At Risk Benefit Solutions (RBS), we understand how daunting insurance claims can be, especially when dealing with unexpected damage to your home. Recently, one of our clients faced an unusual situation involving their swimming pool, and we want to share their story to help you understand the process and our commitment to supporting you.
Imagine enjoying your beautiful home with a swimming pool that’s the centre of summer fun. One day, after a series of heavy rainfalls, you notice something alarming: the pool’s walls are starting to bulge inward. This was the scenario faced by our client, who discovered the damage on a rainy July morning.
As soon as the claim was reported, our team at RBS sprang into action. We appointed professional loss adjusters from Sutton Adjusters to investigate the situation. An inspection was scheduled promptly, ensuring minimal delay in addressing the issue.
During the inspection, several critical observations were made:
1. Property Condition: The home, built with sturdy brick and clay tile roofing, included a pre-existing fibreglass swimming pool. This pool, measuring 6 meters by 3 meters with a depth ranging from 1 to 1.6 meters, had been refinished about three to four years prior.
2. Damage Cause: The heavy rain had significantly raised the groundwater table around the pool. To keep the pool water level average, our client had to remove water multiple times, unintentionally creating an imbalance. The increased pressure from the surrounding soil and groundwater caused the pool walls to push inward.
Our client’s insurance policy is designed to cover specific risks known as perils. While the heavy rain was a documented peril, the root cause of the damage was the rise in the underground water table combined with water removal from the pool. Notably, the policy does not exclude damage caused by rising groundwater, indicating that this claim could be covered.
To address the damage, the following steps were recommended:
1. Excavation and Repair: The process involves removing the paving around the pool, excavating the soil, straightening the pool walls, and stabilising the backfill before relaying the paving.
2. Leak Fix: The water loss was likely due to a separated or broken return line pipe, which also needed repair.
Cost and Timing
Initially, a contractor quoted R42,500 for the complete removal and reinstallation of the pool shell. However, the adjusters recommended a more targeted approach focusing on partial removal and proper stabilisation, which would be less costly and disruptive. Due to the high-water table during winter, the repair work would need to wait until the ground conditions improve, likely by the end of August or early September.
This story underscores the importance of thorough inspections and accurate documentation in handling insurance claims efficiently. At RBS, we are committed to ensuring our clients are well informed and supported throughout the claims process.
While dealing with property damage can be stressful, knowing that you have a dedicated team at RBS can make all the difference. We are here to guide you through every step, ensuring you receive the support and coverage you need. Please contact us if you have any questions about your insurance policy or the claims process. We’re here to help.
About RBS
Risk Benefit Solutions, better known as RBS, originated as an entrepreneurial-focused services business in 1998 and today is one of the largest fully-fledged black-owned insurance brokers in South Africa and a Level One B-BBEE contributor. Celebrating 25 years in business this year, our growth has contributed to offering clients a unique approach to risk management by positioning our skilled resources as an extension of our client’s risk management team. Our company covers various services, including Insurance Broking, Risk Management, Commercial and Corporate Risk Advisors, and Corporate Vehicle Hire Services. With its head office in Cape Town, RBS has offices in Gauteng, the Eastern Cape and globally, represented through its board membership with WING (Worldwide Insurance Network Group).