The Best Pool Warranty Providers (2023)

Pool owners are well aware that their dream of a backyard oasis can quickly become a never-ending maintenance nightmare without the right degree of preparedness. According to our research, replacing a pool pump can cost as much as $650, and that’s not including filters, damaged plumbing, and other maintenance costs. With a home warranty, you can enjoy your swimming pool with peace of mind and without worrying about the next big expense.

Home warranties rarely include coverage for pools in standard plans. Many providers do provide it as an add-on option. Like other home protection plans, pool warranties safeguard your wallet from financial burden by covering pool repair costs associated with everyday wear and tear.

The This Old House Reviews Team has carefully reviewed the best home warranties in the U.S., analyzed their policies, and determined that these five providers offer the most comprehensive coverage for your home’s pool and spa equipment.

The Best Pool Warranty Companies

• Liberty Home Guard: Best Customer Ratings
• American Home Shield: Best Coverage Caps
• Cinch Home Services: Best Additional Perks
• 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty: Cheapest Appliances Plan
• The Home Service Club: Quickest Coverage

Summary of the Best Home Warranty Companies

Annual Home Warranty Cost Calculator

Our team created a calculator to break down the estimated annual cost of owning a home warranty. Enter your monthly premium, service call fee, and estimated number of claims to see your projected annual cost. It’s best to request a quote directly from one of our recommended providers, as annual costs and service fees vary between them.

Lifespan and repair cost data sourced from InterNACHI and Home Depot

Liberty Home Guard

Liberty Home Guard (LHG) offers a competitive suite of add-on options, two of which include coverage for standard in-ground pools, spas, and saltwater pools. It covers both the pool and built-in equipment, including heating, pumping, and filtration systems. It doesn’t cover portable or above-ground pools, control panels, or cleaning equipment. For a full list of LHG’s coverage, you can review the sample contract.

Top Highlights:

• Pool and spa coverage for $19.99 per month
• Covers salt water pools for $23.99 per month
• Covers up to $2,000 to repair or replace pool and spa components

Learn More: Liberty Home Guard Review

American Home Shield

American Home Shield (AHS) covers pools and spas as an add-on option for only $18 per month. This home warranty provider offers higher-than-average coverage caps, a flexible service call fee model, and comprehensive policies. Alongside solid pool coverage, it provides a vast network of 15,000 service providers. It also offers coverage in every state except Alaska and Hawaii.

Top Highlights:

• Offers pool and spa coverage for less than $20 per month
• Provides flexible service call fee model allows customers to adjust their monthly fees to fit their budget
• Covers up to $3,000 to access, diagnose, repair, or replace pool and spa equipment

Learn More: American Home Shield Review

Plans and Pricing

AHS offers three plan options, all of which can cover your pool or spa. ShieldSilver covers built-in systems such as your HVAC and doorbells. ShieldGold covers systems and an additional 10 essential home appliances, such as your refrigerator and laundry machines. ShieldPlatinum covers all of the items in the ShieldGold plan, plus roof-leak repairs up to $1,500.

Here are more details about American Home Shield’s plans and additional coverage:

• ShieldSilver ($19.99–$39.99 per month): Covers air conditioners, heating units, ductwork, built-in exhaust, vent, and attic fans, main breaker and fuse panel box, doorbells and chimes, interior electrical lines, ceiling fans, garage door openers, interior plumbing lines, toilets, faucets and valves, whirlpool tub motor and components, and water heaters
• ShieldGold ($34.99–$64.99 per month): Covers all the items in the ShieldSilver plan plus refrigerators, ranges, cooktops, ovens, dishwashers, built-in microwaves, garbage disposals, instant hot/cold water dispensers, clothes washers, and clothes dryers
• ShieldPlatinum ($59.99–$89.99 per month): Covers all the items in the ShieldGold plan plus one discounted heat or AC tune-up, AC refrigerant, roof-leak repairs, and coverage for code violations, permits, and modifications
• Optional Add-Ons: Electronics Protection Plan, pool or spa, guest unit, septic pump, well pump, re-key services, discounted heat or AC tune-up, air filter discount program, limited roof-leak repair
• Service Fee: $75–$125

To request a free quote from American Home Shield, call 844-529-9298 or use this simple online tool.

Cinch Home Services

Cinch Home Services is another veteran of the home warranty industry with more than 43 years of experience. Cinch stands out for its comprehensive policies, which include coverage for items damaged by rust or corrosion, a flexible service call fee model, and affordable coverage for pool and spa components.

Top Highlights:

• All pool add-ons are $13.33 per month, according to our sample quote
• 180-day workmanship warranty on all pool repairs
• All plans include a free water sensor and a $25 credit for an air conditioner or water filter

Learn More: Cinch Home Services Review

Plans and Pricing

Cinch offers three standard plan options, and pool and spa coverage is available as an add-on option for all of them. The Appliance Plan covers 12 appliances, such as oven ranges and built-in food centers. The Built-in Systems Plan covers 16 built-in systems including your HVAC unit and ductwork. The Complete Plan combines the coverage of the two basic plans into one comprehensive package.

Here are more details about Cinch Home Services’ plans and additional coverage:

• Appliances Plan ($27.99–$37.99 per month): Covers clothes dryer, clothes washer, cooktops, dishwashers, built-in food centers, freestanding ice makers, built-in microwaves, ranges, range exhaust hoods, refrigerators, built-in trash compactors, wall ovens, air conditioner or water filter credit, and water sensor
• Built-in Systems Plan ($32.99–$44.99 per month): Covers air conditioning including ductwork, attic fans, ceiling fans, central vacuums, doorbells, electrical systems, garage door openers, garbage disposals, heating system including ductwork, instant hot/cold water dispenser, plumbing system, smoke detectors, sump pump, toilets, water heater, whirlpool/jetted tub, air conditioner or water filter credit, and water sensor
• Complete Home Plan ($39.99–$51.99 per month): Covers all the items in the two earlier plans
• Optional Add-Ons: Pool (heater included), spa (heater included), pool with spa (heater included), septic tank/pumping, well pump, and Premier Upgrade Package
• Service Fee: $100–$150

To request a quick quote from Cinch Home Services, fill out this simple form or call 844-979-0899.

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty allows customers to elect home warranty coverage that is specifically tailored to their needs. Compared to other providers on this list, 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty’s add-ons are more specific with coverage for freshwater pools, saltwater pools, and additional pools depending on your needs and pool equipment.

Top Highlights:

• Offers multiple types of pool coverage, such as freshwater pools and saltwater pools
• Can cover freshwater pools for $18 per month, saltwater pools for $30 per month, and additional pools for $15 per month
• Providers coverage tailored for home buyers, sellers, home builders, and real estate agents

Learn More: 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty Review

Plans and Pricing

All of 2-10’s plans can have pool coverage added to them. The Simply Kitchen plan is the most affordable option as it only covers six essential kitchen appliances. Complete Home expands that coverage to include built-in systems, such as heating, air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical. Pinnacle Home expands that coverage even further by adding the Supreme Package, which covers additional components and items such as crane costs.

Here are more details about 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty’s plans and additional coverage:

• Simply Kitchen ($22 per month): Covers built-in microwaves, dishwashers, ranges, ovens, cooktop, and refrigerator with ice maker/crusher and beverage dispenser
• Complete Home ($51 per month): Covers all the appliances in the earlier plan, plus heating, air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical systems
• Pinnacle Home ($60 per month): Covers all the items in the Complete Home plan plus the Supreme package which covers appliance handles, hinges, clocks, racks, shelves, baskets, rollers, knobs, dials, latch assemblies, springs, internal lining, turntable platforms, rotisseries, glass/ceramic cooktops, self-cleaning mechanisms when they affect the primary function of the appliance, crane costs, filters, and more.
• Optional Add-Ons: Supreme Package, Luxury Package, HVAC Surplus, additional refrigeration, service fee options, pre-season HVAC tune-up, septic system, well pump, washer and dryer, plumbing and electrical, garage door openers, extended pipe leak, pool/spa equipment, roof-leak, and water softener
• Service Fee: $65–$100

To request a quote from 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty, fill out this quick form or call 855-498-4719.

The Home Service Club

The Home Service Club is one of the few providers in the industry that will accept claims from new customers in as little as 10 days compared to the typical 30-day waiting period. It also stands out for the inclusion of pest control, telephone wiring, and other uncommonly covered items in its Comprehensive Plan.

Top Highlights:

• Wide contractor network of more than 10,000 licensed and insured technicians
• 90-day workmanship guarantee on parts and labor, which is three times the length of the standard 30-day workmanship guarantee
• Responds within 12 business hours of receiving your claim

Learn More: The Home Service Club Review

Plans and Pricing

The Home Service Club offers two plan options, both of which cover a combination of appliances and systems. The Standard Plan covers items such as your air conditioning, refrigerator, and water heater. The Comprehensive Plan covers all the items in the Standard Plan plus ductwork, gas leaks, plumbing stoppages, and other instances of wear and tear.

Here are more details about The Home Service Club’s plans and additional coverage:

• Standard Plan ($51.25 per month): Covers air conditioning, ceiling fans, central vacuums, dishwashers, clothes washer, clothes dryer, electrical system, food center, garage door opener, trash compactor, heating system, refrigerator ice maker, microwave, oven, stove, cooktop, refrigerator, and water heater
• Comprehensive Plan ($62.50 per month): Covers all the items in the Standard Plan, plus alarm wiring, doorbells, ductwork, gas leaks, hot water pump, pest control, plumbing stoppages, plumbing systems, smoke detector, sump pump, telephone wiring, dispenser hot water, water leak, and whirlpool tub
• Optional Add-Ons: Pool/spa equipment, roof coverage, additional refrigerator, jetted bathtubs, spa and spa heater, sewage ejector pump, refrigerator dual compressor, freestanding freezers, water softener, well pump, additional dishwasher, additional water heater, additional oven, range, or cooktop, additional microwave, plumbing sprinkler, service line, and additional freezer
• Service Fee: $95

Our Conclusion

Whether you recently purchased a home with a pool, have owned a pool for years, or have taken the leap to install a new pool on your property, purchasing a home warranty can help you cut back on the costs of maintenance, repairs, and replacements.

Our research suggests that Liberty Home Guard offers one of the most generous coverage limits for pools at $2,000 per claim. As far as affordability is concerned, Cinch Home Services offers one of the lowest cost add-on packages on this list, while 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty offers packages tailored for freshwater and saltwater pools. We recommend you request quotes from three different providers to understand coverage limits and exclusions.

How to Find the Best Home Warranty

When shopping for a home warranty, it’s important to take the time to do your due diligence, understand the industry language, read sample agreements, and request a quote from more than one provider before making a final decision. Below you’ll find some helpful tips to keep in mind when shopping for a home warranty.

• Find the industry leaders. Reading articles like ours will give you a robust understanding of the home warranty industry and how the top-rated providers compare to one another. It’ll also bring you up to speed on the types of plans available and what they cover.
• Define your priorities. Every homeowner will have different needs so it’s important to consider what coverage items are most important to you. If you live in a home with older appliances, that may be your primary focus over coverage for built-in systems.
• Set your budget. After reviewing what’s available in your area and requesting quotes from a variety of providers, you’ll have an idea of how far your money can go. From here, you can decide how much you are willing to pay for your policy. This will help you narrow down the best plan for you within that budget.
• Read sample contracts. Most providers make it easy to find their terms and conditions on the website, so it’s important to thoroughly read each contract and make sure you are informed about any possible exclusions and limitations of the policy.

What Is a Home Warranty?

A home warranty is a type of home protection plan that homeowners pay for monthly or annually. When a covered item, such as an appliance, built-in system, or in-ground pool malfunctions, policyholders can file a claim with their provider by paying a previously agreed-upon service call fee. The provider will then send a licensed and insured technician to assess, diagnose, repair, or replace the malfunctioning components or unit.

Compared to homeowners insurance, which covers your home’s structural components and personal property in events of peril, such as fire or theft, home warranties protect your home’s internal components in events of everyday wear and tear.

How Does a Home Warranty Work?

Though it’s not an official insurance policy, a home warranty functions similarly to insurance. To keep the policy active, you will have to be current on all monthly fees and service fees. When you file a claim, you will be responsible for a previously agreed-upon service charge, which is typically paid to the contractor or technician that diagnoses your malfunctioning item.

If the claim is approved and determined to be a covered item, the home warranty provider will pay to repair or replace the malfunctioning item up to the coverage limits outlined in the service agreement.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Home warranties cover your home’s internal components, such as built-in systems and appliances. Built-in systems typically include items such as your HVAC unit, ductwork, electrical, and plumbing. Commonly covered appliances include dishwashers, ranges, ovens, stoves, laundry machines, refrigerators, and built-in microwave ovens.

How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost?

According to our research of 39 providers, the typical service call fee in the home warranty industry is about $77 per month. The monthly fees across these providers came out to an average of roughly $39 on the lower end up to $63 on the higher end.

These prices reflect base plan options without add-on options factored in. You may be eligible for additional discounts if you cover more than one property, pay annually, or select a multi-year plan term.

Are Home Warranties Worth It?

Home warranties are worth it for any proactive homeowner that wants to save money on future repairs and replacements for their home’s essential items. One of the most helpful ways of framing the usefulness of a home warranty policy is considering the most expensive and most likely repair that may arise during the plan term, typically about a year.

If this repair seems out of your budget, a home protection plan can help you minimize the amount of financial burden you’re under in the long run when the repair or replacement becomes necessary.

Our Rating Methodology

The This Old House Reviews Team backs up our home warranty ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each provider. We conduct research by speaking with company representatives, requesting quotes, analyzing sample contracts from each company, and conducting focus groups and consumer surveys. We then score each provider against our review standards for coverage, value, trustworthiness and transparency, availability, and customer service to arrive at a final score out of 100.  

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.