The end of summer means big discounts on seasonal items. If the great deals have you dreaming of lounging poolside this time next year, you may want to talk to your homeowner's insurance agent first.

Many insurance companies see swimming pools as a big liability risk. Not all policies cover pools, and if yours does, you're likely to see a significant increase in your premiums if you get a pool. If you just can't resist, here are a few tips to keeping your homeowner's insurance premiums down:

• Surround the pool with a locking fence about 5 feet high. Check your county's requirements for pool fence heights first
• Get a pool cover, and make sure the pool is covered when it's not in use
• Put your pool in the backyard, not the front. Insurance companies prefer pools to be out of site from passersby, because there is less of a chance of uninvited guests jumping in and getting hurt
• Shop around. If your current broker can't offer you a reasonable rate for the addition of a pool, call 888.325.8877 or go to usiinsure.com for up to eight quotes from top-rated providers