Swimming pools offer valuable summertime entertainment and relaxation, especially for those lucky enough to have one in their backyard. However, as much fun as these pools are, it is imperative homeowners are aware of the liability risks they carry.

Homeowners should always inform their insurance agent when installing a pool. They can examine the current coverage to confirm whether the pool is covered under the current homeowners policy and recommend any increases in liability coverage that may be prudent.

In addition to having proper insurance coverage, homeowners with pools should consider the following safety tips from Acentria Insurance to reduce the risk of accidents:

• Teach pool rules to children and guests and post them in a highly visible location.
• Install a fence with self-locking and self-closing gates to completely isolate the pool from the house and the areas around it.
• Do not leave children or any guests alone. In an emergency, they might need your assistance.
• Remove all toys and flotation devices from the pool when not in use. Flotation devices can block the view of the water, and children reaching for toys and floats can fall into the pool.
• Consider an alarm on exterior doors and gates that lead to the pool and a surface water alarm on the pool.
• Always keep rescue equipment near the pool.
• Make certain that any pool accessories, such as diving boards, basketball hoops and slides are securely fastened and in good repair to prevent them from becoming loose or breaking.
• It is the owner’s responsibility to conduct regular inspections and maintenance on pool attachments to ensure they remain safe and functional.
• Regularly test and balance the pool water using appropriate chemicals.

In the slideshow above we’ll count down the ten U.S. cities with the highest concentration of homes with swimming pools according to analysis from Realtor.com.