$125 | B | VISIT SITE | |
| $2,500 | Varies by area | $44–$58 | $70 | B+ | VISIT SITE | |
| $1,500 | $22 | $30–$56 | $100–$150 | B+ | VISIT SITE |
Note: BBB ratings are accurate as of November 2024.
Top-Rated Home Warranty Providers for Pools
Here’s a detailed look at our favorite home warranty providers for pool coverage.
American Home Shield
Pool Coverage Cap : $3,000
Pool Coverage Overview
- Covers $3,000 in repairs per year for pool and spa equipment
- Offers rare coverage for breakdowns caused by improper installation, poor maintenance, and rust or corrosion
- Lets you customize your plan with multiple service call fee options
Keep in Mind
- Doesn’t cover saltwater pools or their components
- Doesn’t offer coverage for multiple pools or spas
Company Review
American Home Shield is an excellent choice for homeowners seeking high coverage caps and protection for older pool equipment. The company covers up to $3,000 for pool repairs and replacements—the highest this review, matched only by Choice Home Warranty. We gave American Home Shield the top spot because it covers preexisting conditions (i.e., issues that existed before the start of your coverage). Most home warranty providers exclude this, making AHS a better choice for aged or worn pools.
However, there are some limitations. AHS doesn’t cover saltwater pools, which is fairly common among home warranty companies. It also limits coverage to just one pool or spa or a combined pool/spa setup. If your pool and spa don’t share filtration or heating systems, you can only cover one.
Customer Experiences
Many customers have said positive things about American Home Shield’s easy online claim form and quick technician assignments. One of our team members has an American Home Shield plan and had a smooth experience when filing an online claim, with a repair person assigned just five minutes later.
On the flip side, we noticed some recurring concerns about the quality of pool repairs when reading customer reviews. A few homeowners mentioned that the technicians sent to handle their pool repairs didn’t always have the right expertise or specific pool experience. Sometimes, AHS had trouble finding a nearby pool specialist, which led to delays or incomplete repairs.
We’ve included sample reviews for American Home Shield below:
“I have had several home warranties. American Home Shield is the best home warranty. They look for ways to cover the repair versus finding exclusions to not cover. I have had several repairs done from my HVAC, pool pump, garage door, and washer. The online platform is easy to submit the claim and AHS always has been fair… This is a top-notch company and would highly recommend them.” —Carlos P. via Trustpilot, November 2024
“I have a service call in to fix a pool problem and it seems AHS has lost the pool repair contractor in my area. They have not replaced the contractor so I gave the name and number of my qualified contractor to add to their approved list. I have heard no follow up in the past several days.” —John F. via Trustpilot, October 2024
Choice Home Warranty
Pool Coverage Cap : $3,000
Pool Coverage Overview
- Offers a $3,000 pool cap, matching American Home Shield
- Protects its repairs with a 90-day guarantee on parts and a 60-day guarantee on labor, longer than AHS and First American Home Warranty
- Provides the cheapest pool coverage add-on in this review
Keep in Mind
- Only offers one service call fee option, so you can’t customize its plan to your budget
- Restricts pool coverage to items with normal wear and tear, unlike AHS and Cinch Home Services
Company Review
Choice Home Warranty (CHW) has the same $3,000 pool repair limit as AHS, but costs $3 less per month. Its pool add-on is also up to $7 cheaper than our other reviewed providers, offering significant savings for budget-conscious homeowners. Plus, CHW backs its repairs with a 90-day parts guarantee and a 60-day labor guarantee. This means that if the pool parts fail or the repair is insufficient within the specified timeframe, you can request follow-up repairs at no extra cost. AHS’ workmanship guarantee is only 30 days.
Despite its longer repair guarantee, Choice limits its pool coverage to normal wear and tear—unlike American Home Shield and Cinch, which cover preexisting issues. Choice also only has one service call fee of $100. Other companies allow you to choose from a few service call fees, so you have more control over how much you pay when a repair person visits your home. This could be a dealbreaker if you expect to use the service frequently. Another consideration is that Choice is involved in an ongoing lawsuit with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office over its allegedly deceptive practices related to contracts and claims payouts.
Customer Experiences
Across customer reviews, many homeowners said Choice Home Warranty assigned technicians quickly, with repair appointments scheduled within one to two days after submitting their claims. However, experiences were mixed, with some homeowners waiting weeks or months for service. There were also cases where multiple technicians were needed to resolve a single issue. For example, our Choice Home Warranty tester had two situations where it took three different techs to finish the repairs.
Below are samples of Choice Home Warranty reviews:
“Once again Choice Home Warranty repaired our pool pump! They arranged for the repairman to come out the next day after I reported it not working. The CHW staff kept me informed on upcoming appointments and status of repair. Thanks for all their help and repairs.” —Teresa W. via Trustpilot, November 2024
“I was told when I purchased this policy that I could choose a contractor if needed. Yesterday when I placed a claim for my pool pump (automated system sucks btw) I was told I could not use my own contractor. Now, I am told there is a delay assigning a technician to my pool pump. Not making a great impression on a new customer.” —Anne V. via Trustpilot, October 2024
First American Home Warranty
Pool Coverage Cap : $2,500
Pool Coverage Overview
- Has a free upgrade to cover damage caused by improper repairs and modifications
- Covers saltwater pools and spas
- Covers multiple pools and spas, which is rare
Keep in Mind
- Charges a higher $20 per month fee for its pool coverage
- Offers lower pool coverage limits than AHS and CHW
Company Review
First American Home Warranty (FAHW) is one of the few providers that covers secondary pools and spas. It also has a free upgrade—the First American Advantage upgrade—that expands coverage beyond basic wear and tear, including protection for issues caused by poor installation, repair, or modifications.
Each additional pool gets a $2,500 coverage limit. While this is $500 less than what American Home Shield or Choice offers, it’s still sufficient for common pool repairs, which often run $1,000 or more. However, the First American Advantage upgrade still doesn’t match the preexisting condition coverage provided by AHS. First American’s pool coverage is also around $20.83 per month, which is higher than AHS and Choice.
Customer Experiences
First American Home Warranty receives a lot of positive feedback online for its helpful customer service and quick technician assignments. When our First American tester was assigned a repair person with poor online ratings, the company’s customer support stepped up and reassigned the job to someone else.
Some homeowners have shared frustrations with poor service and communication, particularly for pool repairs. In many cases, it took multiple service requests to fully resolve the same issue, which isn’t uncommon but can be a hassle for those looking for quicker resolutions.
Below is a sample of First American Home Warranty customer reviews:
“They just sent someone to fix my pool heater and they did great. I haven’t had to argue about what is covered and had many things fixed. When they couldn’t fix my washing machine (due to hard-to-find parts) they installed a new one and I was pleasantly surprised that it was not only brand new but had more features than my old one. I have been very happy and will keep this service as long as I am a homeowner.” —Lorie H. via Trustpilot, July 2024
“I’ve had experience with FAHW over several years and across various properties, but unfortunately, their service quality has significantly declined… One major issue was when FAHW left me without AC in my desert casita for over 30 days during the summer. On another occasion, their vendor repaired a 20-year-old gas pool heater with refurbished parts rather than replacing it. When the heater malfunctioned while I was away, I ended up with a $1,000 utility bill.” —Amber R. via Trustpilot, August 2024
Elite Home Warranty
Pool Coverage Cap : $2,500
Pool Coverage Overview
- Backs pool repairs with a 90-day workmanship guarantee
- Covers the most pool types, including saltwater and above-ground options
- Offers two pool add-on options for more customized coverage
Keep in Mind
- Charges a $150 service call fee for pool and spa coverage, higher than other reviewed providers
- Offers a $1,500 pool coverage limit, lower than most reviewed providers
Company Review
Elite Home Warranty stands out for covering multiple pool types, including saltwater and above-ground pools—something most competitors don’t do. The company also provides two pool add-on options—one for pool equipment and another for pools and spas—allowing you to choose the coverage that best fits your needs. Plus, it includes a 90-day workmanship guarantee, offering more peace of mind than the 30-day protection from providers like Choice.
On the downside, Elite Home Warranty’s pool add-ons come with a $1,500 coverage limit, which is lower than our other top providers. It also charges a $150 service fee for pool and spa repairs, which is standard but slightly higher than the other companies in this review. While Cinch also charges up to $150, it allows you to choose lower $100 or $125 fees during signup, which might work better for homeowners expecting to deal with frequent repairs. Just keep in mind that picking a lower fee will increase your monthly premium.
Customer Experiences
Elite Home Warranty is frequently praised in customer reviews for its friendly customer service team, with many homeowners highlighting helpful agents who go the extra mile. Customers also like the company’s variety of coverage options and thorough follow-ups during the claims process.
However, there were some consistent concerns we noticed while reading reviews. Several homeowners mentioned delays in communication, noting that it sometimes took a few days to respond to online claims and other inquiries. Some customers also reported frustration with denied claims. However, the items in question seemed covered under the plan, so this may be due to them misunderstanding their contract.
See what homeowners have said about Elite Home Warranty:
“Very informative and polite. [I] appreciated the variety of options as well. The information provided seems very comforting, knowing I’m covered if anything goes wrong and that my bad experience with another company at my old home won’t happen again. I really liked the option of having a warranty of 90 days after the maintenance is done for any other potential issues.” — Brenda L. via Trustpilot, August 2024
“Elite Home Warranty makes it very difficult to get the money that they say they will pay you. They will lie about it and try to dodge you every time you call them with a legitimate complaint. We have been promised money numerous times, but so far we have not received part of the money they said they would send us. I don’t trust them, and I wish we had not chosen them for our home warranty company. Once we are able, we are going to drop them and go with a different company.” David L. via the BBB, September 2024
Cinch Home Services
Pool Coverage Cap : $1,500
Pool Coverage Overview
- Covers certain preexisting conditions, similar to American Home Shield
- Includes a 180-day workmanship guarantee, longer than other reviewed providers
- Offers the cheapest standard plan options in this review
Keep in Mind
- Has the most expensive pool add-on at $22 per month
- Offers a lower $1,500 cap for pools
Company Overview
If you’re seeking affordable systems and appliance coverage along with pool protection, Cinch Home Services could be a great fit. With plans starting as low as $40—about $20 less than other reviewed providers—Cinch offers a competitive base price. The company also provides a 180-day workmanship guarantee, double the 90-day protection offered by Elite, giving you six months of coverage for any pool components that may fail after repairs. Plus, Cinch covers failures due to unknown preexisting conditions, rust, corrosion, and sediment, similar to AHS.
Cinch’s pool coverage is limited to $1,500. This is on par with Elite, but lower than our higher-ranked choices. The company also charges $22 for its pool add-on, which is more expensive than our other reviewed providers. Still, Cinch is worth considering if you’re looking for more comprehensive home protection.
Customer Experiences
Many of the positive reviews of Cinch Home Services mention satisfaction with its affordable plans and helpful customer support team. Lots of homeowners appreciated how thorough representatives were when explaining contract details and assisting with the claims process, which helped make the whole experience smoother.
However, some customers experienced delays with their repairs, with some needing to reschedule multiple times over several weeks. Others reported waiting two weeks or more just for the initial repair visit.
Below are some homeowner reviews for Cinch Home Services:
“[The] customer service representative was very helpful, professional, and kind. She provided everything I needed and went over services very clearly. I also was referred by someone that was very pleased with the service.” —Andi via Trustpilot, October 2024
“Do not sign up for this service. They have no sense of urgency when it comes to fulfilling a service request. It has taken over a month to repair my appliance. There is no empathy or understanding from the individuals at the contact center. They choose not to respond to emails. There are many other options out there for home warranty providers, and I suggest that you look elsewhere and avoid this headache of a company.” —Clayton C. via BBB, October 2024
Which Home Warranty Companies Didn’t Make the List?
Some home warranty companies didn’t make our top picks for pool coverage due to their lower coverage caps, but they could still be a good option if you want basic pool protection along with more comprehensive home system coverage.
AFC Home Warranty
AFC Home Warranty offers pool coverage of just $500, which is lower than many other providers we’ve reviewed. However, it stands out by including a plan-length guarantee that covers the cost of any repeat repairs or replacements for as long as your plan remains active. This could make it a good choice for homeowners who want a longer-term guarantee and don’t need extensive pool or spa coverage.
Liberty Home Guard (LHG)
Similar to AFC, Liberty Home Guard limits its pool and spa coverage to $500. However, LHG distinguishes itself with one of the most extensive add-on catalogs we’ve seen, including 40 options for additional appliances, outdoor installations, and home maintenance services. This makes LHG a good fit for homeowners who need less pool coverage but have more specialized coverage needs beyond just appliances and systems.
What Parts of a Pool Are Covered by a Home Warranty?
While pool warranties can help reduce repair costs for common issues, they don’t cover every pool-related breakdown. Most warranties address normal wear and tear but typically exclude problems resulting from neglect, misuse, or improper maintenance. Common pool equipment—such as pumps, heaters, and filtration systems—is often included. However, many don’t cover cosmetic damage like cracks in the pool lining or tiles. Additionally, most home warranty plans don’t cover water chemistry systems, pool liners, or automatic pool cleaning systems.
The table below compares what’s covered in the most comprehensive plans from our top five providers, focusing on key pool equipment and systems.
Key Pool Coverage Caps by Provider
| Pool Coverage | American Home Shield | Choice Home Warranty | First American Home Warranty | Elite Home Warranty | Cinch Home Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heating, pumping, and filtration systems | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Pool sweep motor and pump | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Circulation pump motor | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Plumbing pipes and wiring | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Above-ground pool components | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Non-saltwater pools | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Saltwater pools | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Spas | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Above-ground pools | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | 𝗫 | ✔ | 𝗫 |
How Much Does Pool Coverage Cost?
A home warranty plan with basic pool coverage costs about $660–$1,100 annually, depending on the company and what’s covered. This includes the base price of a home warranty plan ($480–$820) and an add-on for pool coverage ($180–$280), as most home warranty providers only cover pools as an add-on. This may seem expensive, but a pool warranty can be worth it when faced with the cost of repairing a pump or heater on your own, especially if you have multiple breakdowns in a year.
Remember that you’ll also pay a service call fee each time you need a repair, usually between $80 and $125. This fee covers the visit from a repair technician, so while it’s an extra cost, it’s generally a lot easier to plan for than a big, unexpected repair bill.
Here’s a quick breakdown of typical repair costs for common pool components to help you weigh your options with pool coverage.
| Pool Issue | Average Cost* |
|---|---|
| Gas pool heater repair | $150–$750 |
| Electric pool heater repair | $200–$1,200 |
| Pump motor repair | $250–$650 |
| Pool filter replacement | $250–$2,000 |
| Pump replacement | $700–$1,300 |
*Cost data sourced from Angi
Reading the Fine Print of Your Pool Coverage Plan
Pool warranties usually cover essential parts like pumps, heaters, and filtration systems while leaving out external connections and nonessential accessories. Many plans also exclude things like cleaning equipment, pool covers, and cosmetic features, as well as certain pool types, such as saltwater and portable pools.
Below are some of the most common exclusions in pool warranty plans.
- Advanced heating systems and fuel components: Equipment like heat pumps and fuel storage tanks (used for storing gas or oil) are typically excluded due to their specialized nature and high repair or replacement costs, which fall outside standard coverage.
- Consumable and nonessential items: Items such as pool vacuums, robotic cleaners, pool water treatments, pool covers, and liners are often excluded because they either require frequent replacement or are deemed nonessential or cosmetic.
- Damage caused by natural disasters: Home warranties with pool coverage generally don’t cover damage from weather events like storms or floods, as this is typically covered under homeowners insurance. For example, damage from a fallen tree or flooding would be covered by an insurance policy but not a home warranty.
- Decorative features: Waterfalls, fountains, and other aesthetic additions are generally not covered, as they’re considered optional upgrades meant for decoration rather than for essential pool functions.
- Preexisting and installation issues: Most plans exclude preexisting conditions, damage caused by improper installation, and unauthorized modifications (changes made by the homeowner without professional oversight), as these are viewed as homeowner responsibilities.
- Specialized pools and spas: Providers vary in their coverage of saltwater pools while other types of pools—such as portable and above-ground pools—are typically excluded since they’re not permanent.
- Structural and plumbing components: Features like underground pipes, wiring, fill lines, valves, and liners are typically excluded because they are either considered nonessential or fall under the homeowner’s responsibility for routine maintenance and repair.
How To Choose the Right Home Warranty for Pool Coverage
When picking pool coverage, it’s important to choose a home warranty provider that covers the right type of pool and spa for you. Chlorine and freshwater pools are more commonly included in plans, while saltwater pools can be harder to find coverage for. Some providers will cover both pools and spas, but they might require them to share equipment like pumps and filtration systems.
Many pool repairs can easily run over $1,000, so look for a plan with coverage limits of at least $1,500. Remember that even with a home warranty, your company may not cover the full cost of larger repairs. In that case, going for higher coverage limits is a smart move to keep your out-of-pocket expenses as low as possible.
Pool add-ons often come with higher fees compared to other coverage, so it’s important to set a budget ahead of time. You’ll need to cover both the base plan and the extra pool add-on. Don’t forget to factor in service call fees, which you’ll pay each time a repair person visits your pool. Many providers let you choose your service call fee, but choosing a lower fee will raise your monthly plan cost. To make sure you’re getting the best deal, get quotes from a few different companies and compare the monthly rates and add-on costs.
Advice From Real Homeowners
Owning a pool is a big investment, and while builder warranties cover some minor issues, they often leave homeowners unprepared for long-term repair costs. We spoke with two pool owners in South Carolina who’ve so far relied on their builder’s warranties for small repairs.
Shena B. from Charleston, who has owned a chlorine pool for two years, said her warranty covered a broken pool light but she hasn’t had any major issues. “I wish I’d been better prepared for all the upfront legwork, like land surveys and permits,” she said. “It’s also worth knowing how much time you’ll need to dedicate to cleaning and maintaining chemical balance.”
Mark K., a homeowner from Summerville who’s had a pool for three years, said he chose a saltwater pool because it requires much less maintenance and less money for chemicals. Like Shena, he hasn’t faced any big repairs yet. “We will be looking to take on expenses as they happen,” Mark said, explaining that he was budgeting like he would for car maintenance.
Though neither Shena nor Mark has dealt with major pump or heater repairs yet, that could change over time. If you don’t opt for a home warranty, it’s a good idea to keep a reserve fund like Mark in case any expensive breakdowns happen later on.
How We Evaluated Home Warranty Providers on Pool Coverage
We evaluated several key factors to recommend the best home warranty companies for pool coverage. Here’s an overview of our process.
Our Rating System
We spoke with home warranty experts, reviewed providers’ plans, and gathered customer feedback. To get a feel for the claims process, we contacted each company’s support team and even bought plans from 11 top providers. We also surveyed home warranty customers to find out why they picked certain plans and get a sense of their personal experiences with claims.
We used all of this research to create a detailed rating methodology and ranked each company in six categories: coverage (35%), cost (20%), trustworthiness (15%), plan transparency (10%), customer support (10%), and flexibility (10%). We focused on the following factors specific to pools:
- Covered pool types and components: Our team checked which types of pools and pool components are covered under each plan. This includes freshwater, saltwater, and above-ground pools, as well as essential pool components like pumps, filtration systems, heaters, and motors. Any providers with too many exclusions of key items didn’t make our list.
- Pool coverage limits: One big pool repair can easily cost over $1,000. As such, we focused on pool warranty plans that offer at least $1,500 in coverage for common repairs, with higher limits being preferable to cover more costly repairs like pump or heater replacements. We excluded any providers that offered coverage of $1,000 or lower.
- Add-on options for multiple pools or spas: Some providers offer bundled coverage for pools and spas, while others require you to purchase separate add-ons for each item. We paid special attention to providers offering flexibility in their add-on options so you can cover all your pool equipment without paying for coverage you don’t need.
- Our firsthand claims testing: Reading customer reviews can give you a good idea of a home warranty provider’s reputation, but we took it a step further by testing providers ourselves. Our team signed up with 11 different companies to get a firsthand look at important factors like customer support and the claims process. This helped us better understand how each provider operates so you can make a more informed decision.