By SPJ Adjusting Services | Experts in Insurance Appraisals
A Homeowner in Fort Worth was shocked when their In-Ground Pool popped up out of the ground. What made it worse? Their insurance turned down the claim.
Sadly, this happens a lot. At SPJ Adjusting Services, we see insurance companies refuse to pay out on In-Ground Pool uplift claims all the time. They often use confusing words in the policy or get opinions from engineers that don’t seem right. If this has happened to you, here’s what you should know.
What causes pools in Fort Worth to pop up?
In-Ground Pool can be pushed up by:
Ground pressure pushing upwards.
Rain or floods in plenty hit Texas during storms.
Poor drainage around the pool.
This may be a result of the pool draining out too quickly, thus causing pressure-related issues.
This can result in the breaking and movement of the pool, the area around it, plus the pipes. This is really bad news and can cost an awful lot to fix.
Why was the claim denied?
The following are some common reasons insurance companies give for not paying In-Ground Pool uplift claims:
They say it is from wear and tear or not taking proper care of the pool.
They blame it on earth moving, even though it didn’t really move.
They claim the pool wasn’t damaged by anything covered under the policy.
They manipulate the policy rules to avoid paying.
They utilize engineer reports that are unfair, not providing a full picture of the groundwater.
One case we were involved with, the insurance company determined that groundwater was excluded, while the policy stated that it covered damage caused by a leak or overflow of water.
Why You May Need Appraisal in Insurance
Don’t just take the denial. Texas law, like most policies, says you can ask for an appraisal if you don’t agree on how much the damage is worth. That includes whether the damage is covered or not.
A good insurance appraiser can:
Check the In-Ground Pool and its surroundings for any sudden damage.
Consult honest and forthright engineering experts.
Search for mistakes or omissions on the insurance company’s report.
Contend their reasons against making the payment and negotiate an appropriate amount.
Initiate a formal valuation with a view to the dispute being settled out of court.
What to Look For in Your Policy
If your In-Ground Pool has popped up, here are some terms to look for in your policy:
Sudden water leaks
Water on the surface getting in.
Collapse-what the policy considers it to be.
Structures not covered (make sure the pool IS covered!)
Rules on contributory causation-the rules about what happens when more than one thing causes the damage. These are often applied incorrectly to defeat claims.
Even if one cause of the damage isn’t covered, another one might be. That’s where knowing the policy well and getting an expert appraisal can change a no to a yes.
SPJ’s Guide for Fort Worth Pool Owners
Keep records of everything – photos, videos, water levels, problems of drainage, and expert opinions.
When the rain is heavy, don’t drain the pool-or things may get worse.
If the insurance company denies your claim, request a report from the engineer and the insurance company detailing the reasons for denial.
Give SPJ Adjusting Services a call to look over the damage, the denial letter and your options for an appraisal.
Instead, do not just appeal; seek a fair solution through appraisal.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Give Up
Pool uplift is one of those things that you may not experience often, but when it does, it is a disaster. Most of the time, it is covered by your insurance, whether the insurance company thinks so or not. Let SPJ Adjusting Services fight on your behalf for what your policy should pay. We specialize in insurance appraisals that make insurance companies do what they’re supposed to, especially when engineering reports and coverage decisions go sideways.
Serving the United States with insurance appraisal and umpire services, In-Ground Pool Uplift – A Growing Problem in Fort Worth
Fort Worth property owners are often astounded when their inground pools actually pop out of the ground. Worse yet, in most cases, insurance companies will not cover such a loss. At SPJ Adjusting Services, we often witness the carriers protecting their profits by denying In-Ground Pool uplift claims on trivial and confusing policy language or very questionable engineering reports. If this has happened to you, it’s important to understand why it occurs and what you can do to protect your claim.
What does an in ground pool pop up?
Several causes can be identified that may cause an in-ground pool uplift.
Friction due to water at the bottom of the pool, pushing upwards
Texas storms are often associated with heavy rainfall or flooding.
Poor drainage around the pool area
Sudden removal of water from the pool causes pressure imbalances.
These forces can lead to cracks, structural movement, and damage to plumbing or pool finishes. The resulting repairs can be costly, which is why insurance coverage is critical.
Why Insurance Claims Are Often Denied
Insurance companies frequently deny In-Ground Pool uplift claims for several reasons:
deny the damage either as wear and tear or due to poor maintenance.
Blaming earth movement, even when no significant shifting took place
Argue the damages were not caused by a covered peril
Rely on incomplete or biased engineering reports.
Policy language misinterpretation to reduce payout amount
In one case out of Fort Worth, an insurer denied a homeowner’s claim because it said the policy excluded groundwater damage-even though that policy explicitly covered water leaks and overflows.
Why You Need an Insurance Appraisal
Texas law permits an insurance appraisal by homeowners in case of some disagreement over coverage or claim value. A professional appraiser can:
Look for signs of sudden uplift around pool and deck area.
Consult with independent engineering experts to confirm causes of damage
Anything left out, or inaccuracies in the insurance company reports.
Reach a fair settlement
Initiate formal dispute resolution review without litigation.
A proper appraisal makes the difference between a denied claim and full compensation for In-Ground Pool uplift.
Key Policy Terms to Review
If your In-Ground Pool has popped up, carefully check your policy for:
Coverage for the sudden water leaks
Provisions for surface water intrusion
Definitions of collapse or structural damage
Exclusions for covered structures
Rules concerning multiple contributing causes
Even if one cause isn’t covered, another might be. Understanding your policy and consulting an expert can turn a denial into a successful claim.
SPJ’s Tips for Pool Owners
Keep detailed records: photos, videos, water levels, drainage issues, and expert reports
Avoid draining your pool during heavy rain. Request from your insurer a copy of the engineer’s report along with the denial letter Contact SPJ Adjusting Services to review your claim and explore insurance appraisal options Don’t just appeal; push for a fair solution through appraisal.
The Bottom Line:
Don’t Give Up In-Ground Pool uplift may be rare, but the consequences can be severe. Many insurance policies cover this type of damage, even if the insurer initially denies it. SPJ Adjusting Services specializes in insurance appraisals that help homeowners secure the settlement they deserve, even when engineering reports or coverage interpretations seem unfair. We serve homeowners across the United States, providing expert appraisal services and insurance support to ensure fair claim resolution for in-ground pool uplift services
